Deloitte targets NW public sector for growth
DELOITTE is targeting the public sector in the North West as a key growth area.
The accountancy and business advisory firm has appointed Mark Lawrie, a partner in its consulting practice, to head up its drive in the region.
Based in Manchester, Mr Lawrie, who began his career with Cheshire County Council and has been most recently working at the firm’s Midlands office, wants to build a £20m practice over the next four years.
Despite expected painful cuts in spending, by whichever party wins the next election, Mr Lawrie, pictured, argues public sector efficiency and value for money will become ever-more important.
He said: “The model we are trying to build is focused on health, education, local government and government departments based outside London.
“The money has run out – we have a £175bn current account deficit. Putting 1p on the basic rate of tax gives us £5bn additional revenue per annum, so taxation is not the answer, unless something changes there’s going to have to be a smaller public sector sector
“This is a huge opportunity for organisations like ours to innovate and make ourselves part of the solution. We can play a critial role in reshaping public bodies.”
The 42-year-old, who is now recruiting for his team in Manchester, gives an example by pointing to the huge efficiencies that could be delivered if the public sector reforms the supply chain.
“Many public bodies now rely on third parties to deliver core public services and we believe that by better managing suppliers, maybe through greater use of financial incentives or enforceable measures to penalise poor performance, a better end result can be achieved.”
