PwC names new head to lead Business Services practice

PwC UK has appointed Rebecca Cooke as the new head of its business services practice, a division that specializes in eight sectors, including legal and professional services. Cooke, a partner in the firm's consulting practice with over a decade of experience, will succeed Mark Anderson, who led the practice for four years. The business services practice advises various businesses, such as law firms, consultancies, and recruitment agencies, on matters like talent retention, technology adoption, and cost reduction to help firms expand and scale.

This appointment follows PwC's efforts to include business and professional services in the UK government's Industrial Strategy, with a senior partner at PwC UK and Middle East appointed as business co-chair of the government's Professional and Business Services Council. Cooke emphasized the sector's significance and the potential impact of technology, AI, and consolidation on its future.

She highlighted that legal services discussions are shifting from AI adoption to business models, pricing, productivity, and talent. Cara Haffey, leader of industrials and services at PwC UK, added that the business services sector is rapidly evolving, and Cooke's leadership will build upon the strong foundations established by Anderson.

Despite the ongoing Iran war, PwC's UK business experienced steady growth in September, with revenue and profit per partner increasing slightly from the previous year. However, overall revenues for the consolidated group declined. For the year ending 30 June 2026, PwC's UK business revenue grew to £4.4bn, a 2% increase from the prior year.

The firm's overall consulting and risk practices faced challenging market conditions, with consulting revenues down 9.8% and risk down 8.9%.