EY Belgium invests in Talent, Sustainability and AI with a 4% revenue increase

• EY Belgium has closed the past fiscal year* with positive results: a 4% increase in revenue, bringing the total to €486 million. Despite challenging market conditions, EY looks back with satisfaction on a year marked by significant investments in talent development, sustainability, and technological innovation.
• With a new headquarters and a strengthened focus on Talent, ESG, and AI, EY Belgium is positioning itself as a pioneer in the industry and a partner for the future for both its employees and clients.
• To reinforce this growth strategy, EY Belgium plans to recruit no fewer than 560 new employees in the coming months. At the same time, the company continues to prioritize the retention and development of existing talent, a cornerstone of the sustainable growth and innovation that EY stands for.
   

Financial results: solid growth in challenging times

Despite the challenging economic climate, EY Belgium managed to achieve 4% revenue growth, with a total of €486 million compared to €468 million the year before. This includes the following results per service line:

• Tax remained stable at €177 million;
• Assurance grew strongly to €127 million (+10%);
• Consulting increased by 4% to €138 million;
• Strategy & Transactions also grew by 5% and closed at €44 million.

Globally, EY recorded 3.9% growth, resulting in revenue of $51.2 billion for the fiscal year ending June 2024.

Patrick Rottiers, CEO of EY Belgium: “Our solid growth of 4% demonstrates not only the strength of our organization, but also the resilience and dedication of our team. We continue to invest in what is essential for the future: our talent, sustainability and technological innovation.”

Investing in talent and inclusivity: 560 planned hires

At EY Belgium, employees are the foundation of success. The company places a strong focus on developing talent and expanding teams with diverse expertise and backgrounds to meet the growing and complex demands of its clients. With an average of 2.500 employees, including 148 partners, EY Belgium forms a solid base for further growth and innovation.

Patrick Rottiers, CEO of EY Belgium: "Talent is the engine of our organization. Just as every engine runs on the right fuel, our organization thrives on the strength, expertise, and passion of our people. That is why we continue to invest in their development, ensuring they have the tools, training, and opportunities to grow, with diversity and inclusivity as driving forces. Flexible work models have long been the norm rather than a temporary solution. We see that employee well-being and satisfaction are rising, which also results in better performance for our clients."

Diversity and inclusivity are key values: within the Belgian organization, no fewer than 69 nationalities are represented, contributing to a rich and inspiring work environment. EY believes that an inclusive culture, where everyone can be their authentic self, is essential to bringing out the best in people.

To support ongoing growth, EY Belgium plans to recruit 560 new employees this year. These hires will span various profiles and areas of expertise, aimed at strengthening services in strategic domains such as strategy, sustainability, digital transformation, and innovation. By both attracting new talent and fully supporting the professional growth of its existing employees, EY is building an organization prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Sustainability and innovation as core values

EY Belgium is also making progress in the field of sustainability. The organization is aiming to reduce business travel volume by at least 35% compared to the pre-COVID-19 level. In addition, 80% of the company car fleet now consists of hybrid and electric models. Since June 2023, EY offers its employees new electric vehicles only, with optional charging stations at their homes. EY is also encouraging alternative means of transport such as public transport, cycling or a mobility budget.

Recently, for the fourth year in a row, EY received a silver Sustainability Medal from EcoVadis. This means we are in the top 15% of all companies reviewed, confirming our commitment to sustainability. This certification plays an increasingly important role in meeting client expectations.

ESG as a strategic priority

Sustainability and compliance with ESG criteria are an essential pillar in the EY strategy as well as that of our clients. More and more companies are preparing for the introduction of the mandatory Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which requires them to report transparently on their impact on people and the environment. The CSRD requires a fundamental integration of sustainability in business operations. Worldwide, there are more than 4.000 EY employees – including approx. 100 in Belgium – who are committed to helping companies  implement these new standards.

Innovating with EY.ai and the power of artificial intelligence

EY is strongly focused on the future of AI and digital transformation to help clients innovate. With the launch of the EY.ai platform, both clients and employees  have access to AI technologies and knowledge. Clients can increase their understanding of AI and employees are trained to build and effectively apply AI skills. So far, 70% of all EY employees have been trained in the responsible use of AI.

"EY invests significantly in technologies such as AI, blockchain, cloud computing, and data analytics to work more efficiently and provide new insights to businesses. Digitalization accelerates the way advisory services are delivered and is reshaping the competitive landscape within the sector. Digitalization is a strategic priority for us. By leveraging AI and data analytics, we can provide clients with faster insights into complex business processes and potential future risks. This not only enhances our efficiency but also strengthens the strategic value we can offer to our clients," says Patrick Rottiers.

New headquarters: EY focuses on climate neutrality, innovation and flexibility

Earlier this year, EY Belgium moved to a new headquarters, designed to meet Belgian and international standards for most energy-neutral buildings. The new location, 2.000 m² smaller than the previous one, operates entirely without fossil fuels, thanks to over 600 solar panels and geothermal energy. Experts expect that the CO₂ emissions of The Wings will decrease by 70% as a result.

In addition to energy efficiency, EY is also strongly committed to a flexible working environment with the new headquarters. Employees can work from home or other locations according to their needs and wishes, resulting in 20% less physical presence in the office. This flexible approach not only offers a better work-life balance for employees, but also significantly reduces commuting, which in turn contributes to sustainable mobility and the well-being of the team.

The new headquarters is more than just a workplace: it reflects EY’s commitment to strengthening the sustainability and innovative power of the organization at every level. Sustainable solutions that contribute to EY’s vision for a better, cleaner and more efficient future have been considered throughout the building.

Future prospects and strategic direction

With Janet Truncale as the new Global CEO of EY, the strategy will be strengthened under the motto ‘Shape the future with confidence’. On 1 July, EY launched ‘All in’, EY’s global strategy to shape purposeful growth and targeted investments in transformation, AI and sustainability. The focus is on combining human talent with sustainable and technological solutions.

*1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024  

-End of press release-

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