Marks & Spencer launches ‘world first data science and AI academy’ in grocery

M&S has launched what it has claimed is the world’s first data science and AI academy in grocery.

Ten colleagues last week began a 15-month course that will provide them with ‘advanced level 7 status’ in the subject, equivalent to a master’s degree.

The course covers modelling, machine learning, automating and optimising business processes, and data-driven AI solutions for the supermarket’s operations, which M&S said would “help unlock millions of pounds’ worth of untapped value to the business”.

“To put this in perspective, most businesses would feel privileged to have one level 7 graduate in their workforce; we will have 10 – which underlines just how serious we are about data here at M&S,” said Suze Howse, M&S head of enterprise data.

M&S is working with education provider Cambridge Spark to provide the training.

The supermarket has been training colleagues on use of data since 2018, when it launched a data analyst apprenticeship programme. This was followed by a data technician course, aimed at “driving data literacy across the organisation”.

M&S also hired its first dedicated head of data science, Mehdi Hosseini, in October 2019.

Since the first course was launched, more than 280 colleagues have taken part in the programmes.

Those colleagues have “benefited from our data literacy programmes, making a tangible difference to the way we operate and think,” said Howse. “Data and insight is now at the heart of everything we do – from the way we conduct markdowns to the way we conduct and evaluate in-store trials.

“We’re acutely aware of the opportunity that lies within data science at M&S,” she added. “If you look at the typical ‘Plan’, ‘Buy’, ‘Move’, ‘Sell’ retail value chain, the potential for data science spans from the beginning of the design process for products, through to improved buying and allocation and finally into how we operate our stores and interact with our customers, which includes our Sparks loyalty programme.”