Welcome to the latest edition of IMPOWER’s annual report.

The market remains demanding: public sector consultancy spend is under scrutiny, competition is intensifying, particularly around local government reorganisation, and NHS procurement continues to be complex. Yet this environment also creates opportunity. SEND reform, prevention, more certain local government funding and medium term NHS planning point to sustained demand for the kind of complex transformation support where IMPOWER has deep, proven expertise.

FY26 was not defined solely by constrained financial performance. It was a year of deliberate repositioning: strengthening the platform from which we can grow. We expanded into adjacent markets, including local government reorganisation, broader NHS advisory work, and leisure and culture; sharpened our focus on higher-value opportunities; and built a broader client base capable of supporting larger, more scalable engagements.

We also invested in what makes IMPOWER distinctive: our people, methods and culture. Our refreshed learning and development offer, the launch of the Complex Transformation Academy, enhanced CRM and HR systems, and continued investment in analytics tools and products all strengthen our ability to deliver bigger, more complex programmes with quality and confidence. Industry recognition, thought leadership and benchmarking products have further reinforced our market position, as well as the proportion of our staff receiving accredited chartered management consultant status.

FY27 is about converting that investment into growth: expanding in local government, building NHS revenue beyond Valuing Home and the Neighbourhoods agenda, and maintaining strength in children’s social care, adult social care and SEND. With 82% employee engagement, Sunday Times Best Places to Work recognition and a growing team, IMPOWER is well placed to deliver.

Sean Hanson

CEO, IMPOWER