The economic outlook for the year ahead may look gloomy for many Britons with unemployment expected to rise and public spending cuts about to really bite. But for management consultants at the Big Four accountancy firms and beyond, the future looks surprisingly bright.

Whether advising clients on ‘efficiency’ and improving performance, or on outsourcing and technology, both large and small accounting firms are bucking the economic gloom by expanding their consultancy divisions, recruiting thousands of staff in an otherwise subdued jobs market.