The role of data & analytics consultants in 2025

Data is more valuable than ever, and in 2025 it is now driving decisions, automation and innovation. It’s powering entire industries, from how companies speak to their customers to how they manage supply chains or respond to market shifts, data is now central to everything.

But here’s the catch: having the data doesn’t mean much if you don’t know how to use it. So, while businesses are collecting more data than ever, not all of them know what to do with it. That’s where data and analytics consultants come in. These professionals help businesses turn raw data into meaningful insights, spotting patterns, identifying opportunities and solving problems before they become even bigger issues.

They help businesses move beyond basic reporting to extract real, strategic value from their data. And in a climate where speed and strategy go hand-in-hand, the businesses with expert-led data strategies are the ones pulling ahead. Businesses can no longer afford to treat data strategy as an afterthought.

From number crunchers to strategic powerhouses

The role of a data consultant has evolved dramatically in recent years. Gone are the days when data teams sat quietly in the corner, churning out reports no one read. Today’s consultants now sit at the heart of business strategy.

One of the biggest shifts in the role is the growing emphasis on data storytelling. It’s not just about the numbers anymore, it’s about crafting a clear narrative from the data and communicating it in a way that resonates with stakeholders across the business. Consultants turn raw numbers into insights that influence boardroom decisions.

And they’re helping organisations navigate the complex landscape of ethical data use and AI governance, ensuring innovation doesn’t come at the cost of compliance.

With AI now being woven into nearly every business function, ensuring data is used responsibly, and in line with regulatory standards, is more important than ever. Whether it’s bias in algorithms or concerns over data privacy, consultants are often the ones creating the guardrails.

The tech shaping the future of data consulting

The toolkit of a data consultant in 2025 is bigger and better than ever. And with it comes more strategic power.

• AI-driven analytics are huge game-changers in the field, used to uncover patterns and make predictions at speed and with precision.
• Automation is freeing up time for consultants to focus on what really matters – generating insight and impact.
• The rise of low-code/no-code platforms means consultants and non-technical teams no longer need to code.
• Cloud-based infrastructure and real-time data processing deliver faster insights in the moment, not weeks later.
• Increased emphasis on ensuring data governance and quality best practices to enhance the effectiveness of data visualisations and Large Language Models.

But it’s not just about tech for tech’s sake. The real differentiator lies in how well consultants can apply these tools in a business context. They’re not there to impress with complexity, they’re there to simplify and clarify.

The industries betting big on data expertise

Some sectors are already heavily invested in data-led transformation, and they’re reaping the rewards.

• Finance: Using advanced analytics for fraud detection, risk modelling and algorithmic trading.
• Healthcare: Investing in AI-assisted diagnostics and patient data management.
• Retail: Tapping into predictive analytics for hyper-personalised customer experiences.

In each case, data and analytics consultants are the driving force, translating raw data into high-impact strategies that deliver real business value.

And this demand isn’t slowing down. As businesses face growing pressure to innovate, operate more efficiently and demonstrate impact, the need for strategic data expertise will only increase.

The future consultant

The most in-demand consultants in 2025 bring more than just technical expertise. Here’s what’s standing out:

• AI fluency: Consultants don’t need to be experts in developing large language models, but they do need to understand how AI works, where it fits and what risks it carries.
• Ethical data stewardship: Knowing how to handle sensitive data and stay on the right side of regulation alongside best in practice techniques for uplifting and maintaining data quality.
• Business acumen: Being able to ask the right questions, understand commercial objectives and spot where data can drive the most value.
• Clear communication: Translating data into decisions is one thing. Explaining it to a room of non-technical stakeholders? That’s a real skill.

And let’s not forget adaptability. With tech evolving at pace, staying curious and keeping up with new tools, trends, and techniques is part of the job.

Expert Insight

David Harvey, Head of our Data & Analytics Practice shares his insights on the changing role of data consultants in today’s evolving tech landscape –

The role of a Data Consultant has evolved drastically over the last few years as organisations continued to recognise not only the value that data can bring but also the need to ensure that the data being delivered by data pipelines is of a high quality, especially as this is the data which is now feeding AI Large Language Models. Our Data Consultants provides expertise to our clients across a variety of different areas from Business Intelligence, Data Engineering, Data Science, Data Governance, Data Architecture and Low Code applications, highlighting the ever-expanding role that data plays across organisations.

What skills and technologies are essential?

Naturally these will vary depending on the role, however there are some common stalwarts outside of the latest technology in AI and Machine Learning. Our Data Consultants still heavily rely on a solid foundation of SQL and Python, alongside a Data Visualisation tool such as PowerBI to excel within their chosen specialism. Soft skills play just as important a role as the harder technical skills such as effective story telling using data, open communication and expectation setting.

How are we preparing our consultants to lead?

We are enabling our data consultants to lead the charge by immersing them within an experiential learning environment in which they are developing a set of core data skills before diving into a data role specific specialisation. We do this through a variety of different means such as hands-on learning, coaching and mentorships, deployment into agile pods, continuous improvement and development through regular engagement with our clients and on-site consultants and our technology and industry partnerships.

What’s the one trend businesses need to prepare for now?

With the continued evolution of AI, organisations need to place an even heavier emphasis on the data governance, data quality, data privacy, data awareness and data literacy. With organisations widely adopting the use of AI to enhance their employees’ efficiency it is highly important that the data which the Large Language Models are consuming is accurate and “makes sense”.

Why the future belongs to data experts

The need for expert guidance has never been greater. The companies that don’t embrace data-driven decision-making will fall behind, and those that do will lead the way.

Data and analytics consultants are no longer nice-to-haves, they aren’t just there to ‘do the numbers’. They’re game-changers. They’re helping businesses ask the right questions, see the bigger picture and make smarter decisions, faster.

So, are you ready to unlock the power of your data and future-proof your business?

At FDM we’re developing the next generation of data and analytics consultants, fully equipped with the skills and mindset to drive real impact.

Let’s talk about how we can help your business succeed in 2025 and beyond.