NDA Template for Consultancy Businesses (UK 2025)
Last updated: February 2025
Why Consultancy Businesses Need a NDA
Consultancy firms share proprietary methodologies, analytical frameworks, pricing models, and detailed client case studies that represent years of accumulated intellectual capital and competitive advantage. NDAs protect these assets during recruitment, partnership discussions, and joint client engagements. The knowledge-based nature of consultancy means the core product is almost entirely informational, making confidentiality protection existentially important to the business model.
Key Clauses for Consultancy
- Proprietary methodologies, frameworks, and analytical models
- Pricing models, rate cards, and margin structures
- Client case studies, engagement details, and outcomes
- Training materials, knowledge bases, and internal research
Common Mistakes
- Not classifying proprietary frameworks and methodologies as trade secrets deserving indefinite protection
- Failing to cover the common scenario of consultants sharing firm pricing information with competitors during job searches
Template Sections
- Methodology and intellectual property protection definitions
- Pricing and commercial confidentiality clause
- Client engagement details and outcomes confidentiality
FAQ
Can consultancy methodologies be protected as trade secrets under UK law?
Yes, if you take reasonable and consistent steps to keep them confidential. Your NDA should explicitly classify proprietary frameworks, models, and methodologies as trade secrets, and the firm must consistently treat them as confidential through measures such as marked documents, restricted access, and regular staff training on confidentiality obligations.
How do I protect client names and engagement details shared under NDA?
Specify precisely what is covered: whether the recipient can disclose that a client relationship exists versus the details of specific engagements such as scope, fees, and outcomes. Consider a separate clause covering whether the recipient can name you as a reference or case study in their own marketing materials.
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Get Started FreeThis is guidance for UK businesses, not legal advice. Templates are illustrative. Consult a solicitor for complex matters.
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