A bold strategy for the future of consultancy will be shared at an industry-wide event next week, following the conclusion of an intensive 12-month research project that has been backed by the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and its 400+ members. 

The Future of Consultancy programme is encouraging the entire consultancy industry and its clients to embrace seismic change to protect the professional standing of UK consultants and engineers into the next century.  It is part-funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as part of the Transforming Construction Challenge.  

The first phase is to advise on prioritising diversity of thinking, improving the available blend of skills and capabilities and collaborating with other sectors. Initial recommendations will focus on domestic and export opportunities and adopting new business models across the sector. 

Craig Huntbatch, vice chair of ACE and business line director at Royal HaskoningDHV, said: “The future of consultancy is looking very bright and we all have a part to play in making the transformation that is required for society’s future needs. We can begin by changing the way in which businesses currently operate; in terms of the way we work, how we develop new products and services and how we embrace opportunities around new technology such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.”

Georgia Hughes, chair of the emerging professionals at ACE and senior management consultant of Arcadis, said: “Our industry will be shaped by its emerging professionals and we can encourage the brightest minds and new ideas by collaborating with other sectors and developing new routes into consultancy.

“It’s hugely important that businesses are talking directly to employees from the moment they begin working in the sector. Ensuring a diverse workforce that is both engaged and excited will help to unlock future opportunities and determine the best outcomes for our future infrastructure and built environment.” 

The outputs of the first phase of the Future of Consultancy campaign will be launched at an industry breakfast event on Tuesday 15 October 2019 at 9am at Kings Place in London. The event is recommended for senior and emerging professionals across the public and private sectors working in consultancy, construction, engineering, planning, placemaking, spatial design, and economic strategy. It is free to attend but spaces are strictly limited so it is advised to book quickly to avoid disappointment. 

Click here to book your place for the Future of Consultancy breakfast launch event.