Association for Consultancy and Engineering

Association for Consultancy and Engineering

Overview

The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) is the leading trade association representing professional consultancy and engineering firms across the UK. As the collective voice of the sector, ACE represents hundreds of member organisations that provide specialist advice, design, project management and engineering services to clients across public and private sectors, including infrastructure, transport, built environment, digital, energy and water industries. Based in London, the association serves as a key advocate for the consultancy and engineering profession, connecting member firms with peers, supporting their professional development, and championing the sector's interests in government and industry policy.

Who Should Join?

ACE membership is designed for professional consultancy and engineering firms of all sizes. This includes:

• Consulting engineers and engineering practices
• Management consultancies providing specialist advice to industry
• Architecture and design consultancies
• Project management and technical consulting firms
• Infrastructure, environmental, digital and sustainability specialists
• Multi-disciplinary consultancy groups and large established firms
• Small and medium-sized consultancies and independent practitioners

The association particularly welcomes firms that operate within UK markets and those engaged with major infrastructure, construction, public sector contracting, energy, water, transport and digital projects. Eligibility typically requires that member organisations operate as professional consultancies or engineering businesses providing paid advisory or technical services. Prospective members should check the association's website for detailed membership requirements and application procedures.

Why Join?

ACE membership provides consultancy and engineering firms with direct access to a supportive professional community, collective advocacy, and practical tools to help build and sustain their businesses. Key reasons to join include:

• Sector representation and advocacy: ACE represents member interests in discussions with government, regulators, public bodies and major clients. Members benefit from the association's collective voice on policy matters affecting procurement, standards, employment law, sustainability and industry challenges.
• Business development and market access: Through networks, partnerships and sector events, members connect with potential clients, project partners and collaborators within the consultancy and engineering ecosystem.
• Professional credibility: Association membership demonstrates professional standing and commitment to industry best practice, which can enhance a firm's reputation with clients and partners.
• Industry knowledge and intelligence: Members gain access to market research, sector analysis, salary surveys, business guidance and intelligence that helps inform strategy and decision-making.
• Professional development: ACE supports member growth through training, skills development, and access to best practice guidance relevant to consultancy and engineering management.
• Peer networking: The association brings together fellow consultants and engineers for knowledge exchange, problem-solving and peer support at sector level.

Member Benefits & Opportunities

ACE membership typically includes access to:

• Conferences and events: The association organises major sector conferences, seminars and networking events where members connect with peers, learn about industry trends, and share experience on key challenges and opportunities.
• Policy and advocacy: Members can participate in industry groups, working parties and campaigns that influence sector policy, public sector procurement practice, and regulatory frameworks affecting engineering and consultancy.
• Industry guidance and standards: ACE produces guidance, best practice resources and position statements on matters such as fee benchmarking, sustainability, skills, digital innovation, and professional conduct.
• Sector research and data: Access to industry surveys, market reports, salary intelligence and business metrics that help members understand sector trends and benchmark their own performance.
• Business support: Practical advice and resources supporting areas such as marketing, client management, people development, sustainability and business resilience.
• Member community: Opportunities to participate in special interest groups, regional networks and forums focused on specific sectors, disciplines or business challenges.
• Publications and updates: Regular sector news, commentary, guidance and updates keeping members informed of developments affecting their business and industry.

Industry Role & Professional Standing

ACE is a significant and established force within the UK consultancy and engineering sector. The association plays an important role in:

• Professional standards: ACE advocates for professional standards, quality, ethics and best practice across the consultancy and engineering profession.
• Policy influence: The association engages with government, Parliament, regulators and public bodies on matters affecting the sector, including infrastructure investment, skills development, sustainability, digital innovation and business environment.
• Sector advocacy: ACE champions the consultancy and engineering profession, highlighting its importance to the UK economy and its role in delivering major infrastructure, construction, energy and digital projects.
• Industry collaboration: The association works closely with other professional bodies, industry groups and partners to strengthen the sector and address shared challenges.
• Business intelligence: Through research, surveys and analysis, ACE provides the profession with evidence-based insights into sector performance, trends and opportunities.

By joining ACE, members connect with one of the UK's leading sector associations and gain a collective voice in shaping the future of consultancy and engineering. Whether as a growing consultancy seeking to build market presence, an established engineering firm looking to influence sector policy, or a specialist consultancy wanting to access peer knowledge and networks, ACE provides a platform for professional achievement and sector engagement.

For more information about membership, visit the association's official website at https://www.acenet.co.uk.