Grant Thornton UK has announced a £1m ($1.2m) investment in a business transformation programme with Data Literacy Academy, aimed at equipping its employees to embrace a data-driven, digital future.
It added that the new programme will focus on cultivating a data-driven digital (3D) mindset among the company’s leaders and new associates, with plans to extend this training to more employees in the future.
The 3D programme will feature learning modules on data leadership, foundational data skills, and future digital competencies.
By targeting both new entrants and established leaders, Grant Thornton aims to accelerate the integration of a data-centric approach throughout the organisation.
Grant Thornton UK data, digital and technology head Alan Dale said: “Whilst data fluency and digital capabilities are nothing new for our people, significantly upskilling our teams both at senior and more junior levels with the latest thinking and trends in this fast-moving space will enable us to stay at the cutting-edge of our profession.
“Our commitment to continued investment in data and digital, and ensuring our people are at the vanguard of technological advancement in our sector, gives us a unique opportunity to reflect on how we work in a way that is better for our people, our clients and our firm.
“This will enable us to make smarter, faster decisions whilst upholding the high standards of quality that our clients expect. We are delighted to be the first of our peers in the sector to offer this type of data and digital training to our people.”
Grant Thornton explained that the move builds on its commitment to digital evolution, which has previously seen the firm invest in client-facing technology, digital services, and tools that leverage data, digital capabilities, and artificial intelligence to enhance client experiences.
Data Literacy Academy founder and CEO Greg Freeman said: “Our partnership with Grant Thornton has already been an unbelievable journey, and its senior leaders are doing something really bold here.
“They are buying into a critical business enabler while putting their people at the heart of it, because tech and data-enabled people drive change.
“The Grant Thornton team understands that data literacy, and the cultural shift it brings, will be a catalyst for their data and digital-led approach – unlocking the success of the firm for today and well into the future.”
In January 2025, Grant Thornton UK strengthened its tax advisory team through several senior hires and internal promotions, including four new partners and three new directors.
