The benefits of UK consulting go far beyond the economic
Image courtesy of MCA
A vast subterranean network of disused coal mines spans the length and breadth of our country. It has long been envisaged that the naturally warmed water could provide a potential source of clean, renewable energy to heat our homes and business. Could our industrial past hold the key to our low-carbon future?
Deloitte, working with the government's Mine Remediation Authority, took us a step closer towards realising that vision when it undertook a national effort to test and map mine water heat sources across the UK. Their findings were striking: the potential exists to heat at least 600,000 buildings. More than just a report, Deloitte delivered a roadmap to bring this potential to life, a project now recognised alongside 50 finalists in the upcoming Management Consultancies Association (MCA) Awards 2025, judged by an independent panel of experts and journalists.
A project such as Deloitte's could reduce one of this country's biggest sources of emissions, and, in doing so, tackle climate change and reduce energy bills. It is a prime example of how UK consulting's impact goes far beyond our economy, and the extent to which the benefits of the sector's work are felt by wider society.
Time and again, consulting firms are the trusted partners that help turn bold goals into practical outcomes. Governments can set policy and companies announce strategies, but it is consultants who help deliver results. From technology to healthcare, energy security to climate action, the sector brings deep specialist expertise and experience to some of the most complex challenges facing our country.
Take healthcare. The Health and Care Act 2022 tasked NHS Integrated Care Boards with ensuring that palliative and end-of-life care met population needs. But how could they measure whether they were succeeding? KPMG worked pro bono with the charity Marie Curie to create a robust framework to assess progress, bringing clarity to one of the most sensitive areas of care.
Or consider energy. When National Grid sold a majority stake in its gas transmission and metering business, National Gas was born. The task? Separate two intricately connected IT systems without disrupting energy supplies, during a period of heightened concerns over energy security. EY stepped in to design and deliver a fully independent, resilient and scalable IT ecosystem. The project not only met deadlines and budget; it is now seen as a model for other complex
IT transformations.
Then there is artificial intelligence, for which UK consulting has become the go-to sector for its knowhow and transformational capabilities. In 2023, the UK government set up the AI Safety Institute, the first state-backed agency of its kind. Its success depended on securing top-tier talent. Capgemini Invent applied its experience in human resources and technology, ensuring the organisation is staffed with the brightest minds working in AI today in an exceptionally competitive skills market.
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Infrastructure is another key area. Network Rail stood on the cusp of huge modernisation of its track maintenance, moving from manual gauges and using pens and paper and visual inspections to a system employing a state of the art robotic laser device. But the robot, named FELIX, would need to be fully adopted and staff would need to be trained. Moorhouse came in to lead this process, improving safety and efficiency across our railways.
When we talk about the impact of UK consulting, much of the focus is on its economic benefits. That is right of course. Not only do we turbocharge Britain's economy – working with the majority of the FTSE 100, bringing innovation and generating jobs – but we're also expanding in our own right. In the past five years, the UK's world-beating consulting industry has doubled in size and exports have trebled. It is no surprise that government has identified us as a growth-driving sector, central to its industrial strategy.
However, we believe it is important that UK consulting is appreciated not only for its economic value, but its social value. When a consulting firm overhauls processes in the NHS, enabling significant funds to be reinvested back into patient care, or generates productivity for a manufacturer, or improves efficiency in the transport network, millions of people benefit. Every life in our country is touched by the work of consultants, without most people even knowing it.
Of course, it is vitally important that this is achieved efficiently, ethically and with accountability. That's why our Chartered Management Consultant (ChMC) accreditation is gaining traction with consultants across the sector, from specialist SMEs to the 'Big Four'. It is setting new standards of quality and integrity at a time when public trust and value for money are paramount. Indeed, that is why it is important that every single MCA member firm signs up to 'Consulting Excellence' principles, which ensures they meet and surpass the highest standards. As we celebrate this year's MCA Awards finalists, we're recognising consultants not only as economic enablers, but trusted agents of social change. And we're looking to a future where, through innovation, ethics and excellence, UK consulting helps to shape a better, fairer and more resilient country for us all.
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New Statesman
6 hours ago
- New Statesman
The benefits of UK consulting go far beyond the economic
Image courtesy of MCA A vast subterranean network of disused coal mines spans the length and breadth of our country. It has long been envisaged that the naturally warmed water could provide a potential source of clean, renewable energy to heat our homes and business. Could our industrial past hold the key to our low-carbon future? Deloitte, working with the government's Mine Remediation Authority, took us a step closer towards realising that vision when it undertook a national effort to test and map mine water heat sources across the UK. Their findings were striking: the potential exists to heat at least 600,000 buildings. More than just a report, Deloitte delivered a roadmap to bring this potential to life, a project now recognised alongside 50 finalists in the upcoming Management Consultancies Association (MCA) Awards 2025, judged by an independent panel of experts and journalists. A project such as Deloitte's could reduce one of this country's biggest sources of emissions, and, in doing so, tackle climate change and reduce energy bills. It is a prime example of how UK consulting's impact goes far beyond our economy, and the extent to which the benefits of the sector's work are felt by wider society. Time and again, consulting firms are the trusted partners that help turn bold goals into practical outcomes. Governments can set policy and companies announce strategies, but it is consultants who help deliver results. From technology to healthcare, energy security to climate action, the sector brings deep specialist expertise and experience to some of the most complex challenges facing our country. Take healthcare. The Health and Care Act 2022 tasked NHS Integrated Care Boards with ensuring that palliative and end-of-life care met population needs. But how could they measure whether they were succeeding? KPMG worked pro bono with the charity Marie Curie to create a robust framework to assess progress, bringing clarity to one of the most sensitive areas of care. Or consider energy. When National Grid sold a majority stake in its gas transmission and metering business, National Gas was born. The task? Separate two intricately connected IT systems without disrupting energy supplies, during a period of heightened concerns over energy security. EY stepped in to design and deliver a fully independent, resilient and scalable IT ecosystem. The project not only met deadlines and budget; it is now seen as a model for other complex IT transformations. Then there is artificial intelligence, for which UK consulting has become the go-to sector for its knowhow and transformational capabilities. In 2023, the UK government set up the AI Safety Institute, the first state-backed agency of its kind. Its success depended on securing top-tier talent. Capgemini Invent applied its experience in human resources and technology, ensuring the organisation is staffed with the brightest minds working in AI today in an exceptionally competitive skills market. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Infrastructure is another key area. Network Rail stood on the cusp of huge modernisation of its track maintenance, moving from manual gauges and using pens and paper and visual inspections to a system employing a state of the art robotic laser device. But the robot, named FELIX, would need to be fully adopted and staff would need to be trained. Moorhouse came in to lead this process, improving safety and efficiency across our railways. When we talk about the impact of UK consulting, much of the focus is on its economic benefits. That is right of course. Not only do we turbocharge Britain's economy – working with the majority of the FTSE 100, bringing innovation and generating jobs – but we're also expanding in our own right. In the past five years, the UK's world-beating consulting industry has doubled in size and exports have trebled. It is no surprise that government has identified us as a growth-driving sector, central to its industrial strategy. However, we believe it is important that UK consulting is appreciated not only for its economic value, but its social value. When a consulting firm overhauls processes in the NHS, enabling significant funds to be reinvested back into patient care, or generates productivity for a manufacturer, or improves efficiency in the transport network, millions of people benefit. Every life in our country is touched by the work of consultants, without most people even knowing it. Of course, it is vitally important that this is achieved efficiently, ethically and with accountability. That's why our Chartered Management Consultant (ChMC) accreditation is gaining traction with consultants across the sector, from specialist SMEs to the 'Big Four'. It is setting new standards of quality and integrity at a time when public trust and value for money are paramount. Indeed, that is why it is important that every single MCA member firm signs up to 'Consulting Excellence' principles, which ensures they meet and surpass the highest standards. As we celebrate this year's MCA Awards finalists, we're recognising consultants not only as economic enablers, but trusted agents of social change. And we're looking to a future where, through innovation, ethics and excellence, UK consulting helps to shape a better, fairer and more resilient country for us all. Related
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow firm named among UK's best managed companies
Murgitroyd was one of just 10 winners in Deloitte's inaugural awards, presented at the McLaren Technology Centre. The recognition was awarded to firms across various industries, including construction, hospitality, education, and technology. Read more: 'I'm really proud': First-year apprentice wins top award Murgitroyd, an international intellectual property firm, guides clients in the life sciences, engineering, and technology sectors. With 22 global offices, the firm is designed to help innovators protect and commercialise their ideas through strategic patent, trademark, and design services. The UK's Best Managed Companies programme, an initiative of Deloitte Private, highlights private businesses in the UK for their superior performance. This year marks the first time the awards have been held in the UK. Deloitte says they are already established in more than 45 geographies globally. The programme applauds private companies for their organisational success and industry contributions. Claire Evans, the UK's Best Managed Companies leader at Deloitte, said: "Private businesses play a vital role in our economy. "They lead the way on purpose, innovation, creating employment, and importantly, in driving nationwide growth and prosperity. "This is what has underpinned our motivation in launching this global awards programme in the UK, bringing private businesses together to recognise their excellence and success." Paul Hazelton, Deloitte Glasgow Partner, said: "We are proud to see two Scottish companies take their place among the UK's Best Managed Companies at our inaugural awards. "Murgitroyd and Insights are brilliant examples of the innovation and ambition that define Scotland's business landscape. "They impressed a panel of independent judges with their clarity of purpose, strong leadership, and impact in their respective sectors. "Their success is a testament to the breadth of talent and potential we have across Scotland's private business community." Read more: STV's new station appoints programme director to deliver 'must-listen radio' The Best Managed Companies awards programme evaluates businesses on their management quality in areas such as strategy, capabilities and innovation, culture and commitment, and governance and finance. Entrants undergo a thorough and independent assessment of their management skills and practices. This involves having their business strategy and operations scrutinised and benchmarked against an evaluation framework used for a winning community of more than 1,300 best-managed private companies worldwide. The programme's rigorous selection process is designed to ensure that only the most effectively managed companies receive this prestigious recognition.
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Scotsman
Two Scottish firms named among UK's Best Managed Companies 2025
Two Scottish businesses have been recognised in Deloitte's inaugural UK's Best Managed Companies awards, presented by Deloitte at the McLaren Technology Centre. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Business services firm Murgitroyd, headquartered in Glasgow, and technology company Insights, based in Dundee, were named among just 10 winners from across the UK. This year's cohort represents a range of industries including construction, hospitality, education and technology. Murgitroyd is a global intellectual property firm that advises clients across life sciences, engineering and technology. With 22 offices worldwide, the firm supports innovators in protecting and commercialising their ideas through strategic patent, trademark and design services. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Insights delivers people development solutions to organisations around the world. Its work, rooted in psychometric tools and learning experiences, helps businesses enhance communication, collaboration and leadership. Dundee firm Insights have been named amongst the UK's Best Managed Companies for 2025 An initiative of Deloitte Private, the UK's Best Managed Companies programme shines a spotlight on private businesses from across the UK and the performance that drives them. This is the inaugural year of the UK's Best Managed Companies awards, with the programme already established in over 45 geographies across the world. It recognises top private companies for their organisational success and contributions to their industry and the economy. Claire Evans, the UK's Best Managed Companies Leader at Deloitte, said: 'Private businesses play a vital role in our economy. They lead the way on purpose, innovation, creating employment and importantly, in driving nationwide growth and prosperity. This is what has underpinned our motivation in launching this global awards programme in the UK, bringing private businesses together to recognise their excellence and success.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Paul Hazelton, Deloitte Glasgow Partner, added: 'We are proud to see two Scottish companies take their place among the UK's Best Managed Companies at our inaugural awards. Glasgow firm Murgitroyd have been named amongst the UK's Best Managed Companies for 2025 'Murgitroyd and Insights are brilliant examples of the innovation and ambition that define Scotland's business landscape. They impressed a panel of independent judges with their clarity of purpose, strong leadership and impact in their respective sectors. Their success is a testament to the breadth of talent and potential we have across Scotland's private business community.' The Best Managed Companies awards programme is an international awards programme that applies an evaluation process, to assess the quality of business management in a variety of areas. They include strategy, capabilities and innovation, culture and commitment, as well as governance and finance.
