"""The firm is also full of jokers who haven't got a clue about software and don't even think it's a technology company."""
From (limited) experience this is true for many technology consultants. Unfortunately it's also somewhat common practice for business software projects that involve a small/medium sized software company and a gigantic client that the client requires the involvement of Accure et al. to feel more secure.
Sadly it is not uncommon to have the consulting "software experts" do nonsensical tasks just so that they are not touching important stuff.
These days, I am very skeptical about getting involved in any software projects that involve big name consultants.
A lot of the big names are smaller competitors who were bought out. If I wanted to buy into a big name like that, I would make sure their founding headquarters were based nearby and that they are run by the same soft of people that started it.
From (limited) experience this is true for many technology consultants. Unfortunately it's also somewhat common practice for business software projects that involve a small/medium sized software company and a gigantic client that the client requires the involvement of Accure et al. to feel more secure. Sadly it is not uncommon to have the consulting "software experts" do nonsensical tasks just so that they are not touching important stuff.
These days, I am very skeptical about getting involved in any software projects that involve big name consultants.