Debenhams Group launches AI Skills Academy with workforce development platform Multiverse

Debenhams Group, the online retailer behind brands including Debenhams, PrettyLittleThing, boohoo, boohooMAN and Karen Millen, has launched its AI Skills Academy - a programme that aims to equip employees with practical AI skills.

This is being rolled out in partnership with Multiverse, a workforce development platform fronted by Euan Blair (son of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and follows tie ups with Amazon Web Services and Peak AI. It is fully funded through the company’s £1.35 million Apprenticeship Levy, a government fund for work-based training.

Staff will be taught the technical skills and behaviours required to embrace AI in their day to day work, including: Using tools to boost productivity and free up time for higher value, strategic work; Applying AI solutions to streamline operations and reduce manual tasks; Building systems in-house to accelerate digital transformation and reduce reliance on external providers.

The AI Skills Academy supports a key pillar of Debenhams Group’s digital transformation roadmap. It will be launched internally via a company wide communication campaign, including in-person sessions delivered by Multiverse to help teams understand the opportunities on offer.

Dan Finley, CEO at Debenhams Group, says: “Adopting AI is not just about investing in our systems - it’s about investing in our people. With the launch of the AI Skills Academy, we’re giving our teams the tools to think differently, work smarter and build for the future. This is about unlocking the potential of every colleague to drive real innovation across the group.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

AI will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in April, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.