Inner Circle Consulting named MCA Awards finalist in six categories

Written By Gilberto Coker

Inner Circle Consulting has been shortlisted in six categories at the 2026 MCA Awards, the leading awards programme for the UK management consulting industry.

We are delighted to see this recognition, which demonstrates the extent to which our approach is resonating with our public sector clients and the wider industry. These awards highlight the difference our team have made to our clients, and their contributions to fresh thinking, strategy and industry-level excellence.

ICC is one of the strongest SME performers in this year's shortlist, with two project nominations and four individual consultants making the cut. SMEs account for 60% of all finalists across the 2026 awards. Importantly, with this we are also helping to introduce and celebrate the next generation of talent, with our Young Consultant finalist being mentioned for her high-impact work across housing, including an estate regeneration programme.

Chris Twigg, CEO at Inner Circle Consulting, said: "Six finalist nominations is a tremendous recognition of the work our teams do every day with councils, combined authorities and housing associations across the country. The MCA Awards measure consulting against the highest standards in the industry. To be shortlisted in both project and individual categories reflects the expertise of the team and the impact of what we do on the issues that matter most: growth, housing, and the future of local public services."

Project finalists

ICC is a finalist in two project categories:

  • Best Use of Thought Leadership – recognising Case for Cities in Local Government Reorganisation and English Devolution.

  • Strategy — recognising ICC's work with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) on its growth strategy and inclusive growth framework.

Individual finalists

Four ICC consultants have been shortlisted in individual categories:

  • Tanushree Agarwal — Young Consultant of the Year.

  • Aoife Bye — Team Leader Consultant of the Year.

  • Hannah McShane — Thought Leadership Consultant of the Year.

  • Matthew Bennett — Experienced Leader.

The MCA's full announcement is available at: https://www.mca.org.uk/press-releases/finalists-announced-for-mca-awards-2026-highlighting-consulting-industrys-impact-on-uk-business-priorities-and-key-public-sector-challenges

The full list of 2026 finalists is available at: https://www.mca.org.uk/mca-awards/finalists-2026

Gilberto Coker
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