Every year starts with fresh ambitions and optimism, and the prospects for the consultancy sector in 2024 are no different in this regard.

Certainly, the next 12 months look like challenging ones across the UK and the globe as economies struggle to contain the effects of inflation, boost growth and productivity, and we face a multitude of elections across different borders with the potential to reshape major priorities and policies. The impact of climate change on our communities continues to rise in urgency and businesses and society will grapple with one of the biggest advancements in technology as we continue to test and integrate the safe deployment of AI.

Amidst all this fast-paced activity and ambiguity, the demand for trusted advisors with specialist expertise and the highest level of training and development will remain strong. In times of uncertainty, clients will look to our sector for that reassurance of cross sector expertise and experience, innovation and a commitment to ethical standards alongside the utmost standards of delivery.

This study of the views of consultants across the industry is the biggest ever conducted and has gathered the important opinions of both leaders and the newest recruits who have just joined our thriving profession. All our diversity of voices in the sector have helped to shape this report from large, medium and small firms.

Detailed data has been provided by MCA council leaders, ensuring we can provide the most accurate forecasts and sector predictions, and to provide insight into the challenges and opportunities ahead, providing an unrivalled assessment of the performance of the management consultancy industry.

Many members have written detailed reflections on important issues that impact our profession, from the recent challenges around the UK economy and workforce changes in the sector to diversity and inclusion topics, hybrid working and work life balance. We have read them diligently and we hope we have done them justice in this report.

There is much room for optimism and encouragement but also some important conclusions that require our attention. Our new ways of hybrid working have unleashed high levels of job satisfaction, and the results show our industry continues to be increasingly accessible. However, we must ensure our work on diversity and inclusion receives our steadfast support and renewed attention.

It is a sign of strength in our profession that we are transparent in the challenges we face, and open about the areas that require our attention, communication, and collaboration.

This survey is just the start of that conversation, and we hope you find it useful.