Consultancy firm accused of 'sharp practices' in provision of trade experts

PA Consulting accused of overcharging the taxpayer and lack of clarity about invoices relating to 19m of government contracts

A management consultancy firm that provided experts to a government agency has been accused by MPs of "potential sharp practices" that resulted in the cancellation of a 19m government contract.

PA Consulting was also blamed by a parliamentary committee on Monday of breaches of corporate governance after appearing to mislead the government agency UK Trade and Investment when providing trade specialists to attract overseas investors.