The Shifting Landscape of Consultancy: Bendelta and KPMG's Strategic Moves

March 19, 2025, 4:16 am
Consultancy.uk
Consultancy.uk
AssistedIndustryInformationInterestManagementMarketNewsOnlinePlatform
Location: United Kingdom, England, London
Employees: 51-200
Founded date: 2014
In the world of consultancy, change is the only constant. Two firms, Bendelta and KPMG, are navigating this turbulent sea with bold strategies. Their recent moves reflect a broader trend in the industry: consolidation and the quest for excellence.

Bendelta, an organisational consultancy based in Melbourne, is stepping into the spotlight. It has taken over the prestigious task of compiling the AFR BOSS Best Places to Work list. This is no small feat. The firm is not just a participant; it’s a perennial contender, often landing in the top ten of the best workplaces.

With this new responsibility, Bendelta is fortifying its ranks. The firm has recently welcomed several senior leaders, each bringing a wealth of experience. Charlotte Rush, a familiar face, returns after a stint at Inventium. She’s not just any recruit; she’s been deeply involved in the Best Places to Work evaluations since the beginning. Her insights will be invaluable as Bendelta crafts the list this year.

Joining her is Penelope Cottrill, a powerhouse from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. Cottrill’s background is impressive. She has held key positions at Deloitte and Nous Group, shaping organisational performance and leadership. Her commitment to creating thriving workplaces aligns perfectly with Bendelta’s mission.

Then there’s Frankie Close, another seasoned professional. With over two decades of experience in organisational development, she brings a global perspective. Her previous roles at Ernst & Young and Macquarie Group have equipped her with the tools to drive change.

Bendelta is not just about numbers; it’s about culture. The firm understands that a great workplace is more than a title. It’s about fostering an environment where people can excel. As the consultancy gears up for the upcoming Best Places to Work list, the stakes are high. The competition is fierce, with firms like SixPivot and Slalom making waves in the industry.

Meanwhile, KPMG is charting a different course. The Big Four firm is in the midst of a significant transformation. It plans to consolidate its global practices, reducing its number from over 120 to potentially as few as 32. This is a bold move, reflecting a desire for efficiency and growth.

KPMG’s strategy mirrors that of its rival, Deloitte, which streamlined its operations in 2018. By clustering member firms, KPMG aims to enhance its global presence. The goal is clear: simplify operations and improve service delivery.

The rationale behind this consolidation is compelling. Fewer business units mean streamlined decision-making. It allows for better scalability and resilience. In a world where regulatory compliance is tightening, this strategy could be a game-changer.

However, not all practices will survive the culling. KPMG is focusing on those generating revenues below $300 million. This decision is not just about numbers; it’s about survival in a rapidly evolving landscape. The firm’s Australian arm, despite pulling in $2.2 billion, is not immune to scrutiny.

KPMG’s global growth has been impressive, outpacing its competitors in recent years. Yet, it still lags behind Deloitte and Ernst & Young in revenue. The consolidation effort is a strategic response to this gap.

As KPMG embarks on this journey, it faces challenges. The integration of diverse practices requires careful navigation. Each country has its own culture, regulations, and market dynamics. The success of this strategy hinges on effective communication and collaboration.

Both Bendelta and KPMG are at pivotal junctures. Bendelta is reinforcing its commitment to workplace excellence, while KPMG is streamlining its operations for future growth. These moves reflect a broader trend in the consultancy sector: the need for agility and adaptability.

In an era marked by rapid change, firms must evolve or risk obsolescence. Bendelta’s focus on leadership and culture positions it well in the competitive landscape. KPMG’s consolidation strategy aims to create a more robust global entity.

The consultancy world is a chessboard, and each move counts. Bendelta is playing for hearts and minds, while KPMG is strategizing for scale and efficiency. Both approaches have merit, and the outcomes will shape the future of these firms.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the consultancy landscape is shifting. Firms that embrace change and foster innovation will thrive. Those that cling to the past may find themselves left behind.

In this dynamic environment, the ability to adapt is paramount. Bendelta and KPMG are not just reacting; they are proactively shaping their destinies. The coming months will reveal the effectiveness of their strategies.

In the end, it’s about more than just rankings or revenues. It’s about creating workplaces where people can flourish. It’s about building firms that can withstand the test of time. The journey is just beginning, and the stakes have never been higher.