James Ashton: Consultants upbeat as they spy green shoots
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Management consultants regard themselves as a canary down a mine shaft for the economy because when companies want to start spending, they’ll call in the experts first.
If they are to be believed, green shoots will be sprouting soon. Clients in a range of industry sectors are exploring entering new markets and product innovation, they say – all good signs of improving confidence.
The old advertising adage is more appropriate when applied to consultancy: half the money spent on it is wasted – the trouble is clients don’t know which half.
But that hasn’t stopped spending haring away, especially for the Big Four accountancy firms, which have grown back consulting arms after most of them were jettisoned following the Enron scandal that hobbled Arthur Andersen. PricewaterhouseCoopers’ pursuit of the German consultancy Roland Berger will up the ante further.
There is plenty of business to spread around. Some consultants report that even the Government is spending more with them. Don’t tell Francis Maude, the Cabinet Office minister who was meant to be clamping down on this sort of stuff.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments