Q5 is proud to have won two prestigious Communitas Awards: Leadership in Community Service and Corporate Social Responsibility and Skills-Based Community Service (Pro Bono). These honours celebrate the dedication of Q5ers worldwide, who contribute their skills, time, and energy to create meaningful social impact through pro bono projects and community partnerships.

Reading time: 2 minutes

We are delighted to announce that Q5 has once again been recognised on the global stage for our commitment to community service and social impact, receiving not one, but two prestigious Communitas Awards:

• Leadership in Community Service and Corporate Social Responsibility
• Skills-Based Community Service (Pro Bono)

These awards celebrate the dedication of Q5ers across the world who continually give their time, skills and energy to make a difference in their communities. From pro bono Pop Up strategy and organisational design projects, to initiatives with the Big Issue, Futures Taskforce, Youth Panel and Emerging Consultants, our people continue to demonstrate the power of business as a force for good.

A message from Daniel Levy, Head of the Q5 Foundation 

“I am so delighted to share this news! Such a wonderful letter to receive and to share with the team, we have just won 2 awards for Q5 – Fabulous! A huge thank you to the owners of the business who prioritise giving back in such an inspiring way, and to all the Q5ers who tirelessly support on dozens of pro bono projects, as well as programmes with the Big Issue and Q5 initiatives. Well done everyone – a truly Q5-wide achievement.”

Celebrating our impact

This is the second time Q5 has received two Communitas Awards in a single year, a reflection of our ongoing, global, skills-based approach to giving back. Q5ers do so much through pro bono consulting, youth support and social impact programmes that it’s hard to capture it all in one place.

At the heart of these achievements is the Q5 Foundation, which brings our people and our partners together to build stronger, more resilient communities.

To every Q5er who has gifted their time, expertise and passion to these efforts, this recognition belongs to you. Congratulations, team!

Learn more about the Q5 Foundation and our community initiatives here.

The post Q5 Foundation wins two Communitas Awards appeared first on Q5 Partners.

Q5 has been recognised by Forbes as one of the World’s Best Management Consulting Firms 2025, marking our fourth year on the list. Honoured across six categories, this recognition reflects our commitment to organisational health, innovative solutions, and delivering meaningful impact, thanks to our outstanding team and trusted client partnerships.

Reading time: 2 minutes

We are delighted to share that Q5 has once again been recognised by Forbes as one of the World’s Best Management Consulting Firms in 2025. The full list is here.

Founded in 2008, and headquartered in Westminster, London, Q5 is proud to be included in this prestigious list, which highlights consultancies that consistently deliver meaningful impact for their clients around the globe for the fourth year.

This year, Q5 has been acknowledged across a wide range of categories, reflecting the breadth of our expertise and the depth of our client partnerships:

• Banks, Insurances and Financial Institutions
• Consumer Goods and Retail
• Health Care and Life Sciences
• HR and Coaching
• Internet, E-Commerce, Media and Entertainment
• Organization Management

Each of these areas reflects not only our technical expertise, but also our deep commitment to organisational health, helping businesses and their people thrive during times of change.

Olly Purnell, Partner & Co-Founder of Q5, said, “I’m really glad to see Q5 make the Forbes list. That said, I’d be pretty miffed if the team wasn’t there! I know how smart, conscientious and talented my colleagues are. Furthermore, the investments we have made in OrgMaps and other digital tech we’ve developed and now use brilliantly across our global client base, mark us out as genuinely innovative and institutionally entrepreneurial.”

This achievement is thanks to our outstanding Q5 team, whose dedication and collaborative spirit ensure we always work together to get things done. We are equally grateful to our clients, whose trust and partnership have been instrumental in making this possible.

At Q5, we never settle. We remain passionate about building healthier organisations and driving meaningful transformation where it matters most. Being recognised by Forbes strengthens our resolve to keep delivering impactful solutions for clients across the globe.

The post Forbes names Q5 among the World’s Best Consulting Firms 2025 appeared first on Q5 Partners.

How is AI reshaping the world of work? The Q5 Futures Taskforce 2024/25 set out to answer this through a deep dive across sectors, from retail to public services. Their report highlights how automation, ethics, skills, and digital maturity are redefining roles and opportunities across the UK workforce landscape.

Reading time: 5 minutes

How will Artificial Intelligence impact the future of work?

That’s the question at the heart of this year’s Q5 Futures Taskforce, a cross-disciplinary programme bringing together students from universities across the UK. The 2024/25 cohort explored how AI is already transforming the way we work, the skills we need, and the structures we rely on.

Over the course of the programme, participants conducted in-depth research and interactive workshops at Q5’s London office. Their findings cut across multiple sectors, surfacing shared challenges and unique sector-specific opportunities.

Key sector insights

The insights below are based on independent research conducted by the 2024/25 Q5 Futures Taskforce cohort and do not reflect the official views of Q5.

• Retail: AI is revolutionising supply chains and customer engagement. From automation in logistics to AI-powered chatbots in-store, the sector is evolving fast, but must grapple with ethical concerns and data transparency.
• Infrastructure & Energy: AI is improving efficiency in transport, utilities, and the energy sector. But with job roles shifting and offshoring increasing, reskilling and digital upskilling are critical.
• Financial Services: With AI deeply embedded in fraud detection, reporting, and client servicing, the sector faces tough ethical and regulatory questions. Trust-building through transparency and fairness is front of mind.
• Public Sector: Despite potential gains in efficiency and service delivery, legacy systems and cultural barriers are slowing AI adoption in government, education, and healthcare. A department-led approach is emerging as a practical solution.
• Media, Entertainment, Technology, and Sport (METTS): AI is enhancing content delivery, fan experience, and operational agility. However, growing public concern around privacy underscores the need for responsible AI use.

What’s next?

As we publish these findings, we’re also thrilled to have launched the 2025/26 Futures Taskforce cohort. They’ll begin their journey with Q5 in September, ready to tackle the next big questions shaping our world of work.

Download the full findings below

The post The Q5 Futures Taskforce 2025: AI and the future of work appeared first on Q5 Partners.

Following our recent King’s Award for International Trade, Consultancy UK has positioned Q5 as a top UK firm, receiving Diamond rating for Change Management alongside Platinum and Gold ratings for multiple industry sectors and service areas.

Reading time: 2 minutes

For two years in a row, we’re very proud to announce that Q5 has been ranked as one of the top five consulting firms for change management in the UK, securing the highest Diamond rating from Consultancy UK. This rating is based on the insights of executives and consultants in the field, along with comprehensive assessments of our capabilities, reputation and thought leadership across all our sectors, offerings and services.

In addition to this, we’ve also secured a Platinum ranking for Human Resources and Management consulting service areas and the Healthcare industry sector. Our impact also extends across numerous industries where we have received Gold ratings, including Construction, Energy, Financial Services, Government, Media, Public Sector, Retail, and Sport.

We are delighted to be recognised again as a top consulting firm at Diamond level so soon after achieving a King’s Award for International Trade which coincides with our 16th anniversary. It is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering transformative results. A huge thank you to our clients and partners in trusting us with your biggest business challenges and to our exceptional team for making this possible.

At Q5, we pride ourselves on our innovative approaches and commitment to excellence. Our proven ability to design and execute effective change management strategies continues to empower our clients in navigating complex business challenges. This latest recognition affirms our leadership position and fuels our ambition to push boundaries and exceed expectations.

Get in touch to discover more about our award-winning methodologies and how we can support your organisation’s transformation journey, here.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here’s to many more milestones ahead!

The post Q5: 2025 Top UK Consultancy Firm appeared first on Q5 Partners.

As we celebrate a decade of local operations in Australia, we’re proud to announce several senior leadership appointments that reaffirm our long-term commitment to the region.

Strengthening Our Leadership Team in Australia and New Zealand

At Q5, we specialise in helping organisations thrive through periods of growth and transformation—whether that means optimising costs, redesigning structures, redefining roles, or building capabilities for the future. With a global presence across nine offices and clients spanning industries from media and finance to healthcare and the public sector, we’re proud of the impact we’ve made—and excited about what’s next.

Marking our 10th year in Australia, we’re thrilled to share that Q5 Co-Founder Chris Parsons has been appointed Managing Partner for Australia and New Zealand. Since relocating to Australia in 2024, Chris has been instrumental in shaping our success in the region, leading a period of significant growth and deepening our partnerships with clients.

We’re also excited to announce that Lyndal Hughes, who has successfully led our Australian business through the post-Covid recovery over the last three years, will take on a new strategic role. She’ll focus on expanding our market reach and accelerating growth in key sectors, helping to shape the next chapter of our story.

In addition, Natalie Firth, who leads our Global Organisation Design offering, will bring her extensive expertise to support clients in Australia and New Zealand. Natalie will also help lead our regional People function, ensuring we continue to grow and support exceptional talent.

We’re also delighted to welcome Nalin Mehrotra to our Australian team. With experience spanning Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe and the Middle East, Nalin brings a strong background in strategy and financial consulting, and will play a vital role in enhancing operational performance for our clients.

Looking Ahead

As Chris Parsons shared: “Australia has always felt like an integral part of the Q5 family, and it’s been a privilege to contribute to its journey over the past year. As we enter our tenth year, I’m incredibly optimistic about the opportunities ahead—to grow, exceed our clients’ expectations, and continue building meaningful careers for our Q5ers across the region. I’m looking forward to working with such a talented team as we make Q5@10 a real milestone to remember.”

Discover More About Q5’s Work in Australia

To learn more about how we’re helping organisations thrive through better organisational health, contact us.

The post Q5 Expands Leadership Team in Australia appeared first on Q5 Partners.

We’re incredibly proud to share that Q5 has been awarded a prestigious King’s Award for International Trade in recognition of our ongoing commitment to helping businesses thrive across the globe.

This year marks the 59th edition of the King’s Awards for Enterprise, celebrating exceptional UK businesses that are achieving remarkable growth and innovation. This award only goes out to the select few, and we are one of just 197 organisations across the country to receive this honour. It acknowledges the strength and impact of our international work – particularly in Australia, the US, and across the Gulf region.

Rewarding Our Global Expansion

Our global expansion has been a significant part of our journey over the past five years. Today, six of our nine offices are located outside the UK, reflecting our growing presence overseas. While the majority of our team remains UK-based – with offices in London, Leeds and Cardiff – our international footprint continues to grow in response to client demand.

At Q5, we specialise in organisational health and performance which leads us to work with hundreds of clients across a wide range of industries. So, whether a business is growing rapidly or navigating a major transformation, our consultants – backed by strategic tools and technology – help redesign how organisations work, from structure and roles to workflows and capabilities.

Receiving this award is a real milestone. As Olly Purnell, our Co-founder and Managing Partner, puts it:

“We’re chuffed! The King’s Award is one of the highest honours for UK businesses, and it means a lot to be recognised for the work we’re doing both at home and abroad. I’m also deeply proud of our Q5 Foundation and the positive impact it’s making in communities around the world. A huge thank you to His Majesty The King for this recognition – and to our brilliant team, who continue to deliver with focus, dedication, and integrity in an increasingly complex world.”

More About The King’s Awards

Originally established as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, these prestigious accolades were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s continued support for outstanding British business.

We’ll be joining other award recipients at a royal reception later this summer to celebrate this achievement – and we look forward to continuing our mission to build healthier organisations worldwide.

To learn more about how we’re helping organisations thrive through better organisational health, contact us.

The post Q5 Receive A King’s Award appeared first on Q5 Partners.

We’re excited to welcome Amanda Lewis as our new CFO. With over two decades of experience, Amanda brings deep expertise in financial strategy, M&A, and scaling high-performing teams. She’ll play a crucial role in driving Q5’s global expansion and supporting our goal to double in size sustainably by 2030.

Reading time: 2 minutes

We’re delighted to announce that Amanda Lewis has joined Q5 as our new Chief Financial Officer. This strategic appointment is a key milestone in our journey, as we continue to grow globally and enhance our operational excellence.

Amanda brings with her over 20 years of experience as a transformative finance leader. Most recently, she served as CFO at The Chemistry Group, where she helped guide the company through a successful M&A process. She attracted top-tier talent, fostered a culture of data transparency, and drove strategic insight, operational efficiency, and alignment of cost structures with financial goals.

At Q5, Amanda will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing our strategy to sustainably double the size of our business by 2030. Between 2020 and 2025, we’ve already doubled in size and expanded our footprint from four offices to nine. Amanda will work closely with our leadership team to build on this momentum, particularly as we focus on continued growth in the Middle East, North America, and Australia.

Reflecting on her new role, Amanda shared:

“I am thrilled to join the Q5 team and be part of an award-winning firm that is helping to build better businesses across the world. I’m passionate about driving client and partner success, while also coaching and mentoring a team to create a high-performing environment. I look forward to the growth we can achieve together.” 

Olly Purnell, Managing Partner added:

“It’s wonderful to have Amanda on board. She inherits an excellent Finance team, but will bring experience and commercial finance nous and leadership that will hopefully enable us to be more global in the way we approach things.”

For more information on Q5 and what we do, please visit https://www.q5partners.com/what-we-do/. 

The post Amanda Lewis joins Q5 as Chief Financial Officer appeared first on Q5 Partners.

Q5 Arabia is proud to welcome Scott Kennedy as its new Managing Director. With over a decade of experience across multiple sectors and regions, Scott brings deep expertise in strategy execution and organizational effectiveness. His leadership will drive Q5 Arabia’s growth, strengthen client relationships, and localize Q5’s expertise in the Middle East.

Reading time: 2 minutes

Q5 is proud to welcome Scott Kennedy as the new Managing Director of Q5 Arabia. His appointment marks an exciting chapter for us as it strengthens our presence in the Middle East, helping Government and organizations navigate change and deliver exceptional results while achieve lasting success.

Originally from Dunfermline, Scotland, Scott’s career has been defined by transformation—both in the businesses he has led and the regions he has worked in. With over a decade of experience spanning the private, public, and non-profit sectors, he has played a pivotal role in driving impactful initiatives across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Italy, Sweden, Singapore, and South Korea. His expertise lies in strategic execution, organizational design, organizational effectiveness and operational excellence.

Scott brings an impressive background of experience with leading firms, including Maximus Gulf, AEI Saudi, and Working Links. As Vice President of PMO & Centre of Excellence at Maximus Gulf, he built a Saudi-based PMO function that supported regional growth and launched an advisory unit focused on strategy execution and social impact. As Chief Operating Officer at AEI Saudi, he initiated a company-wide transformation, forged strategic partnerships, and helped hundreds of international companies establish a presence in the Saudi market. At Working Links, he played a key role in shaping international strategy across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Europe, managing high-impact government advisory projects and overseeing a vast network of partners.

Now, as Managing Director of Q5 Arabia, Scott is responsible for creating and leading our long-term vision and driving its strategic growth. Scott is focused on building high-performing local teams, strengthening client relationships, and delivering transformational results. His vision includes localizing Q5’s expertise to better serve the region, enhancing the company’s reputation within Saudi Arabia, and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. A strong advocate for talent development, he is committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, ensuring Q5 Arabia remains an employer of choice in the region.

Reflecting on his new role, Scott shared:

“After more than a decade of learning, growing, and working in Saudi Arabia, I’m excited to bring my experience to Q5. This is more than just a business opportunity—it’s about people, impact, and the future. Together, we’ll continue to innovate, create lasting value, and contribute to the Kingdom’s dynamic transformation as Q5 moves PowerPoint to dashboard.” 

Olly Purnell, Managing Partner added:

“Scott is a super chap, with many years’ experience leading teams in Saudi Arabia. He’s been a good friend of Q5 since we opened our operation in Riyadh back in 2018, so we know what he’s capable of, what motivates him … and how he can help us make a profound impact on our clients in the Kingdom”.

For more information on Q5 and what we do, please visit https://www.q5partners.com/what-we-do/. 

The post Scott Kennedy joins Q5 Arabia as Managing Director appeared first on Q5 Partners.

2024 was an amazing year for the Q5 Foundation, as we deepened our commitment to social impact and supported over 30 charities and community organisations globally. Together, we achieved remarkable milestones that demonstrate the power of collaboration, expertise, and passion.

Reading time: 6 minutes

A year of empowering communities

This year, the Q5 Foundation proudly donated over £1 million in consulting time and expertise. This incredible milestone reflects the dedication of Q5ers across our eight global offices, who volunteered their skills to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities. From strategic support to hands-on initiatives, our contributions have tackled challenges in education, health, economic empowerment, and workplace inclusion.

Watch our video showcasing the incredible impact of our 2024 Q5 Foundation initiatives!

Pop-Up Consulting: making an immediate difference

One of our standout initiatives in 2024 was our Pop-Up Consulting programme. We worked with 25 different organisations on high-impact, pro bono consulting projects to bring our expertise to organisations that may not have access to such resources otherwise. For instance:

• The Big Issue Group: in the increasingly challenging world of print magazine, consultants leading our Media and Not for Profit sectors helped this iconic British charity’s leadership teams ideate, prioritise and prototype solutions to support The Big Issue’s Vendors of tomorrow.
• Leeds Community Foundation: In our Leeds office, consultants worked closely with this local charity to strengthen its strategic initiatives and enhance its community impact.

These projects showcase how focused, expert-driven collaboration can create lasting results.

Research Collaborations: systemic change in society

Over the year, we launched reports in several areas, supporting meaningful change in improving minority representation in business, addressing inequalities in public services, tackling issues of poverty, social mobility, and jobs for marginalised communities, and driving sustainability transformation. Powerfully combining research and analytics together with practical recommendations, these provide actors with the actionable insights and tools necessary to effect real change in society.

• The 10,000 Interns Foundation: Our research and analytics team played a pivotal role in evaluating the impact of their work on reducing workplace inequalities. Through in-depth interviews, desktop research, and data analysis, we helped the leadership team understand and evidence the successes and the gaps and refine the mission to better support black talent in the workplace.
• Sustainability Transformation: in another groundbreaking study, we uncovered insights from 160 organisations and over 50 leaders across 27 countries. Together with our colleagues in the The Transformation Alliance, we explored how businesses can practically navigate sustainability transformation.

Investing in the future: our initiatives for young people

Equipping the next generation with the tools and opportunities to lead change is a cornerstone of our mission. In 2024, our Young People programmes expanded significantly, including mentoring programmes and skills workshops. Highlights include:

• Youth Panel: for the sixth consecutive year, twenty 15-to-18 year olds explored the future of work and gained valuable skills and mentoring from our consultants.
• Futures Taskforce: for the third year, we welcomed twenty students from across universities and disciplines to explore future megatrends in our key sectors with the 2024-25 cohort already generating fascinating insights on how AI and automation will transform the world of work.
• University Consulting: we mentored and coached student teams at Bath and Nottingham universities on pro bono projects for charities and non-profits through partnerships with student-led organisations like 180 Degrees Consulting.

Our efforts to provide young people with the mentoring, skills, voice and opportunity to impact the world reflect our belief that investing in the next generation is key to creating sustainable change.

Global community partnerships

The Q5 Foundation is deeply embedded in the communities where we work. This year, our global offices continued to foster meaningful partnerships with local charities and causes:

• Houston Food Bank: Our team in Houston rolled up their sleeves to support this vital organisation, contributing both time and resources to address food insecurity.
• Arab Women Entrepreneurs: In the Middle East, our consultants partnered with this organisation to promote female economic empowerment, providing mentorship and training to aspiring business leaders.
• Power Up London: Big Issue Invest invited Q5ers in the UK to join their Accelerator Programme as mentors for the 2024 cohort. Consultants supported three early-stage social trading organisations – Raphael’s Room, Amplify and Black Farmer’s Market – each addressing social and environmental issues and providing services to marginalised communities in London.

Q5ers dedicated countless hours to volunteering and providing strategic guidance to causes close to their hearts. These partnerships not only strengthened the organisations we supported but also enriched our team’s understanding of the diverse challenges faced by communities worldwide.

Behind the numbers: a collective effort

Driving impact through collaboration

The Foundation’s achievements this year were powered by the passion and expertise of our consultants. By applying the same tools, methodologies, and frameworks used in commercial projects, we delivered solutions tailored to the unique needs of the third sector. This approach ensured that our efforts were not just impactful but also sustainable.

Looking ahead to 2025

“Reaching the milestone of £1 million in consulting time is a testament to the incredible passion and dedication of our team,” said Daniel Levy, Head of the Q5 Foundation. “It’s a privilege to work alongside such inspiring organisations and to witness the difference our support can make.”

As we look to 2025, we are excited to build on this year’s momentum. From expanding our Pop-Up Consulting programme to forging new partnerships, we remain committed to driving meaningful change in the communities we serve.

A note of gratitude

To the incredible charities and not-for-profits we’ve partnered with: thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey. Your resilience and vision inspire us every day.

To our Q5ers: your dedication to going above and beyond your consulting roles has made this year’s achievements possible. Together, we’re proving that business can be a force for good.

Join us in creating change

As we close out 2024, we invite you to join us in continuing this journey of impact. Whether through collaboration, partnership, or simply spreading the word, your support helps us create a brighter future for all.

Does this interest you? We’d love to chat!

Daniel Levy

Head of the Q5 Foundation

Daniel.levy@q5partners.com

The post Driving social change in 2024 appeared first on Q5 Partners.

Q5 has been recognised as a leading consultancy in the Middle East, achieving top rankings in Change Management, Human Resources, and Management. With accolades across key industries like Construction, Energy, and Media, this award highlights our commitment to driving impactful change for organisations.

Reading time: 2 minutes

We are thrilled to share that Q5 has been recognised as one of the leading consultancy firms in the Middle East. This achievement reflects our dedication to partnering with clients to deliver outstanding results and build healthier, more resilient organisations across the region.

Recognition across service areas

Our commitment to excellence in consultancy has been acknowledged with accolades across key service areas, including:

• Change Management: Platinum
• Human Resources: Gold
• Management: Gold
• Project Management: Silver

This recognition highlights the breadth and depth of our expertise in helping organisations adapt, thrive, and transform in a dynamic business environment.

Industry Expertise

We are proud to have been acknowledged for our impactful work across several industries in the Middle East, earning awards at the following levels:

• Construction: Gold
• Energy: Silver
• Media: Silver

This success is a testament to the trust our clients place in us and the strength of our team in delivering tailored solutions that address complex challenges across diverse sectors.

A Global Commitment

This Middle East ranking complements our recognition earlier this year in the UK, where we were also named a top consultancy firm. It underscores the global reach of our expertise and the shared values we bring to every project: collaboration, innovation, and a passion for making a difference.

We are deeply grateful to our clients and partners in the Middle East for their trust and support, and we look forward to continuing to drive meaningful change across the region.

Learn more about our award-winning approach and how we can help you achieve your business transformation goals.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here’s to many more milestones ahead!

The post Q5 named Top Consultancy in the Middle East appeared first on Q5 Partners.