Cormack Consultancy Group has been an invaluable partner for our university's international research ambitions. Their deep understanding of the European research ecosystem opened doors we couldn't have accessed independently. Their strategic introductions to key research institutions, market intelligence and cultural insights have been outstanding—nuanced, practical, and delivered with real attention to our specific research strengths. Their guidance has helped us navigate complex European funding frameworks with confidence. For any institution looking to build out their international research programmes, Cormack Consultancy Group delivers exceptional value that extends well beyond traditional consultancy services.

CCG are a great collaborator to have. They are extremely knowledgeable in the international space and have great networks and connections. They bring these to you. They understand that institutions are different and they work with you and your staff on ideas and projects that will work for you. They fit around your structures and work with them. They help your institution build scale and capability.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Charles and the team at Cormack Consultancy Group across two institutions – first at the University of Brighton, and more recently at the University of Sussex. What sets them apart is their deep understanding of the international higher education landscape, paired with a pragmatic, outcomes-focused approach.

At Brighton, we partnered with CCG on a comprehensive TNE consultancy that helped us review and reframe our transnational education strategy. The ‘full-package’ service they delivered for Brighton spanned stakeholder consultation, due diligence, partnership evaluation, and internal process improvement. It was immensely valuable in delivering clear strategic and operational recommendations that we could execute on with immediate effect.

At Sussex, our collaboration has extended to projects such as developing US Graduate Hubs and multiple equitable TNE models in South and Central Asia.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them – they are a constant pleasure to work with and consistently deliver exceptional results.

Working with Cormack Consultancy Group is helping to transform the TNE landscape for UWE Bristol. As a university with over twenty years experience offering TNE programmes, it has been important to open new doors on opportunities in countries and territories that are seeking UK partnerships for the first time or in a fresh, innovative way. Schemes such as the Equitable University Programme with partners in India, TNE opportunities in areas we would have not previously considered, and support in looking at research opportunities are all having their impact. As we seek to streamline and strengthen our TNE processes, we have been given advice and guidance by Cormack Consultancy Group enabling us to prepare for the next 20 years on our TNE journey.

We have been working with Charles and his team for many years  now and are very happy with the service they provide.  Being a small provider it is important external organisations understand the challenges we face in relation to size and experience.  The team at Cormack Consultancy come from a wide variety of backgrounds, including large and small universities and are adept are identifying where an institution is in its development and how Cormack's range of partners fit best with the aspirations and objectives of the institution they work with.  Charles and his team continually look for suitable options for us to engage with and offer constructive feedback through all aspects of our work with them.  They have displayed a great sense of professionalism, strategic insight and awareness, enthusiasm, integrity, innovative thought processes, and most of all patience.  They have become an extension of my team and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

I had known of Cormack Consulting Group for some time and got to know Charles more closely through the UK-Ukraine twinning programme. It wasn’t until last year, though, that we formally engaged them to support our international partnerships strategy. They won our project through a competitive process—and it turned out to be absolutely the right decision. From the outset, working with the CCG team was straightforward and collaborative. They listened carefully to our goals, provided a clear framework, and offered expert guidance to help us prioritise areas where we could achieve quick wins. This works because the CCG team have a strong understanding of how our university operates, and at the same time helping me to challenge how we work internally. CCG brought in-depth market knowledge and strategic insight across various partnership models, which has enabled us to extend our global reach into areas we wouldn’t have been able to access alone. I’m especially grateful to Emily and Ligia for keeping us on track throughout the initial project. Their responsiveness and consistent communication made a real difference—they were always available, proactive, and incredibly organised.

London South Bank University received an excellent support from the Cormack Consultancy Group in applying for funding for students’ mobilities. With extremely tight deadlines and lack of experience in this field by LSBU, this being the first time that funds were being sought by the University, CCG’s expertise was extremely valuable. CCG were able to put together all the information and documents required for the bidding process. An application was sent to the Department of Education and, in due course after a rigorous evaluation, LSBU received confirmation that the full amount bided for had been granted. Further conversations between LSBU and CCG have taken place (and continue to take place) to ensure that activities planned by LSBU on how the money received is spent comply with any requirements from the British Government.

HEP has worked with Cormack Consulting for several years in the UK and overseas. HEP has directly benefitted from Charles’ extensive experience, knowledge and network. Charles and his associates have made a series of introductions to universities and helped shape opportunities that have become valuable long-term commercial partnerships. Charles and his team are extremely well informed and highly professional; they are also respected and valued by the universities in their network. It has been a pleasure to work with the team at Cormack Consulting and I am very grateful for the support and advice they have provided over the last several years.

I’ve worked with Charles and his team within two universities and found this to be a very beneficial process which facilitates a proactive approach to partnership sourcing, opening up additional opportunities in diverse markets beyond which we might normally consider. The team is knowledgeable and highly responsive, with a strong ability to tailor the identification of partnership opportunities to university needs.

We’ve been delighted with both the number and strength of introductions made by CCG between Abertay and prospective international partners since we began working together. From their initial work in understanding the strategic priorities and nuances of partner institutions, through the variety and quality of creative partnership opportunities proposed, and the project support provided when collaborations are forming, their client management has been outstanding throughout our partnership.

Northumbria University has worked with Cormack Consultancy Group to identify new international partners with the aim of diversifying our established TNE portfolio. We have always found Charles, Aziz and the rest of the CCG team to be extremely professional and always prepared to offer advice and guidance as we explored new opportunities. I would wholeheartedly recommend CCG to institutions who are looking to grow their international activities.