---
title: UK professional services media reputation tracker – August 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Professional Services
period: August 2026
coverage_start: '2026-08-01'
coverage_end: '2026-08-31'
date_published: '2026-09-01'
last_updated: '2026-09-01'
organisations: 8
articles_analysed: 267
mentions: 175
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08/data.json
summary: EY had the highest average monthly share of coverage (22.9%) among 8 firms
  in UK earned media from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, ahead of KPMG (19.4%) and
  PwC (14.9%).
---

# UK professional services media reputation tracker: August 2026 (1 August 2026–31 August 2026)

> EY had the highest average monthly share of coverage (22.9%) among 8 firms in UK earned media from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, ahead of KPMG (19.4%) and PwC (14.9%). Grant Thornton had the most favourable net tone (+76). Omniscan analysed 267 articles containing 175 mentions of the firms tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08

## UK Professional Services ranking by share of coverage, August 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | EY | 22.9% | 40 | 43% | 47% | 10% | +33 |
| 2 | KPMG | 19.4% | 34 | 38% | 47% | 15% | +24 |
| 3 | PwC | 14.9% | 26 | 15% | 66% | 19% | −4 |
| 3 | BDO | 14.9% | 26 | 42% | 46% | 12% | +31 |
| 5 | Grant Thornton | 12.0% | 21 | 76% | 24% | 0% | +76 |
| 6 | Deloitte | 10.3% | 18 | 22% | 56% | 22% | 0 |
| 7 | RSM UK | 3.4% | 6 | 67% | 33% | 0% | +67 |
| 8 | Forvis Mazars | 2.3% | 4 | 25% | 50% | 25% | 0 |

## Firms in detail

### EY

**EY moved from audit scrutiny to August leadership**

EY ranked 1st of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (22.9%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for August 2026, with 40 mentions and a net tone of +33.

In August, EY ranked first with 22.9%, while stories included NCSC cyber-security accreditation, £7.2bn of Northern deals work, a civil-service training contract and changes to junior consultants’ office attendance. August 2026: EY UK and Ireland gained NCSC accreditation for cyber-security consulting services, reported by Accountancy Today. EY moved from audit scrutiny to August leadership. EY has appointed London-based partner Rohit Mathur as global leader of its risk consulting business. Mathur succeeds Kapish Vanvaria, who moves to a consulting leadership role in EY Americas. EY UK's Digital Assurance Leader discusses the firm's use of AI agents in audit, including human oversight and risk management. EY has promoted David Lee, Katharine Williams and Peter Hao to partner and appointed Anisha Patel to lead private and mid-market in the Midlands. The appointments are intended to strengthen EY's regional capabilities and growth.

Key messages:

- EY has appointed London-based partner Rohit Mathur as global leader of its risk consulting business. Mathur succeeds Kapish Vanvaria, who moves to a consulting leadership role in EY Americas.
- EY UK and Ireland received NCSC accreditation for cyber security audit, review and risk-management consulting services. The recognition expands its assured cyber security offering for regulated and high-risk organisations.
- EY UK's Digital Assurance Leader discusses the firm's use of AI agents in audit, including human oversight and risk management.
- EY has promoted David Lee, Katharine Williams and Peter Hao to partner and appointed Anisha Patel to lead private and mid-market in the Midlands. The appointments are intended to strengthen EY's regional capabilities and growth.
- EY's Manchester and Leeds teams advised on 17 transactions worth £7.2bn in the first half of 2026. The firm reported a strong deals pipeline despite economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Leading themes:

- Consulting & Advisory: 42.5% of EY's coverage (theme index 1.33, net tone +53)
- Talent & Workforce: 20.0% of EY's coverage (theme index 0.82, net tone +13)
- Technology & AI: 10.0% of EY's coverage (theme index 1.04, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 31 August 2026, consultancy.uk: [EY appoints Rohit Mathur as global leader of risk consulting business](https://www.consultancy.uk/news/amp/45482/ey-appoints-rohit-mathur-as-global-leader-of-risk-consulting-business). EY has appointed London-based partner Rohit Mathur as global leader of its risk consulting business. Mathur succeeds Kapish Vanvaria, who moves to a consulting leadership role in EY Americas.
- 19 August 2026, accountancytoday.co.uk: [EY UK teams gain NCSC accreditation for cyber security consulting](https://www.accountancytoday.co.uk/2026/08/19/ey-uk-teams-gain-ncsc-accreditation-for-cyber-security-consulting/). EY UK and Ireland received NCSC accreditation for cyber security audit, review and risk-management consulting services. The recognition expands its assured cyber security offering for regulated and high-risk organisations.
- 5 August 2026, icaew.com: [EY's backing AI agents; and a new form of insider trading](https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/accountancy-insights/eys-backing-ai-agents-and-a-new-form-of-insider-trading). EY UK's Digital Assurance Leader discusses the firm's use of AI agents in audit, including human oversight and risk management.

- [EY deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08?entity=ey&view=deep-dive)
- [EY PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08/reports/ey.pdf)

### KPMG

**KPMG visibility swung between restructuring and major advisory wins**

KPMG ranked 2nd of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (19.4%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for August 2026, with 34 mentions and a net tone of +24.

In August 2026, KPMG recorded 34 mentions, 19.4% of cohort coverage and rank #2, with net sentiment of +24. Coverage focused on the civil-service training contract awarded jointly to KPMG and EY, with KPMG’s allocation capped at £319 million. The UK Cabinet Office awarded KPMG and EY a civil-service training contract with a ceiling of £456mn for 2026 to 2028, including AI skills. The deal is described as the largest Big Four contract of its kind in at least a decade. KPMG and WSP have been appointed to provide technical and advisory support to National Highways for strategic EV charging infrastructure across England's motorway and major-road network. ICAEW fined and severely reprimanded Interpath Advisory chief Mark Raddan over confidentiality breaches committed while he was a KPMG UK board member and restructuring partner. The article also references KPMG's 2021 Silentnight disciplinary outcome and its 2021 sale of Interpath.

Key messages:

- The UK Cabinet Office awarded KPMG and EY a civil-service training contract with a ceiling of £456mn for 2026 to 2028, including AI skills. The deal is described as the largest Big Four contract of its kind in at least a decade.
- KPMG and WSP have been appointed to provide technical and advisory support to National Highways for strategic EV charging infrastructure across England's motorway and major-road network.
- ICAEW fined and severely reprimanded Interpath Advisory chief Mark Raddan over confidentiality breaches committed while he was a KPMG UK board member and restructuring partner. The article also references KPMG's 2021 Silentnight disciplinary outcome and its 2021 sale of Interpath.
- The FRC fined EY £1.2m over its Made.com audit and opened an investigation into KPMG's EnQuest audits. The article links both cases to the FRC's updated Audit Enforcement Procedure.
- BGF has hired Tom Herbert from KPMG's Midlands corporate-finance team after 11 years at the firm.

Leading themes:

- Consulting & Advisory: 44.1% of KPMG's coverage (theme index 1.38, net tone +60)
- Talent & Workforce: 26.5% of KPMG's coverage (theme index 1.17, net tone 0)
- Technology & AI: 8.8% of KPMG's coverage (theme index 0.89, net tone −33)

Notable positive coverage:

- 17 August 2026, thetimes.com: [KPMG and EY to be paid almost £500m to train civil servants](https://www.thetimes.com/business/companies-markets/article/kpmg-and-ey-to-be-paid-456m-to-train-civil-servants-7kv5km7vs). KPMG and EY are set to receive nearly £500 million to train UK civil servants under a major government contract.
- 17 August 2026, ft.com: [UK government to pay KPMG and EY up to £456mn to train civil servants](https://www.ft.com/content/b9b1c9d7-a7a1-4b6f-bcb0-910ceb025f2b). The UK Cabinet Office awarded KPMG and EY a civil-service training contract with a ceiling of £456mn for 2026 to 2028, including AI skills. The deal is described as the largest Big Four contract of its kind in at least a decade.
- 18 August 2026, internationalaccountingbulletin.com: [KPMG and EY secure civil servants training contract in UK](https://www.internationalaccountingbulletin.com/news/kpmg-and-ey-secure-civil-servants-training-contract-in-uk/). The UK Government awarded KPMG and EY a civil-service training contract worth up to £456m for 2026-28, including AI-related skills. KPMG's maximum allocation is £319m and EY's is £137m.

Notable negative coverage:

- 26 August 2026, cityam.com: [Interpath chief fined for breaching confidentiality rules before KPMG spin-off](https://www.cityam.com/interpath-chief-fined-for-breaching-confidentiality-rules-before-kpmg-spin-off/). ICAEW fined and severely reprimanded Interpath Advisory chief Mark Raddan over confidentiality breaches committed while he was a KPMG UK board member and restructuring partner. The article also references KPMG's 2021 Silentnight disciplinary outcome and its 2021 sale of Interpath.
- 3 August 2026, accountancyage.com: [Beyond the fine: What EY and KPMG's FRC probes tell us](https://accountancyage.com/2026/08/03/beyond-the-fine-what-ey-and-kpmgs-frc-probes-tell-us/). The FRC fined EY £1.2m over its Made.com audit and opened an investigation into KPMG's EnQuest audits. The article links both cases to the FRC's updated Audit Enforcement Procedure.

- [KPMG deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08?entity=kpmg&view=deep-dive)
- [KPMG PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08/reports/kpmg.pdf)

### PwC

**PwC led despite sharp shifts in its coverage agenda**

PwC ranked 3rd of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (14.9%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for August 2026, with 26 mentions and a net tone of −4.

August’s lower 14.9% share accompanied a more dispersed agenda led by early-career changes, the proposed Datasparq acquisition and research on barriers to automating legal work. August 2026: share fell 5.8 percentage points to 14.9% and rank moved from first to third; stories included PwC UK’s agreement to acquire Datasparq and changes to its internship programme. PwC UK has agreed to acquire AI and data consultancy Datasparq, subject to customary conditions and expected completion in autumn 2026. Datasparq’s specialists will join Strategy& and PwC to support AI- and data-led value creation for private-equity and corporate clients. PwC UK promoted three directors in its Newcastle and North East team as part of 29 regional summer promotions. The firm said it is investing in regional talent and leadership.

Key messages:

- PwC UK has agreed to acquire AI and data consultancy Datasparq, subject to customary conditions and expected completion in autumn 2026. Datasparq’s specialists will join Strategy& and PwC to support AI- and data-led value creation for private-equity and corporate clients.
- PwC UK promoted three directors in its Newcastle and North East team as part of 29 regional summer promotions. The firm said it is investing in regional talent and leadership.
- PwC cancelled its Disney World end-of-summer internship event and said it is redirecting investment toward office- and team-based early-talent experiences. The article also notes reduced UK entry-level recruitment amid AI-driven changes.
- PwC will leave its 1 Embankment Place London headquarters in 2030 as it moves to One Eden in Canary Wharf. The current building's owner has submitted plans for a sustainability-focused redevelopment.
- PwC UK partners are reportedly on track for average annual remuneration above £900,000 after cost-cutting and a headcount reduction of more than 2,000. The potential payout would exceed the latest cited average partner pay at KPMG and EY.

Leading themes:

- Talent & Workforce: 23.1% of PwC's coverage (theme index 0.98, net tone 0)
- Technology & AI: 19.2% of PwC's coverage (theme index 2.39, net tone 0)
- Consulting & Advisory: 19.2% of PwC's coverage (theme index 0.52, net tone −20)

Notable positive coverage:

- 27 August 2026, accountancytoday.co.uk: [PwC UK to acquire Datasparq to expand AI and data capabilities](https://www.accountancytoday.co.uk/2026/08/27/pwc-uk-to-acquire-datasparq-to-expand-ai-and-data-capabilities/). PwC UK has agreed to acquire AI and data consultancy Datasparq, subject to customary conditions and expected completion in autumn 2026. Datasparq’s specialists will join Strategy& and PwC to support AI- and data-led value creation for private-equity and corporate clients.
- 27 August 2026, consultancy.uk: [Datasparq joins Strategy& to strengthen AI and data capabilities in UK](https://www.consultancy.uk/news/45488/datasparq-joins-strategy-to-strengthen-ai-and-data-capabilities-in-uk). PwC's Strategy& has agreed to acquire London-based AI and data consultancy Datasparq. The deal is intended to expand PwC UK's data, AI and private-equity value-creation capabilities.
- 15 August 2026, bdaily.co.uk: [PwC strengthens North East leadership team](https://bdaily.co.uk/articles/2026/08/15/pwc-strengthens-north-east-leadership-team). PwC UK promoted three directors in its Newcastle and North East team as part of 29 regional summer promotions. The firm said it is investing in regional talent and leadership.

- [PwC deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08?entity=pwc&view=deep-dive)
- [PwC PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08/reports/pwc.pdf)

### BDO

**BDO’s visibility mixed strategic expansion with sustained audit scrutiny**

BDO ranked 3rd of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (14.9%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for August 2026, with 26 mentions and a net tone of +31.

August’s 14.9% share placed BDO third despite lower volume, as tax policy, mid-market research, specialist appointments and logistics dealmaking became more prominent. August 2026: share rose by 1.5 percentage points to 14.9% and rank improved to third despite a 16-mention volume decline; stories included BDO’s warning on proposed self-assessment payment changes and its logistics M&A update. August 2026: BDO argued that complexity in the UK tax system was constraining growth — City AM. BDO's head of tax argues that simplifying the UK's tax system should be central to the government's growth agenda. The firm's Mid-Market Manifesto proposes a single corporation-tax rate, VAT reform and improved investment incentives. BDO has expanded its IT apprenticeship programme by recruiting three new apprentices in its third year. The firm says most completers move into permanent IT roles, while its IT team has more than doubled since 2020.

Key messages:

- BDO's head of tax argues that simplifying the UK's tax system should be central to the government's growth agenda. The firm's Mid-Market Manifesto proposes a single corporation-tax rate, VAT reform and improved investment incentives.
- BDO has expanded its IT apprenticeship programme by recruiting three new apprentices in its third year. The firm says most completers move into permanent IT roles, while its IT team has more than doubled since 2020.
- BDO has appointed Justin Rodrigues as an audit partner in London and Owen Burn as a VAT tax partner in Bristol. Rodrigues joined from Forvis Mazars.
- BDO plans to provide work experience and career insight opportunities to more than 8,200 UK students in 2026. The firm is expanding social-mobility and early-career programmes to widen access to professional-services roles.
- BDO's UK logistics M&A update found that trade buyers completed 94% of sector deals in the second quarter of 2026. BDO advised on H2 Equity BV's investment in the management buyout of KB Event and said it expects a stronger second half for activity.

Leading themes:

- Tax & Legal Services: 34.6% of BDO's coverage (theme index 0, net tone +33)
- Consulting & Advisory: 30.8% of BDO's coverage (theme index 0.88, net tone +25)
- Talent & Workforce: 19.2% of BDO's coverage (theme index 0.8, net tone +80)

Notable positive coverage:

- 25 August 2026, cityam.com: [An overly complicated tax system is holding the UK back](https://www.cityam.com/an-overly-complicated-tax-system-is-holding-the-uk-back/). BDO's head of tax argues that simplifying the UK's tax system should be central to the government's growth agenda. The firm's Mid-Market Manifesto proposes a single corporation-tax rate, VAT reform and improved investment incentives.
- 27 August 2026, accountancytoday.co.uk: [BDO expands IT apprenticeship programme](https://www.accountancytoday.co.uk/2026/08/27/bdo-expands-it-apprenticeship-programme/). BDO has expanded its IT apprenticeship programme by recruiting three new apprentices in its third year. The firm says most completers move into permanent IT roles, while its IT team has more than doubled since 2020.
- 20 August 2026, consultancy.uk: [Justin Rodrigues and Owen Burn join BDO as partners](https://www.consultancy.uk/news/amp/45392/justin-rodrigues-and-owen-burn-join-bdo-as-partners). BDO has appointed Justin Rodrigues as an audit partner in London and Owen Burn as a VAT tax partner in Bristol. Rodrigues joined from Forvis Mazars.

Notable negative coverage:

- 5 August 2026, accountancytoday.co.uk: [Tax payment changes threaten professional partnerships, BDO warns](https://www.accountancytoday.co.uk/2026/08/05/tax-payment-changes-threaten-professional-partnerships-bdo-warns/). BDO warns that HMRC proposals for monthly or quarterly self-assessment payments could create cashflow and compliance pressures for professional partnerships. The firm calls for further consultation before the proposed 2029 implementation.

- [BDO deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08?entity=bdo&view=deep-dive)
- [BDO PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08/reports/bdo.pdf)

### Grant Thornton

**Grant Thornton’s visibility shifted from transformation to talent**

Grant Thornton ranked 5th of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (12.0%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for August 2026, with 21 mentions and a net tone of +76.

In August 2026, Grant Thornton recorded 21 mentions, 12% of cohort coverage and rank #5, with net sentiment of +76. Coverage focused on the University of Leeds degree programme, 11 partner appointments and Thea Hutchinson’s arrival in economic consulting. August 2026: Grant Thornton and the University of Leeds launched a four-year degree with paid placements — International Accounting Bulletin. Grant Thornton appointed 11 partners across advisory and audit through promotions, acquisition-related appointments and external hires. The expansion forms part of its target to add 160 partners by the end of 2027. Grant Thornton has appointed Thea Hutchinson as a director in its UK economic consulting practice. Hutchinson joins from Ofwat and will support advisory clients in regulated industries. Independent reporting showed that Grant Thornton acquired Fairgrove Partners, with its five partners joining the partnership while the specialist retained its brand. A deals-focused interview should explain Fairgrove’s role within Grant Thornton and identify the services the combined team can now offer. This would convert a prominent acquisition story into evidence of advisory expansion and help defend Grant Thornton’s 0.1-share-point lead over Deloitte.

Key messages:

- Grant Thornton launched a four-year accounting and finance degree programme with the University of Leeds, combining study with paid placements. Graduates may receive permanent roles and an accelerated ACA training route.
- Grant Thornton appointed 11 partners across advisory and audit through promotions, acquisition-related appointments and external hires. The expansion forms part of its target to add 160 partners by the end of 2027.
- Grant Thornton has appointed Thea Hutchinson as a director in its UK economic consulting practice. Hutchinson joins from Ofwat and will support advisory clients in regulated industries.
- Talent & Workforce accounted for 9 mentions in this edition.
- Audit Quality & Regulation accounted for 1 mention in this edition.

Leading themes:

- Talent & Workforce: 42.9% of Grant Thornton's coverage (theme index 2.06, net tone +100)
- Consulting & Advisory: 23.8% of Grant Thornton's coverage (theme index 0.67, net tone +20)
- Leadership & Strategy: 23.8% of Grant Thornton's coverage (theme index 6.11, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 21 August 2026, internationalaccountingbulletin.com: [Grant Thornton UK, University of Leeds launch new degree programme](https://www.internationalaccountingbulletin.com/news/grant-thornton-uk-university-of-leeds-launch-new-degree-programme/). Grant Thornton UK and the University of Leeds have launched a four-year accounting and finance degree with paid placements. Graduates may be considered for permanent roles and ACA training.
- 13 August 2026, internationalaccountingbulletin.com: [Grant Thornton UK expands team with 11 new appointments](https://www.internationalaccountingbulletin.com/news/grant-thornton-uk-expands-team-with-11-new-appointments/). Grant Thornton UK appointed 11 partners across advisory and audit, including six from its Fairgrove acquisition. The hires support its target of adding 160 partners by the end of 2027.
- 28 August 2026, accountancydaily.co: [People in the news: Affinia, Grant Thornton, S&W](https://www.accountancydaily.co/people-news-affinia-grant-thornton-sw). Grant Thornton appointed 11 partners across advisory and audit through promotions, acquisition-related appointments and external hires. The expansion forms part of its target to add 160 partners by the end of 2027.

- [Grant Thornton deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08?entity=grantthornton&view=deep-dive)
- [Grant Thornton PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08/reports/grantthornton.pdf)

### Deloitte

**Deloitte’s leadership surge gave way to a broader advisory profile**

Deloitte ranked 6th of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (10.3%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for August 2026, with 18 mentions and a net tone of 0.

August coverage was smaller and led by consulting and technology developments, notably the acquisition of The Orange Partnership and commentary from chief AI officer Hayley McKelvey on enterprise AI deployment. August 2026: share edged down 0.2 points to 10.3% and rank stayed sixth; City AM reported Deloitte’s acquisition of The Orange Partnership to expand its capital-projects cost-assurance capability. Deloitte UK has acquired construction cost consultancy The Orange Partnership, integrating its team into its capital projects advisory business. The deal expands Deloitte's cost assurance capability amid increased UK infrastructure spending. Deloitte is reported to have advised a consortium including Jeff Bezos on a proposed £1.35bn acquisition of a 30% stake in Liverpool FC. BDO advised WestBridge on financial, tax and structuring matters for its majority investment in Beckett Investment Management. Deloitte provided financial and tax advice to exiting investor Foresight.

Key messages:

- Deloitte UK has acquired construction cost consultancy The Orange Partnership, integrating its team into its capital projects advisory business. The deal expands Deloitte's cost assurance capability amid increased UK infrastructure spending.
- Deloitte UK's Chief AI Officer Hayley McKelvey says companies should move beyond unstructured AI experimentation and make deliberate choices on agentic AI deployment and costs. The article examines wider deep-learning developments in enterprise technology.
- Deloitte is reported to have advised a consortium including Jeff Bezos on a proposed £1.35bn acquisition of a 30% stake in Liverpool FC.
- BDO advised WestBridge on financial, tax and structuring matters for its majority investment in Beckett Investment Management. Deloitte provided financial and tax advice to exiting investor Foresight.

Leading themes:

- Consulting & Advisory: 38.9% of Deloitte's coverage (theme index 1.15, net tone +29)
- Technology & AI: 22.2% of Deloitte's coverage (theme index 2.68, net tone −50)
- Talent & Workforce: 16.7% of Deloitte's coverage (theme index 0.69, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 4 August 2026, cityam.com: [Deloitte snaps up construction cost boutique to target infrastructure boom](https://www.cityam.com/deloitte-snaps-up-construction-cost-boutique-to-target-infrastructure-boom/). Deloitte UK has acquired construction cost consultancy The Orange Partnership, integrating its team into its capital projects advisory business. The deal expands Deloitte's cost assurance capability amid increased UK infrastructure spending.
- 17 August 2026, accountancytoday.co.uk: [Deloitte acquires The Orange Partnership](https://www.accountancytoday.co.uk/2026/08/17/deloitte-acquires-the-orange-partnership/). Deloitte acquired Midlands cost-assurance consultancy The Orange Partnership. The deal expands Deloitte UK's construction and capital-projects advisory capability.
- 5 August 2026, insidermedia.com: [Deloitte snaps up accountancy firm specialising in the construction sector](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/deloitte-snaps-up-accountancy-firm-specialising-in-the-construction-sector). Deloitte UK has acquired construction cost-verification and assurance consultancy The Orange Partnership. The deal expands Deloitte's capital projects advisory capability.

- [Deloitte deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08?entity=deloitte&view=deep-dive)
- [Deloitte PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08/reports/deloitte.pdf)

### RSM UK

**Advisory work anchored RSM UK’s volatile seventh-place profile**

RSM UK ranked 7th of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (3.4%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for August 2026, with 6 mentions and a net tone of +67.

August narrowed to transactions, administration work and RSM UK’s response to the government’s financial-services AI plan. RSM UK welcomed the government's Financial Services AI Adoption Plan while highlighting accountability, Consumer Duty and fraud risks. It urged boards to establish clear responsibility for AI-driven decisions. RSM UK's deal services team advised Charles Saunders on its sale to Kitwave. RSM UK partner Clodagh Tunney said the firm was pleased to have supported the transaction. RSM UK partners Lee Van Lockwood and Gareth Harris were appointed joint administrators of Bradford textiles manufacturer Bulmer & Lumb Group. The business ceased trading after ongoing losses and rising production costs, making 37 staff redundant. The Midlands Dealmakers Awards 2026 shortlists include multiple accounting and professional-services firms across transaction-services, corporate-finance and deal categories.

Key messages:

- RSM UK welcomed the government's Financial Services AI Adoption Plan while highlighting accountability, Consumer Duty and fraud risks. It urged boards to establish clear responsibility for AI-driven decisions.
- RSM UK's deal services team advised Charles Saunders on its sale to Kitwave. RSM UK partner Clodagh Tunney said the firm was pleased to have supported the transaction.
- RSM UK partners Lee Van Lockwood and Gareth Harris were appointed joint administrators of Bradford textiles manufacturer Bulmer & Lumb Group. The business ceased trading after ongoing losses and rising production costs, making 37 staff redundant.
- The Midlands Dealmakers Awards 2026 shortlists include multiple accounting and professional-services firms across transaction-services, corporate-finance and deal categories.

Leading themes:

- Clients & Market Share: 33.3% of RSM UK's coverage (theme index 8.05, net tone +100)
- Consulting & Advisory: 33.3% of RSM UK's coverage (theme index 0.97, net tone 0)
- Technology & AI: 16.7% of RSM UK's coverage (theme index 1.76, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 10 August 2026, thefintechtimes.com: [RSM UK Welcomes AI Adoption Plan as Consumers Seek AI Financial Advice](https://thefintechtimes.com/rsm-uk-welcomes-ai-adoption-plan-as-consumers-seek-ai-financial-advice/). RSM UK welcomed the government's Financial Services AI Adoption Plan while highlighting accountability, Consumer Duty and fraud risks. It urged boards to establish clear responsibility for AI-driven decisions.
- 3 August 2026, consultancy.uk: [RSM advises on sale of Charles Saunders to Kitwave](https://www.consultancy.uk/news/45209/rsm-advises-on-sale-of-charles-saunders-to-kitwave). RSM advised Charles Saunders Foodservice on its sale to Kitwave Wholesale Group. The deal expands Kitwave's UK foodservice presence.
- 26 August 2026, insidermedia.com: [Acquisition of Charles Saunders wins Deal of the Month](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/south-west/acquisition-of-charles-saunders-wins-deal-of-the-month). RSM UK's deal services team advised Charles Saunders on its sale to Kitwave. RSM UK partner Clodagh Tunney said the firm was pleased to have supported the transaction.

- [RSM UK deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08?entity=rsmuk&view=deep-dive)
- [RSM UK PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08/reports/rsmuk.pdf)

### Forvis Mazars

**Forvis Mazars’ visibility shifted from growth to audit scrutiny**

Forvis Mazars ranked 8th of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (2.3%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for August 2026, with 4 mentions and a net tone of 0.

August contained no company-focused captured development; all four records were contextual mentions within competitor hiring, audit oversight, dealmaking and sector-ranking coverage. August 2026: share fell by 2.2 points to 2.3% and volume dropped by ten; the captured stories contained only explicitly contextual mentions, including BDO’s appointment of a former Forvis Mazars partner. BDO has appointed Justin Rodrigues as an audit partner in London and Owen Burn as a VAT tax partner in Bristol. Rodrigues joined from Forvis Mazars. The article criticises the FRC's audit-quality oversight following its annual review and recent enforcement actions. It compares inspection outcomes and audit-quality concerns across several major UK firms. The Midlands Dealmakers Awards 2026 shortlists include multiple accounting and professional-services firms across transaction-services, corporate-finance and deal categories.

Key messages:

- BDO has appointed Justin Rodrigues as an audit partner in London and Owen Burn as a VAT tax partner in Bristol. Rodrigues joined from Forvis Mazars.
- The article criticises the FRC's audit-quality oversight following its annual review and recent enforcement actions. It compares inspection outcomes and audit-quality concerns across several major UK firms.
- The Midlands Dealmakers Awards 2026 shortlists include multiple accounting and professional-services firms across transaction-services, corporate-finance and deal categories.
- The article ranks the ten largest UK accounting firms for 2026 and outlines their scale, services and technology strategies. It describes the Big Four as dominant while mid-tier firms narrow the gap.

Leading themes:

- Other: 25.0% of Forvis Mazars's coverage (theme index 6.11, net tone +100)
- Audit Quality & Regulation: 25.0% of Forvis Mazars's coverage (theme index 3.89, net tone −100)
- Consulting & Advisory: 25.0% of Forvis Mazars's coverage (theme index 0.72, net tone 0)

- [Forvis Mazars deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08?entity=forvismazars&view=deep-dive)
- [Forvis Mazars PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08/reports/forvismazars.pdf)

## Methodology

- **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period.
- **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts.
- **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100).
- **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less.
- **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures.
- **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media.

## Other UK Professional Services editions

- [UK professional services media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-ytd.md)
- [UK professional services media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-h1.md)
- [UK professional services media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-07.md)
- [UK professional services media reputation tracker – September 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK professional services media reputation tracker", August 2026 (1 August 2026–31 August 2026), published 1 September 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08