Deloitte snaps up construction cost boutique to target infrastructure boom
Deloitte has snapped up a niche construction consultancy as the Big Four firm looks to capitalise on the growing demand for tighter financial controls on major infrastructure projects.
Deloitte has acquired The Orange Partnership, a Midlands-based consultancy specialising in cost verification and cost assurance in the construction sector, City PM can reveal.
The deal comes as the UK government revealed last June its 10-year infrastructure strategy, committing at least £725bn in public funding for infrastructure over the coming 10 years.
Following the acquisition, which went live on Tuesday, the boutique firm’s team has integrated into Deloitte’s UK operations within the Big Four firm’s capital projects advisory capability. Darren Ward, former founder and managing director of The Orange Partnership, has joined the Big Four firm as a senior director.
Ian Jackson, a partner at Deloitte UK, said the move comes as clients increasingly demand “resilient delivery” and stricter governance over infrastructure spending.
“We are pleased to welcome the market-leading expertise of the team from The Orange Partnership,” Jackson said. “Their depth of experience in construction cost verification strengthens our capability during a period of increased infrastructure spend, when clients are seeking greater certainty on cost.”
Commenting on the deal, Ward said: “Joining Deloitte is a significant milestone for our team and our clients. We’re known and trusted for our independent cost assurance and for identifying what matters most when driving accurate and transparent defined costs.”
“As part of Deloitte, we can bring our services to a broader client base and work alongside leading practitioners to help more organisations deliver major capital programmes with increased confidence over cost.”