The Torch service, funded by Scottish Enterprise and the University of Edinburgh, will work with data specialists to support businesses from all sectors. It aims to address data challenges for companies, including a lack of in-house skills and knowledge and finding the right resources and tools.  

Rhona MacLennan, principal solutions architect at The Data Lab, who is leading the Torch project, said: “The service will help to transform the client company from their starting point, to an understanding of how their business objective could be achieved, what effort would be required, which tools might be appropriate and which vendors, products and services might be used to achieve a successful data project.”

The Data Lab says it plans to initially recruit five new hires to work on the initiative, including solutions architects, business development and marketing staff.

Gillian Docherty, chief executive at The Data Lab, said: “Torch aims to enable businesses to successfully take the next steps on their data transformation by translating strategy into practical actions using the methods and technologies most suited to their needs.”