Technology

Today, we are proud to be spotlighting Faye Holland, who became Managing Partner at Cambridge Management Consulting for Client PR & Marketing as well as for our presence in the city of Cambridge and the East of England at the start of this year, following our acquisition of her award-winning PR firm, cofinitive. Faye is a prominent entrepreneur and a dynamic force within the city of Cambridge’s renowned technology sector. Known for her ability to influence, inspire, and connect on multiple fronts, Faye plays a vital role in bolstering Cambridge’s global reputation as the UK’s hub for technology, innovation, and science. With over three decades of experience spanning diverse business ventures, including the UK’s first ISP, working in emerging business practices within IBM, leading European and Asia-Pacific operations for a global tech media company, and founding her own business, Faye brings unparalleled expertise to every endeavour. Faye’s value in the industry is further underscored by her extensive network of influential contacts. As the founder of cofinitive, an award-winning PR and communications agency focused on supporting cutting-edge start-ups and scale-ups in tech and innovation, Faye has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s foremost marketing strategists. Over the course of a decade, she built cofinitive into a recognised leader in the communications industry. The firm has since been featured in PR Weekly’s 150 Top Agencies outside London, and has been named year-on-year as the No. 1 PR & Communications agency in East Anglia. cofinitive is also acknowledged as one of the 130 most influential businesses in Cambridge, celebrated for its distinctive, edge, yet polished approach to storytelling for groundbreaking companies, and for its support of the broader ecosystem. Additionally, Faye is widely recognised across the East of England for her leadership in initiatives such as the #21toWatch Technology Innovation Awards, which celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship, and as the co-host of the Cambridge Tech Podcast. Individually, Faye has earned numerous accolades. She is listed among the 25 most influential people in Cambridge, and serves as Chair of the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce. Her advocacy for women in technology has seen her regularly featured in Computer Weekly’s Women in Tech lists, and recognised as one of the most influential women in UK tech during London Tech Week 2024 via the #InspiringFifty listing. Faye is also a dedicated mentor for aspiring technology entrepreneurs, having contributed to leading entrepreneurial programs in Cambridge and internationally, further solidifying her role as a driving force for innovation and growth in the tech ecosystem. If you would like to discuss future opportunities with Faye, you can reach out to her here .

From left to right: Tim Passingham, Tom Burton, Erling Aronsveen, Polly Marsh, and Clive Quantrill.

Cambridge Management Consulting is delighted to announce that we have been recognised as a Platinum-level telecommunications consultancy in Consultancy.uk’s 2025 ‘Top Consulting Firms in the UK’ ranking. This achievement places us among an upper tier of telecommunications consultancies across the UK, reflecting our continued commitment to delivering exceptional expertise and results for our clients in this rapidly evolving sector. A Rigorous Assessment The Consultancy.uk ranking represents one of the most comprehensive evaluations of the UK’s consulting landscape, assessing over 1,400 firms across the country. This methodology combines extensive client feedback from more than 800 clients and peer reviews from over 3,000 consultants, alongside detailed capabilities assessments that examine the reputation of each firm, project track records, analyst benchmarks, industry recognitions, and thought leadership. Within the telecommunications sector specifically, over 500 consulting firms were evaluated, with only 50 qualifying as top players. The ranking system operates across five distinct levels – Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze; thus, Platinum status cements Cambridge MC as one of the most trusted, expert, and influential telecommunications consultancies in the UK. This recognition is particularly meaningful given the competitive nature of the UK’s telecommunications consulting market, where established global firms compete alongside specialist independents. Our Platinum ranking demonstrates that Cambridge MC has successfully established itself as a leading authority in telecommunications strategy, transformation, and innovation. Building on a Foundation of Success This latest accolade adds to Cambridge MC’s impressive collection of recent achievements and industry recognition. At The Consultancy Awards 2024, we were honoured to receive three awards, winning in every category for which we were nominated. These included: Digital Transformation: Acknowledging our project management of a multinational oil and gas company’s EV charging hub portfolio. Productivity Improvement & Cost Reduction: Celebrating our delivery of over £10m in savings for a major UK online retailer. Fastest Growing: Recognising our remarkable 30% revenue growth and expansion across new geographies. Beyond organisational achievements, our individual team members continue to earn recognition for their expertise and contributions. Zoë Webster, expert at Cambridge Management Consulting for AI, Digital & Innovation, was named among AI Magazine’s Top 10 AI Leaders in the UK & Europe. Furthermore, Craig Cheney, Managing Partner for Public Sector & Education, was made an Alderman of the City of Bristol, and Marvin Rees OBE, a member of our advisory board, was introduced to the House of Lords. Craig and Marvin were also co-founders of the Bristol City LEAP project, which recently received the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Award of Distinction for Public-Private Collaboration in Cities. This £1bn partnership between Bristol City Council and Ameresco UK represents a world-first initiative in sustainable urban development, demonstrating our capacity to deliver transformational projects with genuine societal impact. At the Forefront of Digital Infrastructure and TMT Our Platinum ranking in telecommunications specifically reflects Cambridge MC’s deep expertise across the full spectrum of Telecoms, Media & Technology (TMT) challenges. We work alongside TMT companies to optimise digital infrastructure and estates while delivering integrated cost reduction services that enhance procurement and contract management functions. Our capabilities span from digital transformation, procurement and network transformation to data centre optimisation and emerging technology integration. The telecommunications landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with exponential data growth, IoT deployment, and the infrastructure demands of generative AI driving substantial transformation in both virtual and physical infrastructure. Our team support organisations to stay afloat in this changing market, with a proven track record including managing over $5bn in client revenues, saving organisations over $2bn, and driving procurement transactions exceeding $5bn. Recent case studies demonstrate the breadth of our telecommunications expertise, from conducting technical due diligence for major investment decisions, to designing and procuring modern network solutions for leading academic institutions. Our work with the University of Bristol, helping them to complete their progressive Modern Network transformation, exemplifies our ability to navigate complex technical and commercial requirements, while delivering measurable outcomes. Looking Ahead As we celebrate this Platinum recognition, Cambridge MC remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in telecommunications consulting. Ever since Tim Passingham founded Cambridge Management Consulting, to support telecommunications startups in the city of Cambridge, UK, our purpose has been to help clients make a better impact on the world. This mission drives everything we do, from individual product delivery to industry-wide transformation initiatives. This achievement belongs to our entire team of specialist practitioners who bring decades of hands-on experience to every engagement. As we continue to expand our capabilities and global reach, this recognition serves as both validation of our progress and motivation for the challenges ahead. Thank you to everyone who has joined us on this journey.

Disclaimer: The text below was originally published on the Pembroke College website. Read the original post here to read the full article, including coverage of the award's other recipients, Duncan Rule and Ian Carry. 2025 Volunteers of the Year Announced Congratulations to Duncan Rule, Ian Carry and Tim Passingham (2022) whose contributions to Pembroke have been recognised in Pembroke’s Volunteer of the Year Awards for 2025. The award was introduced in 2022 to recognise not only the particular individuals who contribute their time and expertise for the benefit of the College and its community but also the value of volunteering itself. Duncan and Tim received their awards from the Master, Lord Smith of Finsbury, last week, with Ian set to receive his at the LEAP celebration event next term. Tim Passingham Since joining Pembroke as a William Pitt Fellow in 2022, Tim Passingham has become a highly valued member of the College community. A consistent supporter of the Corporate Partnership Programme, Tim has played a pivotal role in connecting students with real-world opportunities. Through his companies—Cambridge Management Consulting and partner firm edenseven—Tim has offered numerous internships to students on the LEAP programme, helping them build professional confidence and practical skills. Beyond internships, Tim and his team have supported LEAP students through reflective post-programme interviews, offering valuable feedback for both participants and the LEAP team. His impact is visible in many aspects of College life: from advisory work on the Milstein House sub-committee to generous support for Pembroke’s musicians, including the donation of a drum kit. Tim has also brought significant visibility to Pembroke within the wider Cambridge community. Under his leadership, the College was a key host during Cambridge Tech Week 2024, welcoming visitors for lectures, panels, and a Deep Tech Gala Dinner. Regularly using College spaces for high-profile meetings and team retreats, Tim has become a recognisable and influential figure around Pembroke—embodying the spirit of collaboration and innovation that the Corporate Partnership Programme aims to foster. On receiving this award, Tim said "when I was invested as a William Pitt Fellow in 2022, I stated that my desire was to give to the College and work hard to bring the worlds of Academia and Industry closer together. Since then, me and some of my team at Cambridge Management Consulting have supported numerous LEAP interns, sponsored our first PhD student at Pembroke, supported the CARA charity and initiative, supported the Mill Lane site programme, and given as much time and money as we have been able to support the Development Team and the growth of the College. I feel enormously honoured to receive this award which, for me, represents very much the beginning of a partnership which I hope will deepen and grow over many years to come. I look forward to the years ahead and to serving the College as we seek to continue to build on the incredible legacy of Pembroke by having a disproportionate impact for good on the world around us.”

Disruption now occurs with unprecedented regularity, as industries are upended not by traditional competitors but by unexpected entrants wielding innovative technologies and business models.  The difference between thriving and becoming obsolete increasingly hinges on your organisation's ability to anticipate and adapt to disruption before it's too late. The Ur-case of this was Blockbuster, who ignored the threat of streaming technologies, and specifically Netflix (which it could have bought), until it was far too late to pivot and catch up. Our article explores how businesses can develop strategies that offer predictions and agility, embedding creativity and insight into frameworks and actionable steps that plot a course through the disruptive landscapes of the next few years and beyond. Understanding the Nature of Disruption Disruption is no longer just a buzzword — or the philosophy of ‘break things and move fast’ that drove the early tech start-ups that now dominate our waking lives. The theory of disruptive innovation, popularised by Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen, explains how new technologies, products, or services can start small but eventually surpass established offerings in existing markets[1]. This process typically begins when smaller companies with fewer resources challenge established or traditional businesses by addressing underserved market needs[5] in new ways; usually with business models that bypass normal routes to market and allow these companies to scale at pace. Recent examples include: fintech banks that challenge the need for brick-and-mortar; online over-the-top media applications that replace the need for print media and traditional broadcast television; digital media and the success of subscription models, replacing physical media for music, films and other forms of entertainment; and platform apps like Uber, which connect us to a fleet of independent drivers who are paid per ‘gig’ and regulated by a ratings system. Today's notion of disruption is characterised by several key features: Accelerated Pace of Change The pace of disruption has accelerated beyond anything previously seen, with transformative technologies reaching mainstream adoption faster than ever[15]. While it took decades for technologies like electricity and telephones to achieve mass adoption, modern innovations like smartphones and AI have transformed entire industries in just a few years. Cross-Industry Disruption Disruptive threats increasingly come from outside traditional industry boundaries. Companies must now monitor not only direct competitors but also adjacent industries and completely unrelated sectors where transferable innovations might emerge[15]. For example, tech giants have disrupted financial services, retail, healthcare, and automotive industries without prior experience in these sectors. Technology-Enabled Business Models Today's most powerful disruptions combine technological innovation with business model innovation. Examples include: Platform models: Uber revolutionised transportation by connecting riders and drivers through a user-friendly mobile app, utilising independent drivers who pay for their own vehicles for rapid scalability[1]. Subscription services: Netflix and Spotify transformed entertainment consumption by shifting from physical media to on-demand streaming with personalised algorithmic content recommendations[1]. Direct-to-consumer approaches: Tesla's direct sales model bypassed traditional dealership networks while integrating advanced electric vehicle technology and autonomous capabilities[1]. From Traditional to Adaptive Strategy Traditional strategic planning approaches — characterised by multi-year roadmaps and rigid implementation plans — have become increasingly inadequate in today's fast-moving business environment. We look at some of the challenges businesses now face below. The Limitations of Traditional Strategy Conventional strategies often fail because they: Assume relative stability in market conditions Take too long to develop and implement Lack flexibility to respond to unexpected changes Rely heavily on historical data to predict future outcomes The Adaptive Strategy Advantage Adaptive strategy, often described as the "Be Fast" approach, emphasises agility, experimentation, and continuous evolution[3]. This approach thrives in fluid industries with high uncertainty and a fast pace of change, such as technology, fashion, entertainment, and start-ups[3]. Organisations that embrace adaptive strategies gain significant advantages: Higher profitability: Companies ranking high in adaptability enjoy up to 75% higher profitability than their less adaptive counterparts[10]. Faster market response: Adaptive firms achieve approximately 60% faster time-to-market compared to traditional competitors[10]. Innovation capacity: The ability to experiment boldly and rapidly iterate creates an environment where breakthrough innovations are more likely to emerge[10]. Real-World Adaptive Strategy Success Consider Netflix's journey from DVD rental service to streaming giant to content producer. Rather than creating a 10-year plan, Netflix constantly evolved based on emerging technologies, customer preferences, and market opportunities. This adaptive approach allowed them to pivot whenever necessary while maintaining their core value proposition of convenient entertainment access[1]. A New Framework for Ensuring Strategy Relevance To maintain strategic relevance amid disruptive trends, companies need a systematic framework that balances stability with flexibility. Anticipate Disruption Through Trend Analysis Successful businesses identify potential disruptions before they manifest fully by monitoring Hard Trends — future certainties based on measurable facts[15]. These include demographic shifts, technological advancements, and regulatory changes that provide predictable directional guidance. For example, financial services firms that recognised the Hard Trend of increasing digital connectivity were better positioned to respond to the rise of mobile banking and fintech disruption. Build your Agility Organisational structures and processes must be designed to support rapid adaptation: Decentralised decision-making: Empower teams closest to customers and market changes to make decisions without lengthy approval chains[3]. Cross-functional collaboration: Break down silos between departments to enable faster information sharing and coordinated responses to change[3]. Agile methodologies: Adapt software development approaches like sprints, continuous integration, and iterative testing to broader business strategy[3]. Foster a Culture of Innovation Innovation cannot be an isolated function — it must permeate your entire organisation: Encourage experimentation: Create safe spaces for testing new ideas with minimal bureaucracy and fear of failure[3]. Customer-centric innovation: Ground innovation efforts in a deep understanding of customer needs rather than internal assumptions[14]. Structured innovation processes: Establish clear pathways for moving ideas from conception to implementation while maintaining flexibility[14]. KPIs that support innovation: For example, looking at the value of a portfolio of innovations rather than a specific innovation project. Leverage Data & Technology Data-driven insights provide a vital competitive advantage in your disruption response: Real-time market intelligence: Deploy advanced analytics to detect weak signals of change before they emerge fully-formed[3]. Predictive modelling: Use Agentic AI to identify patterns and forecast potential disruptions[2]. Digital transformation lifecycle: Invest in the necessary expertise and infrastructure to undertake on-going programmes of transformation — a big step, and potentially expensive, but it can help immunise your business against disruptive technologies and new models. Practical Implementation Steps Translating disruption awareness into effective action requires specific tactical approaches.