Our Story
Unmatched local capacity
How it Began
Bailey Abbott began in South Australia at a time when the world was standing still. While most businesses were holding tight, our founder, Tom Carlton, saw a moment to do consulting differently. He wanted to build a company where experienced people could do meaningful work, treat clients like partners, and enjoy the process along the way.
The early days were simple. Three people, a few IKEA desks, and a clear belief that the best results come from genuine relationships and hands-on experience. That belief shaped everything. Instead of chasing scale for its own sake, we focused on surrounding ourselves with senior people who could think strategically, move fast, and get things done.
What drives us
That focus has carried us from a small South Australian startup to a team approaching one hundred across South Australia and Western Australia. We work with organisations that want straight talk, deep capability, and tangible results.
Our consultants bring an average of nearly twenty years’ experience, one of the highest in South Australia. Embedding within client teams to help them deliver transformation, data, and technology projects that make a real difference.
As we grew, we wanted to keep the spirit of those early days alive. Bailey Abbott became a staff-owned consultancy because we believe shared ownership builds pride and accountability. Our Employee Charter, written by our own team, sets out how we make decisions and work together. It keeps our values clear and our culture strong – collaborative, fair, and transparent.
Inside Bailey Abbott
Culture here isn’t an afterthought, it’s part of the work. Creativity is embedded from day one. New team members take part in an art session where they create a canvas that shares something about themselves. When they finish probation, that artwork becomes their mouse pad, a small reminder that everyone leaves their mark.
We keep each location intentionally to a certain team size, so people stay connected and ideas move easily. It’s a place where experience and curiosity meet and the days are filled with laughter, the kind where you end the day with a smile on your face
Today, our work spans transformation, data, and cyber. We help organisations evolve, make smarter decisions, and strengthen trust in a digital world. We stay technology-agnostic so we can always choose what’s right for our clients, not what’s convenient for us.
It’s consulting that’s practical, people-focused, and built on experience.
Where we're heading
Our growth remains deliberate. We’re expanding carefully across South Australia and Western Australia, partnering with like-minded teams who share our values and energy. The next chapter will see us deepen our expertise in data, AI, and cybersecurity – the areas where we can create the most impact.
In South Australia, we’ve now built unmatched local capacity in IT and data consulting.
Our focus remains on strengthening that position, continuing to invest in South Australian talent, supporting our community and showing that world-class expertise can thrive right here at home. As we grow, we’ll stay true to our roots, building something enduring and distinctly local.
At our core, we’re still driven by the same idea that started it all: deliver great work, keep it human, and enjoy the journey.