Over 250 finalists and clients from leading organisations gathered at the newly restored Orangery at Kensington Palace for the MCA Awards 2024 Finalists Reception. Sponsored by Capgemini Invent, the event was attended by consultants from over 45 firms, their clients, media, and government officials. This prestigious reception precedes the awards ceremony, which will take place next month in London. During the ceremony, over 86 client organisations from both the private and public sectors will join leading consulting firms to celebrate the impactful partnerships they have forged across various categories.
Prominent organisations championing the role of consultancy firms include BT, Holland & Barrett, The National Trust, Visa, Greene King, and Coca-Cola, NHS England, the Department for Transport, DWP, the Home Office. Finalists represent a diverse range of MCA Member Firms, with strong participation from large and medium-sized firms. Smaller firms also continue to impress the independent judging panel, securing 56% of finalist entries. The finalist list features project teams as well as individuals from different ages and backgrounds, thriving in their careers as apprentices, thought leaders, technology consultants, and experienced hires who have chosen consulting as their second career.
Speaking at the reception, Tamzen Isacsson, Chief Executive of the Management Consultancies Association, said:
“Every year the standard of entrants to these prestigious awards keeps on rising to the point where just reaching the final is a win in itself. As an impartial observer, it really is a privilege of my job to hear consultants talking about their work. What comes across so strongly is not just the scale of the challenge they faced or the significance of their achievement, but how much they cared.
“The job is tough. They’re often working in difficult circumstances, on complex projects, with tight deadlines, sometimes far away from home. Yet the things that consultants are delivering on have such an important impact to so many of us. The future growth of our economy. The success of our businesses. The security and wellbeing of our society. The health of our planet and the availability of our precious resources. That is the human side of consulting- the personal impact and the people behind it.”
“I also want to thank the clients who are such a crucial part of these MCA Awards. It is truly inspiring to witness the camaraderie between clients and consultants during the interview process. And to hear some of Britain’s most successful businesses and top civil servants passionately acknowledging the value of using consultants.”
Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports, said:
“The MCA Awards demonstrate why the UK’s consulting sector ranks as one of the best in the world and why global demand for consulting services has increased significantly in recent years to record levels.
“The individuals and projects celebrated by the Awards show the immense value delivered by the sector for clients across the public and private sectors both in the UK and internationally. The MCA Awards finalists powerfully demonstrate how our sector is working hard to make Britain a leading centre for clean energy, supporting British business to kickstart economic growth and helping NHS trusts to improve patient services for the future.
“I am delighted to see the exceptional talent within the UK’s consulting industry recognised, including apprentices and graduates alongside seasoned consultants from firms of various sizes who have demonstrated exemplary skill in assisting clients to achieve growth and thrive. The UK can take immense pride in this growing industry, which makes an important contribution to the UK economy and society.”
Alex Slater, Managing Director of Capgemini Invent, speaking at the event, added:
“Massive congratulations to all of the finalists on the outstanding achievement of being selected. At a time when we are increasingly challenged to demonstrate the value of our services, you have not only met that challenge but have also raised the bar for the industry, showcasing the quality, creativity, and impact of our work.”
The MCA also launched its annual charity appeal at the reception with the charity, Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC). SRtRC is the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity and was established in 1996. The majority of the charity’s work involves the delivery of educational workshops to young people and adults in schools, workplaces and at sports venues. Across the UK, SRtRC provides educational sessions to more than 75,000 individuals per year, along with hosting the UK’s largest equalities themed school competition. Last year it surpassed the landmark milestone of engaging with 1 million people in these programmes.
Details about the charity and how to donate can be found at: www.theredcard.org
The Orangery at Kensington Palace was originally designed by the visionary architect Nicholas Hawksmoor in 1704, and later enhanced by the renowned Sir John Vanbrugh. It was commissioned by Queen Anne as a lavish greenhouse for her beloved orange trees in winter and, over the years, it evolved into a magnificent ‘summer supper house’, hosting extravagant royal gatherings. The Orangery was restored in the late 19th century and has also recently undergone extensive renovation.
More information on the awards, including the MCA Awards 2025, is at www.mca.org.uk/awards