is about more than cutting costs Deploying International IT talent

Deploying international IT talent lies at the heart of OneShore, Conclusion’s near- and offshoring service with offices in Portugal and South Africa. But it’s about more than just extra hands or saving money. “We follow a clear philosophy and never rush into things,” says Dennis Bruijns, Director of Conclusion OneShore.

In a globalised economy, it makes perfect sense to work with international IT professionals. Especially when it helps reduce costs. “Many players in the market approach near- and offshoring from that angle. They often deploy junior staff from various countries without considering the client’s level or culture. That usually only works in the short term.”

“We deliberately take a different approach,” Dennis explains. “Because offshoring is all about people. When recruiting for our offices in Portugal and South Africa, we always conduct a two-step interview process. First, there’s a screening by the local team. Then, a conversation with Dutch or German colleagues. That way, we ensure the candidate fits both the team and the client’s culture,” Dennis says. “It lets us offer professionals who genuinely add value.”

OneShore selects professionals who thrive in environments where daily interaction across cultures and countries is the norm. “We look at technical skills, of course, but personality is just as important,” Dennis says. “We seek people who are curious about different ways of working and who see diversity as a strength.”

Through careful profiling, OneShore lays the foundation for continuity early on. “Juniors and recent graduates bring energy and enthusiasm, but they often lead to turnover and instability. That’s why we opt for experienced professionals. Seniors offer stability and require less onboarding.”

To strengthen cohesion in the team, OneShore regularly organises in-person meetups. “We bring colleagues from different countries together so they can really get to know each other. It’s how we bring our motto ‘one team, one shore’ to life. It motivates people to collaborate constructively and for the long term.”

And long-term collaboration is exactly what organisations are looking for, Dennis adds. “Our clients prefer familiar faces. They want to rely on the same consultant from South Africa or Portugal. And that’s exactly what we offer.”

OneShore doesn’t work with a one-size-fits-all approach. “Sometimes a client requests specific job profiles. So, then we recruit accordingly. Or they want lead consultants abroad who speak Dutch. We can make that happen too.”

Cost-savings and securing capacity are often reasons to look beyond borders. “We deliver significant savings for our clients. But that’s not our primary goal. What matters most is the service quality. No extra incidents, no sudden departures. That’s what it’s really about.”

OneShore offers ‘the ultimate mix’ of onshore, nearshore and offshore. What does that mean? “Dutch or German consultants close to the client, while our teams in Portugal and South Africa provide additional capacity and specialist expertise,” Dennis explains. “We never fully relocate the point of contact abroad. Staying close to the client is essential.” Each team is tailored to the client’s needs. “That’s our promise: the right people in the right place.”

Offshoring is often associated with challenges because of cultural differences. “But it also creates opportunities,” Dennis says. “We notice differences in working styles. A Portuguese colleague tends to be more risk-averse than a Dutch one. That may seem slow, but it results in fewer mistakes. Overall, it’s often more effective.”

Another example: “South Africans and Portuguese colleagues are generally more hierarchical and don’t always say what they think straight away. If you’re unaware of that, you might miss important signals. But if you address it openly, it becomes a strength. You learn to listen better and coordinate tasks more explicitly. Diversity makes teams stronger.”

Working across cultures also requires understanding each other’s customs. “Portuguese colleagues often spend more time on ‘social talk’ before getting down to business. Dutch colleagues are more direct. If you’re aware of that, collaboration becomes smoother and more enjoyable.”

OneShore offers Dutch language training to international colleagues. “Some consultants learn the basics so they can follow meetings. It’s not just practical, it also makes them feel valued. And that’s important to us, because we truly appreciate their role in the team.”

“Our philosophy is rooted in people,” Dennis concludes. “Effective offshoring is about striking the right balance between talent, culture and personality. We invest in building relationships, face-to-face contact and mutual understanding. That’s what sets us apart from the rest of the market.”