LDC Top 50 2025
Cathy Acratopulo
Co-Founder and CEO
LACE Partners
Psychology graduate Cathy Acratopulo co-founded LACE Partners with Aaron Alburey in 2014 to help FTSE 250 companies solve their people challenges. “We wanted to disrupt consulting in a nimble way that was different to the big firms,” she says.
Acratopulo’s laser focus on HR & Payroll transformation has helped LACE to stand out from the Goliaths: “We grew revenues 39 per cent last year against a consulting market that is struggling,” she says. Headcount will reach 125 people this year and LACE is on track to double the business by the end of 2027. “We want to seize our position as a disruptor,” she says.
I have big ambitions for LACE Partners. We want to double our business by the end of 2027.”
Q&A
Where will future growth come from?
I have big ambitions for LACE Partners. We want to double our business by the end of 2027. Part of how we will do that is by winning market share from the big consulting firms. In addition, we are progressing our acquisition strategy and exploring new geographies, always maintaining our focus on the people agenda.
What’s special about the organisation you have built?
There isn’t another specialist UK advisory firm with our focus on Chief People Officers and their transformation agenda. Our major differentiator is our expertise. Clients want to buy consulting from people who have been there and done that multiple times before.
Where does your ambition come from?
I grew up in Cornwall and was the first person in my family to go to university. My mum was inspirational as I grew up, working incredibly hard to give us a positive and fun life at home. That has made me very driven. Whatever I’m doing, I want to do my best.
