Choosing an AI consultancy is hard when every firm claims to be an AI expert. Here’s how to judge real capability over hype in 2026. (dgm implements osFoundry as an independent partner — and we’ll be transparent about ourselves below.)

Judge approach, not buzzwords

The best signal isn’t how fluently a firm talks about AI — it’s how they’d approach your problem. A good consultancy:

  • starts by scoping a specific, measurable use case (not “let’s do AI”);
  • offers a small pilot to prove value before a big commitment;
  • is platform-neutral and avoids locking you in;
  • offers data-control options (self-hosting, UK/EU residency); and
  • has clear pricing and can speak credibly about UK compliance.

The questions that matter

Ask:

  • How would you scope our first use case?
  • Do you offer a pilot, and what would it cost?
  • What platform do you use — and does it lock us in?
  • Where would our data be stored? (UK/EU residency, self-hosting?)
  • How do you handle UK GDPR, the DUAA, and human oversight?
  • What’s included in the price, and what if we leave?

(See our dedicated questions to ask an AI consultant guide.)

Red flags

  • Vague promises with no concrete first use case.
  • Fabricated or unverifiable case studies and client logos.
  • No pilot on offer — straight to a big project.
  • Per-seat pricing that scales painfully as you grow.
  • Dodging data-residency or compliance questions.
  • Pushing a single proprietary tool that locks you in.

A firm that’s honest about limitations is showing you a good sign, not a weakness.

Big firm or specialist?

Large consultancies bring scale and breadth at higher cost; specialists and independents often bring more hands-on, cost-effective implementation. What matters more than size: do they scope real outcomes, avoid lock-in, and stay transparent about data and pricing?

About dgm — transparently

We’ll practise what we preach. dgm is an independent integration partner that implements osFoundry, a separate company’s platform (like a Salesforce or AWS partner). We’ve integrated zero companies so far — and we’d rather tell you that than fabricate a track record, because a made-up case study is exactly the red flag above. We compete on approach, transparency, and the platform’s merits: osFoundry is platform-neutral (bring-your-own-key, multi-model), avoids per-seat lock-in, and self-hosts in your own cloud or an EU region for data control (it publishes US/EU/JP regions, not a UK one).

To see how we’d scope your first use case, book a consultation with dgm. General information to help you choose well — including choosing someone else if they fit better.