Management Consultancy Association A positive force for the economy

About us

The role of the MCA

The Management Consultancies Association (MCA) is the representative body for management consultancy firms in the UK. Our sixty member companies comprise around 70% of the UK consulting industry, estimated to be worth £9bn in 2008, employ more than 40,000 consultants and work with over 90 of the top FTSE 100 companies and almost all parts of the public sector.

In order to achieve its mission, the MCA is implementing a three year strategy that was developed following extensive consultation with member firms. It focuses on delivering value to members through three key objectives:

• Being the voice of the industry
• Promoting a credible and professional industry
• Creating better engagement with and between members.

The MCA informs and influences public debate on topical issues, and provides authoritative data on the industry. It commissions research and policy analysis and represents the industry in discussions with Government and other stakeholders. The MCA also facilitates networking and the sharing of best practice within the industry through events, publications and initiatives such as the Young MCA.

The MCA’s tough entry criteria and rigorous Code of Practice mean that MCA member companies are widely acknowledged to provide high quality services to their clients. Many of their achievements are recognised in the annual MCA Management Awards and the Consultant of the Year Awards.

Management consultancy creates value for organisations and the wider economy through improved performance, achieved by providing objective advice and implementing business solutions. The UK consulting industry is amongst the best in the world and a vital part of the business landscape.

Becoming a member of the MCA
In order to join the MCA, firms must have been in practice in the UK for at least three years and employ at least ten consultants on a full time basis. They must also practice management consultancy as a strategic activity, offering at least two main consultancy services such as strategy, marketing, IT, HR; and they must offer fact-based advice and customised solutions.

Please refer to Join the MCA section for further information.