The Consulting TL;DR - “No-nonsense news from Professional Services—5 key insights from the last 7 days in 5 minutes.”
Burwood Partners
"Experts in Niché, Critical and Strategic hiring for the Management Consulting and & Professional Services Industries."
No-nonsense insights from Professional Services - 5 key takeaways in 5 minutes.
Your Monday morning go-to for the latest trends, executive moves, and industry shifts shaping the? world. Whether you’re leading a team, driving strategy, or advising clients, we bring you what matters—fast. ? Let’s dive in.
1. Quality News: The Buzz You Need to Know
?? KPMG Becomes First Big Four Firm to Launch a US Law Firm
KPMG has made history by becoming the first Big Four firm to establish a law firm in the US, after receiving approval from the Arizona Supreme Court.
?? KPMG Law US will operate as an independent subsidiary, offering technology-powered legal services, including legal operations consulting and volume contracting.
?? Arizona is one of the only US states allowing non-lawyers to co-own legal firms, opening the door for multidisciplinary service offerings.
?? KPMG will be barred from offering legal services to audit clients, ensuring compliance with ethical regulations.
This move signals a potential shift in the US legal industry, as major professional services firms seek to integrate legal, consulting, and tech-driven solutions—a model that has already taken hold in Europe.
?? ‘Hiring is Back On’ in UK Consulting as AI Drives Recovery
After two years of market contraction, the UK consulting sector is rebounding, with firms ramping up hiring to meet demand—especially in AI, digital, and cost transformation.
?? The consulting market is expected to grow by 5% in 2025, reversing the 3.4% decline in 2024.
?? AI is the top driver of new hires, with firms looking for talent in AI strategy, implementation, and transformation projects.
?? Technology consulting is forecast to grow 7% globally, reaching $421bn in 2025.
For consulting firms, this signals a shift in workforce priorities—professionals must blend AI fluency with strategic thinking to remain competitive.
2. Talent Perspective: The Moves That Matter
?? Adam Thorpe Joins Stax as Managing Director in London
Stax has appointed Adam Thorpe as Managing Director in its London office, strengthening its healthcare advisory expertise across EMEA.
?? 30+ years of experience in health, life sciences, and private equity advisory.
?? Previously led KPMG’s healthcare deal strategy in the UK and France.
?? Will focus on expanding Stax’s healthcare vertical, supporting commercial due diligence, value creation, and M&A strategies.
This move highlights Stax’s growing UK presence as firms invest in sector-specific expertise to support private equity and corporate clients.
??? PwC UK Appoints Laura Nadel as Manchester Market Senior Partner
PwC has promoted Laura Nadel to Manchester Market Senior Partner, reinforcing the firm’s focus on regional growth and leadership in the North of England.
?? Over a decade at PwC, promoted to Partner in 2021.
?? Expertise in workforce strategy and employment law, advising FTSE 100s and private businesses.
?? Will lead PwC’s 1,900-strong Manchester office, focusing on client partnerships and regional tech sector growth.
PwC’s investment in regional leadership underscores its commitment to growing UK talent outside of London.
3.? M&A & Collaborations
?? Segal Acquires Intactic to Strengthen Employee Communications Consulting
Segal, a New York-based benefits and HR consulting firm, has acquired San Francisco-based Intactic, a specialist in internal communications and employee engagement.
?? Intactic brings expertise in digital workplace, brand activation, and behaviour change.
?? The firm will merge into Segal Benz, expanding capabilities in employee engagement, benefits communication, and workforce transformation.
?? This move comes at a crucial time, as firms look to enhance internal communication amid layoffs, return-to-office transitions, and economic uncertainty.
With workplace culture and employee experience now a priority for consulting clients, this deal highlights a growing demand for strategic internal communications in professional services.
?? Clearwater Expands into France with Vulcain Acquisition
Clearwater, a UK-headquartered corporate finance firm, has expanded into France by acquiring Vulcain, a Paris-based mid-market M&A and restructuring specialist.
?? Vulcain adds a 30-person team, including 7 partners, to Clearwater’s growing European presence.
?? Strengthens cross-border M&A capabilities, with 30% of Vulcain’s deals involving international transactions.
?? Sectors include technology, business services, aerospace, and consumer goods.
This move marks Clearwater’s 12th European market, reinforcing its position as a key player in mid-cap corporate finance across the continent.
4. AI, Data, and Digital Transformation: The Tech Revolution
?? UAE Banking Sector Undergoes Digital and Customer-Driven Transformation
The UAE’s banking industry is evolving rapidly, balancing legacy financial strength with the demands of an increasingly digital world. A new report by New Metrics highlights the key forces shaping the sector:
?? Traditional banks like Emirates NBD are leading digital innovation, integrating AI and blockchain to enhance security and efficiency.
?? Neo-banks are challenging incumbents with mobile-first models, catering to younger, tech-savvy customers.
?? Islamic finance is gaining traction, appealing to customers seeking Sharia-compliant financial solutions.
?? Cybersecurity & ESG integration are now critical priorities, with UAE banks boasting a 90% consumer trust rate, far above the global average of 67%.
For consulting firms, the ongoing transformation presents opportunities in digital banking strategy, AI-driven financial services, and ESG compliance advisory.
?? How Consulting Firms Can Reshape Their Offering with Strategic AI Implementation
AI is not just improving efficiency—it’s transforming the consulting industry. As firms navigate regulatory uncertainty and shifting client expectations, the challenge is no longer just about AI adoption, but about strategic integration.
?? 74% of firms believe AI gives them a competitive edge, but 64% are uncertain about future regulations.
?? AI is leveling the playing field, enabling smaller consultancies to compete with industry giants.
?? Firms must rethink traditional billing models, focusing on value-based pricing rather than time-based fees.
?? Data governance and security remain critical, with firms adopting quarterly AI audits to maintain transparency and compliance.
AI is not just a tool—it’s a fundamental shift in how consulting services are delivered. Forward-thinking firms are already experimenting with AI-driven service models, positioning themselves for the next wave of industry transformation.
?? That’s your Consulting TL;DR—see you next Monday!
?? Burwood Partners
Experts in Niche, Critical & Strategic Hiring within Professional Services
Managing Director at Burwood Partners - The Challenger Brand in Executive Search
1 周Interesting to see that KPMG have become the first US firm to open a Legal business. The blueprint has been created in the UK and is working well - will be interesting to see if that success can be replicated in North America.