MCA Awards 2025

AMP and Engine by Starling
Strategy

Revving up Starling’s Engine to power AMP Bank

PwC worked with AMP Bank to launch a new digital banking offering to an underserved customer segment in Australia - everyday Australians and small businesses. The bank knew it needed to do things differently and build a new team with access to the latest banking technology. Drawing on our deep understanding of Starling Bank's Engine platform, PwC developed an innovative strategy and facilitated a true three-way collaboration between AMP, Engine and PwC.

Our team, including consultants who had worked with Starling Bank since its inception 10 years earlier, tailored the Engine platform to meet Australian regulatory and business needs. We prioritised an ‘adopt, don't adapt’ approach, both to the technology and to its implicit operating mode, and ensured that AMP staff were at the heart of developing the new platform.

The transition was radically different from traditional banking implementations. In just 12 months, AMP's digital bank went live, on time and on budget, with all necessary approvals. This rapid transformation enabled AMP to revolutionise the Australian digital banking landscape and expand Engine's global reach.

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Ali Butler
Apprentice of the Year

Ali is an exceptional young apprentice who consistently exceeds expectations. His growth mindset and proactive engagement with experienced consultants have not only accelerated his learning, but also driven innovative AI solutions that deliver real impact.

Ali has always been fascinated by how technology can transform society. This comes from his participation in the government-run CyberDiscovery programme – an initiative that gives individuals with technical potential an opportunity to develop their skills for positive social impact. Stepping into consulting has since allowed Ali to bring the best of what he’s learnt and combine it with new skills, to merge innovative thinking, strategic insight and cutting-edge tools to reshape industries.

Two standout engagements shaped Ali’s journey last year. The first, Industry Edge for Defence, was a global data platform aimed at consolidating PwC’s defence and security offerings, by integrating tech assets, thought leadership, alliances and client-facing value propositions. The second, with Birmingham City Council, began with voice automation to reduce the number of customers needing advisor support by 90%, and later expanded to a generative AI chatbot for web queries. This significantly improved the customer experience, streamlined processes and saved time for the contact centre team.

This year, Ali begins his journey to becoming a Chartered IT Professional. With his impressive blend of technical expertise, communication skills and visionary thinking, he has immense potential for future leadership. He looks forward to creating an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages growth, diversity and access, and to contributing to a future where technology serves the greater good.

Scarlett Regan
Young Consultant of the Year

Scarlett’s journey into Consulting was fuelled by her appetite for diverse experiences and curiosity to problem-solve at a macro and micro level. She’s dedicated to helping large businesses through their unique transformation journeys, enhancing the crucial role they play in society, the economy and the environment.

Over the past 18 months, Scarlett has been at the heart of a hugely complex transformation with one of the world’s largest private equity firms and a portfolio company – a multinational home and energy services business. Her role has evolved remarkably over the course of the programme, from working on the initial business case for the IFS implementation, to leading day-to-day delivery on a 100-strong, multidisciplinary team. She has played a key part in enabling leadership decision making through effective communication and rigorous programme management.

Scarlett demonstrates agility and an intellectual capability to operate across an extensive consulting skillset, and a strong ability to partner with a wide range of senior stakeholders in a multi-geography, multicultural and multilingual environment. She has excelled on this trailblazing programme operating across the global PwC network, at the same time helping to strengthen a key technology alliance and building a cohesive, motivated team.

On this highly complex, fast-paced, international engagement, Scarlett has proved herself to be an exceptional strategic thinker, bridging the gap between differing objectives and bringing structure and positivity to an unstable environment. In short, Scarlett exhibits all the behaviours needed in an exemplary consulting leader.

Policing Reform
Best Use of Thought Leadership

Forward-thinking to drive real improvements in UK policing

Recognising the critical juncture UK policing is at and its impact on public trust, we took the initiative to address how to reform UK policing to make it fit for the future. Drawing on our extensive experience with the UK's police forces, our experts developed ‘A New Era for Policing’, a thought leadership paper proposing six key interventions, including a national HQ, a capability-led model and technology enhancements.

A New Era for Policing was shared discreetly with key leaders in policing and government, sparking vital discussions and facilitating a meeting of senior stakeholders. It helped to align diverse opinions, culminating in a collective proposition presented to the Home Secretary and subsequently the Prime Minister.

In November 2024, the Home Secretary announced significant policing reforms, including a new performance-monitoring unit focused on building public trust. ‘A New Era for Policing’ demonstrably influenced government policy, drawing on the strength of our relationships within the policing system. It shows the impactful perspectives consulting can bring to solve important national problems.

Arco
Performance Improvement in the Private Sector

Improving Arco’s stock by going beyond playing it safe

PwC worked with Arco, the UK's leading safety services provider, to transform its inventory planning and secure its future growth. Recognising the limitations of its outdated systems and manual processes, we implemented a cutting-edge solution designed to reduce inventory costs, improve service levels and systemise its planning processes. 

Our focus on understanding Arco's strategic needs, combined with our deep SAP expertise, allowed us to redesign processes and support Arco to adopt a bold and innovative approach. We proposed a cutting-edge solution, built around the newly-released Supply Planning and Inventory modules for SAP Integrating Business Planning (IBP), along with redesigned processes and AI/ML-powered automation, which would free up planning professionals to focus on priority activities. We successfully navigated the challenges of early adoption, mitigating risks and delivering a powerful, integrated solution.

As a result, Arco has reduced inventory by 10%, freed up working capital by 30% and achieved 100% product availability. Service levels have also improved, strengthening its market position. With an estimated £20m return, Arco now has a resilient and responsive inventory planning process that positions it for future growth.

Matt Jones
Experienced Leader

Matt has made one of the most successful transitions from industry that PwC’s partners have seen, and has built his reputation as a trusted advisor to some of the firm’s most important clients.

Matt started his career on a local government graduate scheme, attracted by the tag line ‘Real life, Real work’. That ethos has remained with him following his transition to PwC’s Government & Health Industries practice, where he now has an even greater platform to make a difference for local people and places, by empowering his teams and clients.

Matt’s key strengths are his ability to get under the skin of complex problems, design logical and compelling solutions, and then lead delivery in an impactful and empathetic way. Matt is seen as highly credible and authentic by his clients – they understand that he understands their business, and that he genuinely cares about their objectives. They trust him to deliver the right outcomes.

Within PwC, Matt is known for being an inspiring and caring leader. He has coached many colleagues as they have risen through the ranks, and by virtue of the senior role he now plays – leading large client engagements – he is also highly respected by his peers. Colleagues will frequently ask for Matt’s help with their more challenging issues.

Matt is a true advocate for the difference PwC can make by investing in social value, he is intellectually curious – constantly challenging himself to learn, develop and put new ideas into practice – and he is a genuine champion of progressive values.

Anna Wright
Inclusion Award

Anna is a part-time working mother of three, whose journey into consulting was driven by a desire to create tangible change and foster inclusive workplaces. Anna herself has experienced significant change, having retrained and ‘relaunched’ from a junior role as a collector in a Finance team – where she had been for nine years – to becoming a systems implementation consultant with PwC, trained in both Workday and Success Factors.

Since changing career, Anna has been promoted twice, and balances her day job with additional activities in areas where she feels passionate and adds value. She is one of those characters who lights up a room on arrival. She is very well networked, and has absolutely made the most of her career change and new team, to spend time accelerating diversity in the workplace. She is a role model for others, and pushes boundaries and herself beyond her comfort zone.

Among Anna’s many noteworthy activities are her role on the steering committee for PwC’s black network, where she leads the ambassador programme across the South East firm; establishing a ‘safe space’ chat group for South East colleagues to share ideas and discuss challenges; running a Navigating Career Pathways event, which provided a platform for colleagues from ethnic backgrounds to share their experiences and challenges; organising an event for Black Tech Week, showcasing the brilliance of a career in technology; representing PwC at the One Young World annual conference in Montreal; and coordinating four winning submissions for PwC at the Black Tech Achievement Awards.

Framework for Growth
Best Use of Thought Leadership

A business-led approach to industrial strategy

We identified that re-establishing a robust industrial strategy would be a crucial step in revitalising the UK economy. Recognising the need for prioritisation and collaboration, and our unique convening ability, we launched ‘Framework for Growth’, a report based on extensive business engagement, innovative economic modelling and guidance from a high-profile advisory committee.

Our research, combining 60 in-depth interviews with business leaders and a survey of 1,200 businesses, revealed key barriers to economic growth. We facilitated crucial dialogue between business and government leaders through targeted events and roundtable discussions, overcoming scepticism and providing robust evidence for policy development.

‘Framework for Growth’ generated significant media coverage and established us as a key convener in this vital debate. Critically, it opened doors to strategic discussions with priority clients and government departments, directly influencing the future of the UK economy.

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National Grid
Change and Transformation in the Private Sector

Passing electricity operations into public hands while keeping the lights on

PwC worked with National Grid to achieve a seamless carve-out of its Electricity System Operator (ESO) business, creating the publicly owned National Energy System Operator (NESO). NESO would be an impartial body that supported government moves toward Net Zero while providing a resilient and affordable energy system, across both electricity and gas.
This complex project involved disentangling critical national infrastructure, separating people, processes and systems, and ensuring National Grid recovered its costs via Ofgem. We navigated the unique challenges of a private-to-public sector transaction, fostering strong relationships and providing expert guidance throughout.

Our team of over 150 specialists brought unique experiences spanning diverse disciplines from deal value and due diligence to cloud transformation. We worked holistically to deliver this ambitious programme. We balanced rigorous planning and execution with open collaboration between government, the regulator, ESO and other market players. This ensured smooth operations for all parties post-transfer.

The result was a successful transfer completed on time and 14% under budget – hailed as National Grid's best programme delivery ever. National Grid realised a £630m increase in enterprise value, and the government's energy strategy gained crucial momentum.

Network Rail
Change and Transformation in the Public Sector

Strengthening and unifying the digital backbone of UK Rail

Together with Network Rail (NR), responsible for Britain's vital rail infrastructure, PwC led a transformation of their IT and Telecoms functions. These crucial departments faced numerous challenges, threatening NR's daily operations and the 4.4 million daily journeys it supports.

We provided end-to-end transformation support, creating a unified Digital, Data and Technology directorate. We drew on our deep transport sector expertise, tailoring our approach to NR’s unique needs and collaborating with Epion Consulting, specialists in culture and behavioural change, to ensure the transition was sustainable and enduring.

Throughout the transformation we prioritised transparency, engaging and building trust with NR staff who had experienced previous, less successful change initiatives. We emphasised value delivery and accountability, regularly reviewing time, quality, costs, behaviours and value. We rigorously managed risks to help NR mitigate delivery risks.

The result was a streamlined, more capable and efficient organisation. Our collaborative approach led to positive union feedback, and industry-wide recognition, including praise from the Office of Rail and Road as a model for large-scale transformation.

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
Change and Transformation in the Public Sector

Creating a solid foundation to deliver better tech-powered patient care

The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) NHS Foundation Trust recognised that Electronic patient records (EPR) could radically improve efficiency, effectiveness and patient care, and PwC supported them on their implementation journey.

With the EPR ‘Nervecentre’ system designed to cover both UHDB and Chesterfield Royal Hospital, our focus was on overcoming significant legacy differences in clinical and operational processes and in culture. 

We worked closely with Trust staff to gain an in-depth understanding of workflows and pinpoint pain points. Using this knowledge, we developed a consolidated set of practices and systems, and conducted a Change Impact Assessment to quantify the scale of transformation and identify its essential training and support needs. 

We took an employee-centred approach, energising the organisation and ensuring that everyone understood “what’s in it for me”. We established a dedicated Change Network and developed a practical communications toolkit, equipping UHDB to confidently manage the transformation journey beyond our direct involvement and empowering staff to excel.

This collaborative effort marked a significant step towards UHDB becoming a truly integrated organisation, ready to embrace the full benefits of EPR and deliver exceptional patient care.

IVC Evidensia
Technology Transformation

Securing a healthy future for IVC Evidensia

PwC worked with IVC Evidensia (IVCE), a global veterinary care group, on a technology transformation to support its rapid growth. IVCE needed a modern, scalable ERP system that would enhance efficiency and reduce financial risks as well as supporting future growth and acquisitions.

PwC came onboard to create a more consistent, efficient and valued financial organisation. Our focus was on delivering well-defined outcomes including common, group-wide processes for financial transactions; reduced risk of financial misstatement; reduced administrative burden on clinics; reduced Finance costs; stability; and scope for future improvement.

We designed a target operating model that optimised financial processes, selecting Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP as the best out-of-the-box fit for IVCE. Our fit-to-standard approach meant aligning with as many pre-configured processes as possible to future-proof the system. This, combined with close collaboration between IVCE, Oracle and Genpact, ensured early issue resolution and a swift implementation.

The new system went live in January 2025 and is already delivering efficiencies. Group consolidation time has been dramatically reduced and invoice processing is now largely automated, freeing up valuable time for finance teams. This transformation provides IVCE with a robust financial foundation for continued growth and its mission of "Healthy Animals, Happy Owners".

ABB Limited
International

Cultural sensitivity enables seamless global transformation

PwC worked with ABB to support an ambitious transformation of its entire global finance operation. We used SAP Master Data Governance to achieve consistent and reliable data across ABB’s global operation. With 200 go-lives across 87 countries and six time zones in just 24 months, the programme was an astonishing achievement in the face of global scale and complexity. 

Key to the programme’s success was PwC’s team of more than 200 specialists from seven countries, who collaborated seamlessly with client teams around the world. By bringing together a diverse and multilingual team, we could work with the client in 32 languages, and bring the cultural awareness to plan meticulously around regional festivals such as Diwali, Eid and Christmas. This huge and rapid global transformation was possible only because we embraced the diversity of working dynamics across the client’s many lands and cultures. 

Not only has ABB gained financial benefits, but it now has the reliable, real-time insights it needs to make effective decisions and fulfil its vision. Furthermore, our innovative approach has created a blueprint for future ABB programmes and similar large transformations internationally.  

MTR Corporation Limited
International

Getting Hong Kong on track for future success

PwC worked with Hong Kong’s vital rail operator, MTR, to deliver an ambitious transformation programme that would enable it to deliver a future-fit rail system. We designed a radically new operating model, encompassing processes, culture, technology and structure. The new model enabled MTR to deliver twice as many projects as previously, without compromising quality, safety or reliability.

We focused on innovation, inclusivity and operational excellence. Our global team of 60 specialists, blending UK and Hong Kong expertise, drew on insights from major infrastructure projects worldwide. We adopted a culturally sensitive approach, fostering mutual learning and worked closely with stakeholders to design a model that would respect the local population’s cultural expectations. This ensured not only a robust transformation but also strong stakeholder buy-in.

MTR is now equipped to deliver infrastructure projects faster, better and with greater value. It has become an employer of choice, attracting top talent in a competitive market. By strengthening Hong Kong's rail infrastructure, we have contributed to the city's future economic success.

Beazley
Performance Improvement in the Private Sector

Fostering trust through Continuous Integrated Planning 

PwC worked with Beazley, a FTSE 100 insurer, to transform its financial planning and analysis (FP&A) capabilities. Beazley's rapid growth demanded a more sophisticated approach to forecasting, budgeting and modelling. We implemented a ‘Continuous Integrated Planning’ Framework to foster trust in financial forecasts and pave the way for AI-driven predictive forecasting.

We took an unconventional approach, prioritising the deployment of FP&A functionality before the core ERP implementation. This delivered early value and demonstrated a new methodology for complex financial modernisations. Our engaging change management strategy, including innovative workshops and a focus on data quality, created a collaborative environment, ensuring high user adoption and positive feedback.

The result is a robust and reliable forecasting process, empowering Beazley to make real-time, data-driven decisions. By bringing a client-centric approach and innovative delivery methods, we enhanced Beazley’s agility and insight, positioning it for continued success in a dynamic global market.

UK Shared Business Services
Performance Improvement in the Public Sector 

Boosting the UK’s productivity by improving government’s back office

PwC worked with UK Shared Business Services (UKSBS) to deliver a step change in operations and service quality, increased productivity and culture. Our Perform Plus approach to operational excellence was central to the project. We used data and smart technology to help operational teams prioritise activities, improve productivity and improve morale through major transformation. By using Perform Plus to tackle the biggest areas of inefficiency first, we delivered early cost savings and created impetus and built enthusiasm for the future.

Our ‘one team’ ethos with UKSBS enabled us to quickly build trusted relationships at all levels. We supported UKSBS to enhance their leadership capabilities, improve governance practices and develop a more commercial mindset, enabling the organisation to adopt private sector best practices.

The results are remarkable: a 161% ROI based on financial benefits alone, improved service quality recognised by a UK Customer Satisfaction Award nomination and more robust public spending forecasting. The impact has been so significant that elements of our work are now being shared as best practice across government and internationally.

Homes England
Performance Improvement in the Public Sector  

Building an agile solution to accelerate financing and fix the housing crisis 

We supported Homes England (HE) to transform its grant application process and accelerate the delivery of affordable housing in the UK. HE's outdated systems and confusing application process were deterring developers, holding back housebuilding and creating inefficiencies. In response we designed and built a flexible, scalable digital service using Microsoft Dynamics 365, connected to a purpose-built website aligned with gov.uk standards.

Our agile Business, Experience, Technology (BXT) process, involving extensive user engagement and prototyping, ensured a seamless transition and high adoption rates. We adapted quickly to the government's renewed focus on affordable housing, leveraging our existing work with HE to deliver a streamlined end-to-end service and enabling HE to take this priority shift in its stride.

The resulting digital government service has significantly increased HE's productivity and capacity. Housing providers now benefit from a user-friendly online experience, leading to enthusiastic take-up and positive feedback. This streamlined process is accelerating the building of the affordable homes that the UK needs.

Cardiff and Vale College
People and Leadership

Enhancing local skills, as Cardiff Capital Region equips people to drive growth

PwC worked with Cardiff Capital Region to address a critical skills gap and foster economic prosperity. Recognising the disconnect between emerging industries and local talent, we launched a transformative skills-discovery initiative, partnering with Cardiff and Vale College and engaging over 70 employers, 20 education providers, policymakers, industry bodies and local communities.

Our team of skills development experts mapped labour market trends and identified critical gaps between skills supply and industry demand. We provided targeted recommendations for education providers and employers, aligned to emerging industry trends and future opportunities, such as digital and Net Zero. We championed diversity and inclusion, proposing more accessible, non-traditional learning pathways to expand the talent pool.

This initiative has equipped educators and employers in South East Wales with the knowledge and networks to build a robust skills base for the region's priority industries. It has created a dynamic skills ecosystem, fostering ongoing dialogue and driving future prosperity. By connecting talent with opportunity, we're helping build a thriving future.

GSK
Sustainability

Achieving clarity on complex supply chains to reduce emissions

PwC worked with GSK to address a significant challenge in its ambitious decarbonisation journey: reducing Scope 3 (supplier) emissions, specifically those related to heat. Aiming for a market-leading 80% reduction in total carbon emissions by 2030, GSK sought to achieve a substantial 40-70% reduction in heat-related Scope 3 emissions within the same timeframe.

Our multidisciplinary team - combining engineering, supply chain and data analysis expertise - brought a breadth of expertise to map GSK's complex global emissions patterns. By tracing key drivers and identifying high-impact intervention points we provided crucial insights into where decarbonization efforts would be most effective. We then explored feasible decarbonisation technologies tailored to the specific needs of suppliers and regional contexts.

This culminated in a comprehensive supplier engagement strategy and roadmap, equipping GSK to collaborate effectively with its suppliers on decarbonisation efforts. This work not only advances GSK's sustainability goals but also provides a blueprint for other organisations seeking to address Scope 3 emissions, contributing to a wider positive impact on the planet.

Archie Abraham
Apprentice of the Year

Archie is an outstanding apprentice who always goes above and beyond what’s asked of him. He tackles every challenge, engagement and task with a huge sense of enthusiasm, using every experience as an opportunity to grow and improve.

He has always had a passion for solving complex problems and exploring emerging technologies that can transform our daily lives. This fascination led him to pursue a career combining technology with business strategy, to create meaningful solutions with real-world impacts. Archie has recently demonstrated these strengths across two of PwC’s largest transformation engagements, where he has made a great impact from the outset. He’s successfully balanced being both business and technically minded, moving seamlessly from drafting detailed features for user stories, through to configuring automated reporting tools using Azure DevOps and PowerBI.

Archie has a friendly, personable and naturally consultative style. He is clear, considered and impactful in his communication - yet also direct when he needs to be. These characteristics allow Archie to build instant credibility with his clients and his teams, and form the foundations of long-standing relationships.

What really differentiates Archie is his curiosity and willingness to ask insightful questions, ensuring a deeper understanding of challenges, which adds significant value to the overall outcome. Archie never just does the task he’s been given; he applies his inquisitive nature to go the extra mile, always exceeding expectations.

Angela Hudachek
Inclusion Award

Angela has channelled her personal health challenges into unwavering dedication to fostering inclusion within the management consulting profession and beyond. She is a chartered management consultant and Salesforce specialist, while also performing a transformative leadership role within DAWN – PwC’s UK community for employees with disabilities, neurodiversities and long-term health conditions. Angela is a vocal and credible advocate for disability inclusion, due in no small part to her own experience of a brain tumour, major surgery, and recovery.

Angela’s a firm believer that you can ‘grow through what you go through’. She realised that her experiences made her a stronger management consultant, able to bring a diverse perspective to her engagements. Living through these challenges deepened her passion for shaping a consulting industry where people with different abilities are celebrated for the ‘eureka moments’ that their lived experiences can bring to their teams, to clients, and to working outcomes.

In the past year, Angela has demonstrated exceptional leadership and teamwork. She co-leads PwC’s grassroots Connections Groups initiative, through which DAWN has been able to reach and support more people with chronic pain, energy-limiting conditions and cancer. DAWN Connections Groups won the employee-voted Empowerment Award in the PwC Awards 2024 – an achievement that speaks volumes about their influence in the firm.

Angela also pioneered a mutual-mentoring approach, to drive awareness, break down stereotypes, and empower DAWN members to speak up and gain confidence, and she’s working with PwC’s Head of Consulting to look at disability and neurodiversity inclusion for consultants specifically.

Annie Dalton
Team Leader Consultant of the Year

Annie has an unerring ability to understand others and how to best help them. She has always had a strong interest in human connection and behaviours, initially in the realm of international relations. Her consulting career began five years ago, allowing her to dive deeper into these interests: having the privilege to connect with people working in different organisations across sectors, and getting to grips with motivations behind behaviours and decisions.

Annie equally has a passion for sports, health and wellbeing, having spent a large part of her life playing hockey to a high level, including captaining national teams. In both her athletic and professional careers, she prioritises the wellbeing and development of those around her. This dedication to coaching and providing constructive feedback has been instrumental in creating a positive and productive working environment at PwC.

Annie has recently worked on projects at the heart of ensuring the UK’s national sovereignty, and a key building block for our economic growth. Notably, she has led teams in Borders & Migration, dealing with some incredibly challenging and emotive issues, to deliver operational outcomes for her client, citizens and visitors to the UK. Her past experiences have equipped her with a unique perspective on the importance of personal resilience being fundamental to team resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.

Annie’s leadership is a cornerstone of her team’s positive, empowered and collaborative culture. Her constant positivity, strength and role-modelling of how to practically and positively deal with challenging situations sets an example for others to follow.

Nick Jones
Team Leader Consultant of the Year

As a natural leader, Nick has a proven record of delivering complex projects for PwC, both in the UK and globally, often navigating multifaceted environments with tight deadlines and diverse stakeholder expectations. His ability to inspire and guide teams is matched by his commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, making him a valued leader and colleague.

Nick is a people-oriented consultant who excels in building meaningful relationships. His role as Co-Chair of the D&I team within PwC’s Government and Health Industries department highlights his dedication to creating equitable and inclusive work environments. He routinely leads initiatives that promote diversity, empower underrepresented voices, and enhance team cohesion.

As a team player, Nick’s collaborative mindset ensures that every team member feels empowered to contribute their expertise. He thrives on cultivating high-performing teams that achieve exceptional outcomes while fostering professional growth. Nick’s unique blend of leadership, technical expertise, and interpersonal skills makes him an invaluable asset in driving impactful and sustainable organisational change.

2024 was a defining year in Nick’s career, where he demonstrated leadership on a global stage, bringing together his years of expertise into a high-impact international programme. Living in Riyadh, he led diverse teams, navigated complex stakeholder environments, and worked closely with a high-profile client and international vendors to deliver a transformative initiative. The scale, complexity and strategic importance of this programme set it apart: it required incredible leadership, and it delivered meaningful, long-term benefits to the organisation. This journey was both personally and professionally unforgettable for Nick, marking a year of exceptional achievement and impact.

Gemma Percival
Technology Consultant of the Year

Gemma began her career in the animation industry, specialising in cut-scenes for computer games. After working and travelling in Australia, she embarked on an intensive and transformative 16-week software-development programme. This rigorous training ignited her passion for the dynamic world of technology, and with this newfound expertise, Gemma transitioned into consulting.

Gemma joined PwC in 2023, and was immediately assigned to work on a new Oracle client project. Within two months, her mastery of key technical functionalities enabled her to assume the lead on two workstreams: Oracle Absence Management and Oracle Time & Labor.

Gemma played a pivotal role in leading and delivering workshops for both modules throughout the various project milestones. These workshops were attended by a diverse range of stakeholders, from the HR Director to administrators. Gemma’s ability to effectively communicate and engage with such a broad audience highlighted her proficiency and knowledge of the subject matter. She also exhibited remarkable adaptability throughout the project, in response to evolving requirements and client requests – some of which had significant long-term implications for the implementation.

Due to Gemma’s extensive system knowledge and high-quality documentation, the client was able to quickly understand the content, and gain significant guidance during challenging decision-making processes.

Gemma’s leadership also extended to mentoring and training junior team members, who have since made a significant impact on the project under her guidance. Gemma’s proactive approach and organisational skills have been invaluable in maintaining the project’s momentum while managing an ever-changing requirement landscape and occasionally challenging stakeholders. The client has acknowledged her contribution as “flawless”.

Peter Brown MBE
Thought Leader Consultant of the Year

As Global Workforce Leader at PwC, Pete has established a highly respected reputation for his impactful thought leadership, which addresses the challenges and opportunities confronting organisations and leaders today. Reflecting PwC’s core values of building trust in society and solving important problems, Pete’s work in leading enterprise workforce transformations for global organisations, coupled with the research he leads on the state of work globally, equips him with a deep understanding of the real-world workforce pressures that organisations face. This insight ensures that the content he produces empowers organisations to drive high performance in critical areas such as leadership, skills, technology and workforce strategy.

Crucially, the thought leadership and research that Pete develops are not merely theoretical; they are actively used by PwC’s clients to tackle some of their most pressing workforce issues, and are implemented by individuals and organisations around the world. Pete’s ability to convey insights and first-hand knowledge of workforce matters in an accessible manner transcends grades, territories, and sectors, facilitated through multiple publishing channels. Beyond appealing to his clients and network, Pete leverages his platforms to share valuable insights with PwC’s internal community, helping to upskill colleagues, and disseminate his extensive knowledge and experience.

This year, Pete is particularly proud of PwC’s inaugural AI Jobs Barometer—a groundbreaking study that analysed over half a billion job adverts to assess AI’s impact on jobs, wages, skills and productivity. This unique report emerged from client conversations highlighting the need for concrete data and analysis amidst the AI and GenAI discourse. Launched at VivaTech, the report enjoyed record media coverage and impact.