A year on from its acquisition by Softcat, Leeds consultancy Oakland Everything Data reports significant growth across its team and client base, including a 30% increase in staff headcount, a 136% increase in clients and £12 million in active pipeline value.
Many of the firm’s recent wins across public and private-sector organisations have already progressed into follow-on or expansion activity, demonstrating the strength of Oakland’s delivery model and long-term client partnerships, which the firm says highlights clear market demand for grounded, outcome-focused data support that delivers tangible business value.
Jeff Gilley, Business Development Leader at Oakland, said: “Over the past year, we’ve seen a clear shift in how organisations approach data. More mid-market businesses are recognising that data isn’t just a technical capability, it’s a commercial lever for growth, efficiency, and better decision-making.
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“At the same time, while interest in AI has accelerated rapidly, many leaders understand that real value comes from getting the foundations right first – from strategy and governance through to platforms and analytics.
“There’s also growing recognition that much of the early investment in data and AI occurred without a clear roadmap for value. That’s where we’re seeing strong demand for pragmatic, outcome-focused consultancy. Organisations want partners who can help them cut through the hype, put the right foundations in place, and turn data into something that genuinely drives business value.”
Demand has continued to grow across a range of sectors, including:
- Public sector and local government, where momentum is increasing following extended procurement cycles
- Higher education, driven by the need for better insight to support planning and operations
- Professional services, as firms look to strengthen data-led decision-making
- Transport and infrastructure, where scale and regulatory complexity are creating new data challenges
As demand rises, Oakland is investing in its people and delivery capability to ensure quality remains at the heart of its growth. The business has already welcomed 30 new starters in 2026, with continued hiring planned, further strengthening its ability to deliver as part of the wider Softcat group.
Alongside experienced hires, Oakland has also launched Oakland Futures, led by Lauren Lewis, and has welcomed the company’s first-ever cohort of entry-level talent.
The cohort has quickly become an integral part of the business, contributing meaningfully and now progressing onto client work. The programme reflects Oakland’s belief in creating meaningful entry routes into the data industry and supporting junior talent to realise their potential from day one.
Oakland is a consultancy focused exclusively on “liberating and activating data to help transform and grow businesses by giving them access to the latest skills and technology.”
