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The acquisition of BCT Solutions by consulting firm Accenture has paved the way for a new offering for Defence, industry and a diverse workforce, including veterans.
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Established in 2015 by ADF veterans Angus Heatley and Patrick Batch, BCT aimed to provide a practical approach to enhancing Defence’s cyber, electronic warfare, technology and intelligence operations.
As veterans, both Heatley and Batch understood the time sensitive and outcome-focused approach required to support Defence’s mission capabilities, and the pressing challenges facing the sector.
BCT incorporates a highly-skilled and security-cleared workforce of Australian Defence Force veterans – 87 per cent of the BCT team have served in the ADF.
Batch told Defence Connect, “BCT has grown rapidly, and we currently have 50 employees, most of whom are reservists or veterans. We found that this was a major differentiator.”
The organisation specialises in the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and electronic warfare (C4ISREW) and cyber domains, having worked closely with Defence on a number of major projects since its inception.
BCT has a set of resilient skills and capabilities currently in high demand, operating in a domain where deep consulting skill sets are rare. Recognising these highly specialist skills and shared values, Accenture moved quickly to welcome BCT into the fold earlier this year.
Matthew Gollings, defence and national security lead, Accenture Australia and New Zealand, explained to Defence Connect, “BCT has brought new expertise, capabilities and scale, and created a compelling market position in the defence, national security and public safety space and across government more broadly.
“We can now focus on our clients’ missions and provide insight-led, end-to-end solutions from strategy through to delivery, across command and control, cyber security, electronic warfare and intelligence.”
Batch commented, “By joining the Accenture team, we have a very strong offering to both the acquisition and sustainment of deployed ICT capabilities and the combined team are excited for the opportunity to support Defence in their upcoming requirements, with new reach and scale.”
As a long-term partner across many government agencies, it is pertinent for Accenture to continually invest in the skills and talent needed to deliver the work that is crucial to the nation. Accenture was aware of BCT’s reputation within the defence community and record of hiring highly skilled talent.
Veterans and reservists possess qualities highly valued by Accenture. Veterans and reservists have played a key role in shaping the way both BCT and Accenture support Defence, enabling them to better equip the men and women of the ADF.
Gollings added, “Veterans and reservists have been an important focus for both BCT and Accenture – and for us at Accenture, BCT really helped to drive this focus home and enhance the employment offering and support for serving and former Australian service personnel.”
