Your Monday morning go-to for the latest trends, executive moves, and industry shifts shaping the professional world. Grab your coffee ??, settle in, and let’s dive in!
?? This Week’s Top 5 Insights:
- ?? Market Volatility & Profit Warnings – Despite a decline in absolute numbers, UK-listed firms are issuing profit warnings at record proportions. Consulting firms are being called in for restructuring, cost optimisation, and strategic pivots.
- ?? Big Four & Diversity Challenges – EY and PwC are set to miss their 2025 partner diversity targets, while KPMG and Deloitte meet theirs. Leadership pipelines remain under scrutiny, with firms needing to double down on mentorship and succession planning.
- ?? M&A & Expansion Moves – AAB expands into Ireland with its Ormsby & Rhodes acquisition, strengthening its international presence. Meanwhile, CGI acquires BJSS, bolstering AI and digital execution capabilities.
- ?? AI, Governance & Competition – OpenAI warns that Chinese AI firm DeepSeek is leveraging its research, intensifying the global AI arms race. This signals increased concerns around intellectual property, AI governance, and regulatory oversight, areas where consulting firms will play a critical advisory role. Meanwhile, Cognizant renews its partnership with McDonald’s, reinforcing the trend of consulting firms integrating deeper into enterprise tech operations.
- ?? 2025: What’s Next for Professional Services? – Firms will need to blend AI adoption, ESG governance, and workforce transformation to remain competitive. Selective M&A, reskilling, and leadership evolution will define next year’s winners.
?? Curious for a deeper dive? We’ve got you covered. Click here for the full breakdown on all of the topics covered above —you won’t regret it!
?? That’s your Consulting TL;DR news! ?? - See you next Monday!
