
Expanding Horizons: How the B2E Consulting Academy is Shaping the Future of Consulting
Dale McNeill | Client Partner
In our previous article, we explored the transformative impact of the B2E Consulting Academy in equipping consultants to thrive with our FTSE 100 financial services client. Since then, the Academy has broadened its horizons, partnering with a leading multinational food and beverage organisation. This exciting step showcases the Academy’s growing ability to develop cost-effective, high-performing consultants who deliver exceptional value while preparing for leadership roles across industries.
Breaking New Ground: The Academy’s Latest Partnership
The B2E Consulting Academy is thrilled to be expanding our work with an established client by supporting their Data Analytics division on an exciting new project. Our Academy consultant is providing the role of PMO and Technical Project Management, tackling challenges like data integration, testing, and governance improvements. From administrative support and project planning to process optimisation and management reporting, their contributions are already making a real difference. This partnership highlights the Academy’s adaptability and the ability of its consultants to integrate seamlessly into a client’s team, delivering tangible value from day one.
Raising the Bar: A Proven Model for Success
At the heart of the Academy’s achievements lies a structured approach to talent development, preparing consultants to excel in complex environments and exceed client expectations. Here are the key elements driving this success:
- Comprehensive Training and Certifications – Academy consultants receive tailored training programmes that blend hands-on experience with industry-recognised qualifications, such as PRINCE2, Agile, and CBAP. This combination ensures they possess both the technical expertise and theoretical knowledge to thrive in demanding roles.
- Diverse Rotational Assignments – Consultants gain broad experience through structured rotations across roles such as business analysis, PMO functions, and project management. This approach fosters a versatile skill set and equips them to address clients’ needs from multiple perspectives.
- Continuous Feedback and Growth – Regular performance reviews and constructive feedback help consultants track their progress, identify areas for improvement, and refine their career aspirations, ensuring ongoing development aligned with client expectations.
- Cost-Effective Excellence – By delivering the impact of seasoned professionals at a fraction of the cost, Academy consultants offer clients an unbeatable combination of quality and value.
- Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) – Reflecting B2E Consulting’s broader ED&I principles, the Academy promotes a diverse and inclusive environment, providing opportunities for consultants from all backgrounds to thrive and contribute meaningfully to client outcomes.
Delivering Exceptional Outcomes
The B2E Consulting Academy consistently achieves outstanding results, both for its consultants and the clients they support:
- Permanent Opportunities: Every consultant who has completed the Academy programme has been offered a permanent role by their client, progressing into positions such as Programme Manager, Project Manager, and Business Analyst.
- Rapid Value Creation: Feedback highlights that Academy consultants deliver measurable results within months, often outperforming expectations and rivaling the contributions of more experienced professionals.
- Client Confidence: Success stories have spurred discussions around expanding the Academy’s remit, including increasing consultant intake and exploring additional areas where its expertise can add value.
Building Future Leaders Through Succession Planning
The Academy doesn’t just develop talented consultants; it creates a pipeline of future leaders for clients, ensuring continuity and long-term value. Key elements of this approach include:
- Effective Onboarding – Comprehensive onboarding programmes ensure consultants hit the ground running, quickly adapting to clients’ cultures and expectations.
- Mentorship and Reverse Mentoring – Consultants receive guidance from experienced mentors, who share insights and model leadership behaviours. They also engage in reverse mentoring, offering fresh perspectives to senior stakeholders.
- Leadership Skill Development – Through hands-on opportunities such as managing initiatives, leading cross-functional teams, and presenting to senior leaders, consultants gain the skills needed to step confidently into leadership roles.
- Structured Career Development – Personalised career plans and regular feedback ensure consultants achieve their professional goals in alignment with clients’ strategic objectives.
- Recognition and Engagement – The Academy fosters a supportive environment where consultants feel valued. Regular recognition of achievements helps maintain motivation and engagement, contributing to long-term retention.
What’s Next for the Academy?
The success of the B2E Consulting Academy has paved the way for expansion. We’re exploring opportunities to increase consultant intake and broaden the roles offered across client organisations. These developments underline the Academy’s scalability and flexibility, enabling it to adapt to the evolving needs of global clients.
Conclusion: Setting a New Standard in Talent Development
The B2E Consulting Academy is far more than a training programme—it is a dynamic initiative that transforms promising talent into high-performing consultants and future leaders. Its unique ability to adapt across industries, deliver cost-effective results, and align with clients’ strategic goals positions it as a trailblazer in consulting talent development.
From supporting financial services giants to partnering with global food and beverage leaders, the Academy continues to deliver exceptional outcomes. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, inclusivity, and professional growth, it ensures every consultant is equipped to drive innovation, deliver results, and leave a lasting impact.
As the Academy expands its reach, it reaffirms its role as a critical driver of success for clients and consultants alike, setting a benchmark for talent development programmes across the consulting industry.
About the author – Dale McNeill:
Dale has spent the majority of his career consulting in IT Service Management, firstly with Northgate IS, then more recently with Accenture. An ITIL Expert with Cross Industry knowledge, Dale has led many consulting projects in large programmes across the IT Lifecycle. Dale joined B2E in January 2017, supporting some of our key client accounts and helping develop capabilities to support new clients, showcasing our expertise and growing our B2E community.
When not in the office, Dale enjoys going to a variety of gigs, visiting the cinema, cooking and talking to his budgie, Eric. A new addition to the family (Gus the Cocker Spaniel puppy) also keeps him busy and very fit!