This Spring marks the fifth birthday for a Bramble Hub consulting partner, MH&A. Founded in 2018 by Professor Matt Hamnett, MH&A works with clients in and around the education and economic development sectors to deliver exceptional outcomes.

The firm has grown at a rate of around 100% per year since 2018, working with Central Government departments, agencies and strategic suppliers – both in the commercial and charitable sectors. Growing so quickly has required the firm to maintain a really sharp view of what it is – and what it wants to become.

“Over the last five years, our clients have guided our approach – and driven our growth” says Matt.

“Their feedback has taught us that our focus on purpose and outcomes - and the way in which we put experienced, expert colleagues ‘on the pitch’ to help them solve problems - differentiates us from our larger competitors”

Rapid growth has also meant substantial recruitment. “We’ve worked hard to make the firm a place where experienced practitioners can come together, be themselves and work with clients that interest them – whilst also creating opportunities for colleagues early in their careers,” says Matt. MH&A already has a graduate scheme supporting four young colleagues – plus a placement year intern who will return after graduation in 2024.

The firm’s partnership with Bramble Hub spans its full five years of operation. “Given my and several other colleagues’ backgrounds, and interests, working with public sector clients has always been a priority,” says Matt. “Our partnership with Bramble Hub has enabled us to compete for and win work that we wouldn’t have otherwise seen – and has enabled us to develop new business with the confidence that our clients will have a route to market with us.”

What might the next five years have in store for MH&A? Further growth, yes – but at a gentler pace. “We’ve grown so quickly because our clients have asked for our help, and we’ve been able to recruit amazing colleagues at the rate required to service those demands,” says Matt. “We want to keep growing at a more modest rate now, so that we can continue to support our clients – and so we can create space for our brilliant people to progress. That might be closer to 10% than 100% though.”

We at Bramble Hub are delighted to wish MH&A a happy fifth birthday, and look forward to many more years of working together!