January 2025 Highlights
Welcome to the New Year! As Ireland’s leading professional body for management consultants, IMCA (Ireland) is dedicated to empowering our members with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to excel. Here’s what we have in store for January
Welcome Message from Patrick Downes, CEO, IMCA
As we step into 2025, IMCA (Ireland) continues to pave the way for management consultants and business advisers in Ireland.
Our focus remains on fostering professional growth, championing the value of CMC certification, and strengthening our National and International partnerships.
This newsletter will keep you informed about key trends, member success stories, upcoming events, and thought leadership initiatives shaping the consulting industry.
Spotlight on Professional Development
CMC Certification: Elevate Your Consulting Career The Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation is the hallmark of excellence for consultants worldwide. Learn how earning this credential can open doors to international opportunities, enhance your credibility, and boost your career trajectory.
Recent Events
Elevate Your Credentials with CMC Certification Did you know that Certified Management Consultant (CMC) certification is a globally recognised mark of excellence? IMCA offers a pathway to help you achieve this gold standard in consulting.
Masterclasses – View recent Joe Houghton AI Masterclass HERE
Welcome to New Members We’re excited to welcome some new Members as they start your journey to professional recognition with us.
Member Knowledge Sharing: Dr Peter Brennan,
Dr Peter Brennan, a long-standing member of IMCA, shares his deep domain knowledge on how members can navigate the upcoming mission critical OGP Consulting Framework and shares his insights on how best to engage and succeed in your application via the etenders platform – see the Masterclass HERE a must-watch !
Thought Leadership for the New Year
Article: Thought Leadership
The Rise of ESG in Consulting Sustainability and ESG are no longer optional—they are essential. Learn how consultants are navigating this shift and helping businesses achieve long-term sustainability goals.
The Rise of ESG in Consulting: Transforming Business Through Sustainable Leadership
The landscape of management consulting has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations moving from the periphery to the very core of strategic decision-making. As organisations face mounting pressure from stakeholders, regulators, and consumers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, consultants are increasingly being called upon to guide this critical transition.
The Irish ESG Revolution
Ireland’s business landscape has become a compelling example of ESG transformation in action. Kerry Group’s ambitious sustainability program, “Beyond the Horizon,” has set new benchmarks for the food industry, with consultants playing a crucial role in developing their science-based climate targets and sustainable sourcing initiatives. Similarly, CRH’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 has created ripple effects throughout Ireland’s construction sector, with consultants helping to reshape supply chain practices and material innovation strategies.
Beyond Compliance: The Strategic Imperative
Today’s ESG consulting goes far beyond mere regulatory compliance. Leading consultants are helping organizations recognize that strong ESG performance drives long-term value creation. Dublin-based Kingspan’s journey to net-zero manufacturing, supported by sustainability consultants, has not only reduced their environmental impact but has also driven significant operational cost savings and market differentiation.
The Irish Context
The push toward ESG integration has gained particular momentum in Ireland’s financial services sector. Companies like AIB have worked extensively with consultants to develop their sustainable lending frameworks, while Irish Life Investment Managers has pioneered ESG-integrated investment strategies. The Sustainable Finance Ireland initiative has created a thriving ecosystem where consultants are helping position Dublin as a global hub for sustainable finance.
Success Stories from Irish Industry
Several Irish companies demonstrate the transformative impact of ESG consulting:
– Bord na Móna’s remarkable transition from peat harvesting to renewable energy, guided by environmental consultants, has become a case study in successful corporate transformation
– Origin Enterprises’ sustainable agriculture program, developed with ESG consultants, is reshaping farming practices across Ireland
– Glanbia’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, supported by consulting expertise, has set new standards for agricultural sustainability
The Path Forward
As Ireland continues to strengthen its position as a leader in sustainable business practices, the role of consultants becomes increasingly vital. The government’s Climate Action Plan has created new opportunities for consultants to help organisations align with national sustainability goals while maintaining competitiveness in global markets.
Looking Ahead
The future of ESG consulting in Ireland looks particularly bright, with emerging opportunities in:
– Supporting Ireland’s offshore wind energy development
– Advancing the circular economy initiatives in Irish manufacturing
– Developing sustainable finance frameworks for Ireland’s growing FinTech sector
– Helping Irish SMEs adapt to new EU sustainability reporting requirements
The message is clear: ESG is not just another consulting trend—it’s a fundamental shift in how business value is created and measured. Those consultants who can effectively guide organisations through this transformation will find themselves at the forefront of the profession’s evolution.
This article appears in the Spring 2025 edition of [Newsletter Name]. For more insights on governance and sustainability, visit our website or contact our expert team
See more HERE
Engage with Your Community
Connect with fellow professionals at our Masterclasses and through IMCA’s international partnerships. Take advantage of member-exclusive resources like our Masterclass CPD programme and best practice guides.
#IMCAIreland #ManagementConsulting #ProfessionalDevelopment #Networking #ConsultingTrends #CMC #DigitalTransformation #LeadershipExcellence
Call to Action: Take the first step toward transforming your career. Visit IMCA.ie to learn more about our certifications, events, and membership benefits.