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New Statesman
3 hours ago
- Business
- 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
BusinessToday
4 hours ago
- Business
- BusinessToday
Govt Must Adopt Four Critical Measures To Safeguard The Public As Electricity Tariff Concerns Mount
As news heats up over impending electricity tariff hikes in the second half of the year, it's no surprise that many Malaysians feel uneasy. Recognising that rising costs confront energy companies, thanks to global price fluctuations, the worsening climate crisis and the need to invest more in renewable energy. But even so, any changes that directly affect people's daily lives must be handled with transparency, fairness and careful planning. While the short-term impact might not hit low-income families too hard straightaway, rising bills will eventually take a toll. For many households already struggling to make ends meet, higher electricity costs could be the tipping point, forcing them to cut back even more. That's not the kind of pressure families should be facing. Moreover, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will bear the brunt of this increase. These 'economic giants in miniature' are the backbone of our national economy; hence, if their operating costs rise due to higher electricity charges, they will be forced to pass the burden onto consumers, triggering inflation and eroding the purchasing power of ordinary Malaysians. This, in turn, threatens the very foundation of our economy. It is irrefutable that energy reform is necessary and inevitable. But it shouldn't come at the expense of ordinary Malaysians. Hence, the government needs to take four key steps to help people and businesses manage these changes: Explain the rationale and intended use of the tariff increase: The public must be assured that the hike is not arbitrary but is directed towards upgrading infrastructure and accelerating the green transition. People need to see the value of this change. Expand electricity subsidies: While the bottom 40% income group must continue to be protected, support should also be extended to the middle 40% income group, who are increasingly feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living. Strengthen energy-saving and carbon reduction education: By cultivating a nationwide culture of energy efficiency, we can help Malaysians adjust their consumption habits and soften the blow of rising tariffs. Support SME transformation: Temporary subsidies or tax relief should be provided to help businesses through the transitional phase, preventing disruptions that could stall our economic engine. Switching to cleaner energy is a long journey, and we all have a role to play. But citizens shouldn't be left to bear the burden alone. Energy transition is a long-term battle that should not be fought on the backs of the people alone. The government needs to demonstrate greater empathy and forward-thinking leadership. As we pursue long-term national goals, we must not lose sight of the immediate need to protect the welfare and stability of our people. The above commentary is by MCA Deputy President Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon Related
Focus Malaysia
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
MCA should treat gutsy Wong Siew Mun as Malaysia's icon of free speech, its ‘poster girl'
PUBLIC perception of MCA as an advocate in championing free speech has skyrocketed of late in tandem with its Pahang Youth chief Wong Siew Mun being summoned to Bukit Aman for disputing a request from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to telcos to collect mobile phone data. For that reason, she was being investigated under Section 505 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998 respectively for allegedly causing public alarm with the circulation of a statement and misusing network facilities. As MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong has pledged to stand firmly with her – and even to provide her with legal assistance – Wong has suddenly found herself endeared to Madani government doubters as a fighter of people's right to freedom of expression. In fact, her courageous action in light of rife speculation of MCA exiting the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition has given the grand old party of Malaysian Chinese a glimmer of hope to rejuvenate its 'tarnished-beyond-repair' reputation. Articulate with good command of Bahasa Malaysia, the 35-year-old who lost to DAP's Lee Chin Chen in the Bilut state seat contest during the 15th General Election (GE15) has charmed many pro-opposition voices who have begun to look up to MCA to replace the once firebrand DAP who is now a pale shadow of its former self. Interestingly, Wong whose trip to Bukit Aman on June 18 was featured in a video clip on the Facebook of opposition-slant blogger and political activist Ratu Naga received all-rounded applause for daring to 'tear apart the Madani government'. Berated at DAP, some commenters who are charmed with Wong's educated and professional poise even expect MCA to turn the table on DAP which they still perceive as 'seemingly communist and racist'. Only time will tell if MCA can turn over a new leaf by being the eye, ear, nose and mouth for check and balance – and mostly to fill the void created by the so-called 'fang-less' DAP ever since the latter become part of the Madani establishment. The bottom line is whether such role is more easily executed outside the realm of BN which is now a close ally of the Madani administration. – June 20, 2025
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
19yo runner suffers cardiac arrest on track, dies
Nainital: A 19-year-old seasoned long-distance runner died of a cardiac arrest while preparing for a marathon along Bhowali Road in Nainital district around 5:30 am on Wednesday. Bhupendra Devli's friend Vivek, 20, said as they increased their pace near Kailakhan area, Bhupendra collapsed face-first. Vivek took an unconscious Bhupendra on a roadways bus to Tallital and then arranged for a car to take him to B D Pandey Hospital in Mallital. However, Bhupendra was declared dead on arrival. Tallital SHO Ramesh Bora said, "We have handed over the body to Bhupendra's family after post-mortem. Initial reports suggest Bhupendra suffered a massive cardiac arrest, which proved fatal due to delayed medical intervention." Bhupendra, who was pursuing an MCA degree at Pal College in Haldwani, often participated in local marathons and was known among peers for his dedication to long-distance running. He is survived by his parents and two siblings. His father Nandan Singh Devli works with the state forest department. Recently, incidents of young people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest have surfaced in Uttarakhand. In Almora's Dhaulchhina, 23-year-old Kamla experienced severe chest pain and collapsed after returning from gathering fodder and died on the way to hospital on Tuesday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch xu hướng AUD/USD? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
5% housing discount for all a fair move, say groups
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government's decision to give a 5% housing discount on overhang properties to all house buyers is well received by political parties and associations. Penang MCA secretary Yeoh Chin Kah, in welcoming the move, said any policy introduced must be grounded in the principle of supporting vulnerable groups, rather than being based on racial or religious distinctions. 'It is vital that the state government exercises prudence and ensures fairness across the board,' he said. He said the state must address the issue of oversupply in the mid-range housing segment with urgency. 'A downward price adjustment may be necessary to better align with the actual needs of the people,' said Yeoh in a statement. 'The 5% housing discount should be strictly reserved for vulnerable and genuinely qualified individuals, as they truly need the assistance,' he added. Yeoh said it must not be misused or allocated indiscriminately to parties who may exploit the opportunity for speculation, thereby inflating property prices further. 'We welcome the state government's willingness to recognise its shortcomings and take corrective action,' he said. Yesterday, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state executive council decided to extend the discount to all buyers for a year under the Madani Home Ownership Campaign. He said the discount is limited to developers who registered with the state in the campaign and those registered with the state Housing Board. The Penang government courted controversy earlier when it announced on June 5 that the 5% discount would only be given to Indian Muslims. Penang MIC chief Datuk J. Dhinagaran said the state has made the right move to offer the discount to all rather than one particular community. 'Everyone should benefit from the programme as there are many who haven't bought their first property, and this will be an opportunity for them to purchase one. 'Any policy created should be beneficial to all, which is the most logical thing to do for a fair and equitable society,' added Dhinagaran. Penang Hindu Association president P. Murugiah said every group or community should benefit from housing programmes, and the state government's decision to give a 5% discount to all was most welcome. 'People from B40 and M40 groups should benefit from this programme as many individuals face a lot of hurdles when purchasing their first property. 'This discount will help them save money, which could be used for other purposes such as fees for sales and purchase agreements,' he said.
