Hi,Hitachi consulting were at the top-consultant fair recently. they seemed impresive and seem to be growing steadily in the UK. Are they a good company, do they have a good reputation?Thanks

To be honest, they've struggled to hire even mediocre candidates so far due to having a weak brand in the consulting market. That may change now that there are fewer options in the job market, but I don't know how strong their pipeline is to justify hiring. I'd suspect it's weak since, in a downturn, clients tend to go for consultants they know and trust rather than gambling on newcomers. They have tried to undercut on price, but I don't believe they have much room to keep doing that - they recruited heavily (willy-nilly, some might say) over the past year and therefore have a lot of fixed wage costs to cover. The wider Hitachi group (along with much of the Japanese economy) isn't doing well so won't be inclined to bankroll the consulting division for much longer unless it can get itself into the black. Going by comparable examples, that probably means cutting staff and raising margins from their current level.

thanks for the insight

Hitachi Consulting are setting up a new health practice I've heard, and they certainly couldn't be doing that if they are cutting back. I know a number of people there, and they say it's a good solid consultancy - None of the "work you like a cog" mentality of the bigger consultancies.I know one of the guys they took on this year and he's got good feedback so far - says it's a family friendly, good team support environment- he was in cap gem for several years, so hardly mediocre. I'd say Hitachi Consulting is certainly worth considering if you're looking at medium sized consultancies.

I know for a fact most of Hitachi Consulting's directors and VPs are ex big 4 which shows they are not compromising quality. At the careers fair they said they have also just started a Telecomms practice and are looking to recruit for that over 09. From one of the other threads below, looks like they have also started a new Health practice. All this certainly indicates growth plans at a time when most companies are making redundancies, which is a good sign in my book. I think they are definitely one to watch. Out of little acorns and all that...

"he was in cap gem for several years, so hardly mediocre"A background in Cr*pgemini is hardly a positive thing."most of Hitachi Consulting&apos;s directors and VPs are ex big 4 which shows they are not compromising quality"I see, so your <i>vast experience </i> of consulting leads you to believe that "big 4" consultants are of a consistent standard, and that that standard is good. Way to undermine your argument.

From what I&apos;ve heard about them, stay away. A lack of basic business ethics is one thing that will hold them back. Good place for consultants who know how to use powerpoint and talk jargon.

I know for a fact there&apos;s an ex-Anderson&apos;s crowd there trying to hire the old cronies from the good old days, stick together, promote themselves and treat everyone else like crap. Another multi-class work environment. Why can&apos;t Andersons die off completely?

You may get your wish.. I hear a very juicy acquisition is imminent...

Really? Is ACN the target of an aquisition? Do tell...I always though MS might be inclined to build an the Avande relationship and dversify into the SI area through a takeover.

They approached me a while ago to do some search work for them. Essentially wanted pure biz dev consultants with little black books and a large order pipeline. Doesnt suggest to me that they have many projects running currently and are desperately trying to find work. In regards to another poster I would agree that having VPs and Directors from &apos;the big 4&apos; is hardly a positive move.

I did some work for them as an associate. Used me to win the contract then moved their own people in and &apos;managed the client&apos; to change the project to their advantage. They seem desparate to win work, but they won&apos;t get it on the basis of reputation.