The past year has been transformative for MHA. Our team has expanded from 1,200 to over 2,000 people, and our footprint now spans Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and England. While such growth is a testament to our ambition and success, it raises a vital question: how do we preserve the people-first culture, that has always been our cornerstone, amidst this rapid expansion?
At MHA, we believe our culture is our strongest differentiator. It attracts top talent, fosters collaboration, and inspires trust among clients. As we embark on the next phase of our journey, our focus remains clear: to retain and strengthen this culture while scaling for the future. Our strategy is built around four guiding pillars: People First, Leading with Ambition, All In, and Globally United.
People First: Prioritising Engagement and Development
At MHA, we have always been more than a collection of roles and titles. Our strength lies in our colleagues – their individuality, expertise and dedication. To sustain this ethos, we are doubling down on initiatives that foster connection and growth.
- Learning and Development: We are reimagining our training pathways to align with the demands of our expanded footprint. From tailored induction programmes to advanced leadership development, we are equipping our people with the skills to thrive in a dynamic environment.
- Engagement at Scale: Tools such as Peakon enable us to gather real-time feedback, ensuring every voice is heard, regardless of geography. This data-driven approach allows us to act with intention and keep our people at the heart of decision-making.
Leading with Ambition: Growth That Unites, Not Divides
With significant acquisitions and organic growth, we recognise the need for seamless integration. Bringing together diverse teams under the MHA banner is not just about aligning processes—it is about harmonising cultures.
- Integration Excellence: We have refined our due diligence and integration processes to prioritise cultural alignment alongside operational and legal considerations. Our structured, but innately human, approach ensures that new colleagues don’t just join MHA – they become part of it.
- Employer Branding: By enhancing our external and internal EVP (Employee Value Proposition), we are creating a unified narrative that showcases MHA as an employer of choice – no matter the location.
All In: Transforming Operations to Empower People
As we grow, efficiency and consistency become vital to preserving our people-first ethos. This means embracing technology and redefining our operating models.
- Digital Transformation: Investments in platforms such as SAP and Power BI are enabling automation and smarter decision-making, freeing up time to focus on what matters most—our people.
- Resource Management: By centralising resource functions and leveraging data-driven insights, we are optimising workloads and supporting better work-life balance for our teams.
Globally United: Strength Through the BTI International Network
As a proud member of the Baker Tilly International (BTI) network, MHA is uniquely positioned to leverage global insights and opportunities. This connection strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional service and to create shared value for our people and clients alike.
- Global Collaboration: The BTI network connects us to a wealth of expertise and best practices from across the globe. By tapping into these insights, we continue to innovate our services and offer solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.
- International Opportunities: Our people benefit from the chance to engage in cross-border projects, offering career development and exposure to diverse perspectives.
- Unified Vision: We remain aligned with the BTI network’s values and vision, ensuring we build a future where local excellence is supported by global unity.
A Commitment to Tomorrow
Our people services strategy is a blueprint for navigating this new chapter. It is about evolving our systems and processes to match our growth while preserving the human touch that defines MHA. Initiatives such as the Employability Hub, expanded DIBS (Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Societal impact) programmes, and leadership empowerment tools will help us stay true to our values.
As we continue to grow, our commitment to being a people-first firm remains unwavering. We are not just building a larger MHA; we are building a better MHA—one that leads with ambition, invests in its people, and stands united in its culture.
For us, growth is not just about numbers; it is about ensuring every colleague feels part of something bigger. That is how we will create a better tomorrow for our people, our clients, and the communities we serve.
By Jane Walker-Smith, Partner
