Your customers and employees are changing.
We help you adapt.

Respected, inspiring and adaptive
In our volatile world, it’s hard to predict what’ll happen next month, let alone next year.
But Next Big Thing can reduce that uncertainty.
We monitor economic and social trends, technological innovation and consumer psychology to identify the anomalies that indicate change long before such changes happen.
Next Big Thing delivers on three fronts:
- We help companies identify what strategies, models and products will appeal in future.
- We paint a realistic image of tomorrow so clients can make smarter strategic decisions.
- We help companies nurture an innovative, adaptive culture across the organisation.
“They translate trends into real commercial opportunities.” Alex Owens, Insight Head, Sainsbury’s UK
“Their insights proved really useful to us.” Wayne Garvie, Head of Entertainment, BBC
“You should talk to them if you have any future thinking requirements.” Louisa Livingston, Insights Director, Hachette Publishing
Next Big Thing founder William Higham is a popular conference speaker on Future Business Strategy and Leadership. Do check out his latest showreel (right).
William helps his audiences anticipate and navigate an increasingly uncertain landscape. His engaging talks offer guidance on the future of customers, employees, ethics and technology, across sectors from Finance to Food.
He’s delighted audiences at events for FT to Barclaycard, Disney to Colgate, from San Antonio to Seoul. His talks have inspired thousands to face the future without fear, armed with practical ways to handle any challenge.
“Will’s provocative insights inspired the audience to think up great new ways to serve tomorrow’s consumer.” Matt Houston, Director of Strategy, Primark


Our report analyses how a renewed appreciation of Community will radically shift purchase behaviour and business landscapes in Europe, the US and Asia.
It reveals the potential impact on households, living spaces and target markets. And how a boost in consumer power will drive further citizen gate-keeping, reducing brand influence.
The report includes a wealth of hard data, commentary and practical new business opportunities: Framily Values to Graddy Flats; Live Work Play spaces to Seasteading; and No Collar Workers to Branded Communities.
Customers today are less loyal than they’ve ever been. But the long term trends around belonging and community actually imply a bright future for loyalty – for companies that take the right strategic approach.
It’s all about catering to the growing demand consumers have to be part of a supportive community. Be that a neighbourhood association, a shared interest group – or a favourite brand.
Will’s new talk reveals practical ways to anticipate and commercialise that future. Creating a more loyal customer base by turning your brand into a ‘brand family’ your customers will want to be a loyal part of.