Global leader in professional services, Ernst & Young (EY), has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation and technology by announcing the acquisition of whyaye Ltd, a consulting services provider for the ServiceNow platform. This strategic move marks EY’s eighth acquisition in the UK since April 2021, highlighting the firm’s dedication to expanding its technology consulting business.
Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Newcastle, whyaye Ltd has rapidly established itself as a key player in the consulting industry, specializing in the ServiceNow platform. Boasting a team of over 100 talented professionals spread across the UK, the company is known for its ability to integrate and automate diverse business data and processes, transforming them into streamlined and efficient service management solutions.
Driven by a surge in client demand for technology consulting, EY is making substantial investments to fortify its capabilities and offers clients unparalleled expertise as they navigate their digital transformations and secure their organizations for the future. The acquisition of whyaye is a pivotal step for EY Consulting in the UK, bolstering its market capabilities centered around the ServiceNow platform.
The newly formed entity, to be known as EY whyaye, will serve as a catalyst for the growth of EY’s Technology Consulting services.
EY’s Consulting Business sets sights on substantial growth, doubling size by 2026
EY has announced ambitious plans to dramatically expand its consulting business in the UK and Ireland, doubling its size within the next three years. With a £75 million investment to back its bold vision, EY is determined to cement its position as a market leader in the Consulting industry.
This announcement comes in the wake of the firm’s earlier investment of £95 million into its Consulting practice in 2020. The unprecedented growth plans will see EY Consulting in the UK & Ireland grow its headcount from 5,100 to around 10,200 people by 2026, with more than half of the new roles based outside of London in cities such as Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Birmingham.
The driving force behind the expansion is the increasing demand from clients looking to undertake large-scale strategic transformation programmes, fuelled by cutting-edge technology, data, and people. As organizations worldwide seek to future-proof themselves against ever-evolving challenges, EY Consulting is looking forward to providing the strategic guidance and innovative solutions necessary to thrive in the digital age.
Recent acquisitions by EY in the UK
1. EY recently acquired Digital Detox Ventures Limited, a UK-based digital engineering consultancy. Digital Detox specializes in custom software development for various sectors, including health wellness and sciences, real estate hospitality and construction, and technology, media, and telecoms (TMT). With the acquisition, EY aims to enhance its digital engineering capabilities and complement its existing Technology Transformation Teams. The move reflects EY’s commitment to expanding its expertise and services in the digital realm.
2. EY’s acquisition of Blackdot Consulting Ltd, a specialist customer consultancy. Blackdot brings extensive experience in strategy design and implementation, helping clients achieve sustainable customer-centric growth. The acquisition will enhance EY’s transformation, customer, and growth capabilities, enabling teams to assist clients in developing and implementing customer-centric growth strategies. This includes areas such as design, user experience, digitization, omnichannel, go-to-market, and commercialization.
3. EY has recently acquired Seaton Partners Limited, a UK-based consulting firm that specializes in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Applications, including Finance and Supply Chain Management, HR, and Power Platform. As a Microsoft Dynamics Gold Competency Partner, Seaton Partners offers Transformation Projects and Managed Services. This acquisition aligns with EY’s growth strategy in the Microsoft ecosystem, aiming to enhance its capacity, capabilities, and market presence in Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP. These technologies are designed to improve operational efficiency and enhance overall business performance for organizations.
4. EY has acquired PeakEPM Limited, a prominent UK consulting firm specializing in financial planning, stress testing, and cost management for financial services, industrial, and energy companies. This acquisition will enhance EY’s Financial Services Consulting division by bolstering its financial planning and analysis capabilities. By combining PeakEPM’s technical modeling expertise with EY’s financial transformation capabilities and global reach, the acquisition sets the stage for the development of a comprehensive and expansive service offering for EY clients as they navigate post-pandemic business transformation and growth.
5. EY acquired Lane4 Management Group Holdings Limited, a prominent UK consultancy known for its expertise in leadership and team development, organizational performance, transformation, and culture change. The acquisition is set to bolster EY People Advisory Services’ growth ambitions by enhancing its capabilities in transformational leadership, culture change, and overall reputation in the market.
6. EY acquired Pythagoras Communications Holdings Limited, a UK-based technology company, and Microsoft Gold Partner. Pythagoras specializes in offering professional services and solutions using Microsoft Azure, Dynamics 365, SharePoint, and the Power Platform. This acquisition aligns with EY’s goal to expand its portfolio of technology services and enhance its capabilities in Microsoft Business Applications like Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Azure.
7. EY acquired Frank Hirth Plc, a prominent firm known for its UK and US personal tax services in the private client business market. This strategic move reinforces EY’s commitment to becoming a leading organization in private tax services and providing clients with top-notch service, valuable insights, and expertise to navigate the growing complexity of UK and US tax matters.
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