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New Statesman
12 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
Scoop
17 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Former New Zealand PM Helen Clark Blames Cook Islands For Creating A Crisis
Article – RNZ Helen Clark says the Cook Islands government entered into a strategic partnership with a major power nation – China – without consulting New Zealand. Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Presenter/Producer Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark believes the Cook Islands, a realm of New Zealand, caused a crisis for itself by not consulting Wellington before signing a deal with China. The New Zealand government has paused more than $18 million in development assistance to the Cook Islands after the latter failed to provide satisfactory answers to Aotearoa's questions about its partnership agreement with Beijing. The Cook Islands is in free association with New Zealand and governs its own affairs. But New Zealand provides assistance with foreign affairs (upon request), disaster relief, and defence. The 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration signed between the two nations requires them to consult each other on defence and security, which Winston Peters said had not been honoured. Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown both have a difference of opinion on the level of consultation required between the two nations on such matters. 'There is no way that the 2001 declaration envisaged that Cook Islands would enter into a strategic partnership with a great power behind New Zealand's back,' Clark told RNZ Pacific on Thursday. Clark was a signatory of the 2001 agreement with the Cook Islands as New Zealand prime minister at the time. 'It is the Cook Islands government's actions which have created this crisis,' she said. 'The urgent need now is for face-to-face dialogue at a high level to mend the NZ-CI relationship.' Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has downplayed the pause in funding to the Cook Islands during his second day of his trip to China. Brown told parliament on Thursday (Wednesday, Cook Islands time) that his government knew the funding cut was coming. He also suggested a double standard, pointing out that New Zealand has entered also deals with China that the Cook Islands was not 'privy to or being consulted on'. A Pacific law expert says that, while New Zealand has every right to withhold its aid to the Cook Islands, the way it is going about it will not endear it to Pacific nations. Auckland University of Technology (AUT) senior law lecturer and a former Pacific Islands Forum advisor Sione Tekiteki told RNZ Pacific that for Aotearoa to keep highlighting that it is 'a Pacific country and yet posture like the United States gives mixed messages'. 'Obviously, Pacific nations in true Pacific fashion will not say much, but they are indeed thinking it,' Tekiteki said. Since day dot there has been a misunderstanding on what the 2001 agreement legally required New Zealand and Cook Islands to consult on, and the word consultation has become somewhat of a sticking point. The latest statement from the Cook Islands government confirms it is still a discrepancy both sides want to hash out. 'There has been a breakdown and difference in the interpretation of the consultation requirements committed to by the two governments in the 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration,' the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) said. 'An issue that the Cook Islands is determined to address as a matter of urgency'. Tekiteki said that, unlike a treaty, the 2001 declaration was not 'legally binding' per se but serves more to express the intentions, principles and commitments of the parties to work together in 'recognition of the close traditional, cultural and social ties that have existed between the two countries for many hundreds of years'. He said the declaration made it explicitly clear that Cook Islands had full conduct of its foreign affairs, capacity to enter treaties and international agreements in its own right and full competence of its defence and security. However, he added that there was a commitment of the parties to 'consult regularly'. This, for Clark, the New Zealand leader who signed the all-important agreement more than two decades ago, this is where Brown misstepped. Clark previously labelled the Cook Islands-China deal 'clandestine' which has 'damaged' its relationship with New Zealand. RNZ Pacific contacted the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment but was advised by the MFAI secretary that they are not currently accommodating interviews.
Korea Herald
26-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
AM Green and Port of Rotterdam Authority to Establish Green Energy Supply Chain Enabling up to 1,000,000 tons per year / USD 1 Billion Trade Between India and Europe
Sign collaboration agreement for development of green fuels bunkering market, terminal infrastructure, and Port Development for Net Zero Industrial Clusters. HYDERABAD, India and ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AM Green and the Port of Rotterdam Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding to focus on building a green energy supply chain between India and Northwestern Europe via Rotterdam, Europe's first energy port and a key hydrogen carriers entry point. This includes the supply of bunkering fuels and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) and analysing requirements for the development of terminal infrastructure in Rotterdam and along the supply chain to Northwestern Europe. Furthermore, the partnership will jointly support the development of strategic port infrastructure for safe distribution of hydrogen-based fuels and products, and link India's Net Zero Industrial Clusters to Europe, enabling exports of up to 1,000,000 tons annually. The envisaged supply chain can enable trade of green fuels up to USD 1 Billon between the two economies. AM Green is pushing its ambitious goal to develop 5,000,000 tons of Green Ammonia production capacity by 2030, equivalent to about 1,000,000 of Green Hydrogen to meet the rising global demand for green fuels, with initial production starting in Kakinada, On the other hand, the Port of Rotterdam plays a lead role as a critical logistics and hydrogen hub for the European continent with some 13% of the total energy demand in Europe entering via Rotterdam. Together, they aim to fulfil India's National Green Hydrogen Mission and Europe's ambitious decarbonization goals. Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, stated,"We are delighted to collaborate with AM Green BV to further strengthen our commitment to the energy transition. This agreement marks an important step towards establishing a robust supply chain for low-carbon fuels and chemicals. With India's vast potential for green hydrogen production, combined with Rotterdam's strategic location and advanced infrastructure, the collaboration will lead to a robust and sustainable green energy supply chain between the two regions" Anil Chalamalasetty, Founder of AM Green and Greenko Group said,"This partnership is part of our ambitious global growth strategy in green fuels including 5 MTPA of green ammonia and 1 MTPA of SAF. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in establishing a global carbon-free energy ecosystem. It will enable the seamless movement of green molecules and fuels from India to Europe, reinforcing AM Green's position as a global clean energy transition platform and accelerating industrial decarbonization globally." About the Port of Rotterdam Authority: The Port of Rotterdam plays a vital role in the economy and security of supply for the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region, the Netherlands, and Europe. Its strategic location, strong infrastructure, and excellent hinterland connections make it a key hub for global trade and industry. The Port of Rotterdam Authority focuses on sustainable development, efficient port operations, and safe maritime traffic. Its goal is to strengthen the port's role as a future-proof logistics and industrial hub, with a strong commitment to quality and the development of a climate-neutral port in harmony with its environment. About AM Green: AM Green, promoted by the founders of Greenko Group, is one of India's leading renewable energy conglomerates and a new energy transition platform. It leverages Greenko's expertise in building, owning, and operating renewable assets, as well as its ongoing development of mega closed-loop pumped storage projects that enables round-the-clock power supply at highly competitive rates. AM Green focuses on producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Green Ammonia, Green Hydrogen, Green Chemicals, and biofuels through its subsidiaries. With multiple projects across India, AM Green is committed to achieve 5 MTPA of green ammonia production by 2030, equivalent to 1 MTPA of green hydrogen, representing 20% of India's and 10% of Europe's green hydrogen targets. This initiative will significantly contribute to India's net-zero ambitions and support global decarbonisation.
The Hindu
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Bureau of Indian Standards holds convention for partnering institutions in Puducherry
The Bureau of Indian Standards organised a two-day convention for its partnering institutions in Puducherry. It was attended by 30 delegates from 15 institutions with which the BIS had entered into Memoranda of Understanding for fostering collaboration in standardisation. According to a release here, Director General of BIS Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Deputy Director General (Standardisation) Rajeev Sharma and Deputy Director General (Southern Region) Praveen Khanna attended the inaugural. In his address, the Director General said the BIS was collaborating at present with around 100 institutions in the country. The initiative represents a collective national mission to cultivate a culture of quality and standardisation with academia, the release noted. He stressed on the need to develop more synergies with academic institutions to make Indian standards a global benchmark as envisaged by the Prime Minister.
Times of Oman
23-02-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
National Industries Development Committee discusses updates of industrial sector
Muscat: The National Industries Development Committee held its second meeting of the year (2025) in Muscat on Sunday. The panel discussed strategic issues and followed up the implementation of recommendations made in its first meeting. The meeting was chaired by Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and attended by representatives of public and private sector establishments concerned. The meeting also studied options to enhance the competitiveness of national products, developments in allocating gas quotas to industrial projects, and a decision to ban the export of some raw materials and industrial waste that could be recycled. It also reviewed the mandatory list of local products and services and listened to proposals submitted by the panel members on ways to promote industrial projects in the Sultanate of Oman. The committee reviewed the outcome of a comprehensive study on protecting national industries, the experiences of advanced industrial countries and the challenges facing the industrial sector in Oman and ways to develop it in accordance with the best international practices. The committee made a number of recommendations, including the need to provide incentives to factories as part of an envisaged automation initiative, how to benefit from financing programmes and proposals for quality industrial projects. The committee stressed the importance of enhancing industrial investments, supporting local products in government tenders, providing incentives for emerging factories, coordination among the departments concerned to ensure the realization of Oman 2040 Industrial Strategy and means of enhancing the role of the industrial sector's contribution to the national economy.
