Britain’s consulting industry is projected to grow by 6% in 2026, a slowdown from earlier forecasts and recent performance, according to data from the Management Consultancies Association (MCA). This marks a decline from the sector’s previous growth estimates of nearly 9% for this year, following an 11% increase in 2023 and 9% growth in 2024.

The MCA reported that revenue in 2025 rose by almost 10%, driven primarily by international demand for British consulting expertise. More than 60% of MCA member firms derived nearly a third of their revenue from overseas clients during the year, highlighting the sector’s strong global presence.

Despite this international appetite, domestic demand for consulting services has remained subdued. MCA Chief Executive Tamzen Isaacson attributed the slower growth to UK businesses prioritising cost-efficiency measures and reducing expenditure on consulting amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The focus on tighter budgets among domestic organisations has tempered the overall expansion of the industry.

The contrasting performances between overseas and domestic markets underscore the consulting sector’s adaptive approach, with British firms capitalising on their reputation for excellence abroad while grappling with cautious spending at home. The MCA’s findings reflect broader economic challenges in the United Kingdom, which have influenced corporate priorities and investment decisions in professional advisory services.

Overall, while Britain’s consulting industry continues to expand, the pace of growth is moderating as companies navigate a complex economic environment, balancing the pursuit of international opportunities with constrained domestic budgets.