At Stowe, we believe personal development doesn’t stop at professional skills. That’s why we actively encourage colleagues to grow, explore new interests and keep learning, both inside and outside of work.
Our Personal Development Grants, which open twice a year, give colleagues the opportunity to apply for funding to learn a new skill or pursue an interest that matters to them. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be related to their role at all.
Whether it’s learning a new language, picking up a creative hobby, or finally signing up for that course you’ve always talked yourself out of, the grant is there to support development beyond your day job.
Why personal development matters to us
As a growing firm, we want our people to grow with us. As individuals, not just employees. We know that feeling fulfilled outside of work helps people bring their best selves to work. When colleagues have space to invest in their passions, interests and wellbeing, it naturally supports a healthier work-life balance.
The Personal Development Grant is our way of giving colleagues that extra nudge to say yes to something just for them.
What have colleagues used the grant for?
The range of courses we have seen colleagues choose shows just how varied people’s interests are. So far, grants have been used for:
- Italian baking courses
- Bike mechanics and maintenance
- Flower arranging
- Sewing lessons
- Spanish language classes
- Cake decorating
- And many more
Each grant request is wildly different from the next, but they all have one thing in common: they’re about personal growth, confidence and enjoyment.
Spotlight: cake decorating
One colleague, Gemma, a Team Leader Partner, used the Personal Development Grant to learn cake decorating back in 2025.
What started as a personal interest quickly became something she could share with others. Since completing her course, Gemma has brought her new skills into the office, creating cakes for colleagues to enjoy and marking special moments across the team.
Beyond Stowe, Gemma has continued to use her cake decorating skills to support the Free Cakes for Kids initiative, a charity that provides birthday cakes for children who might otherwise go without. It’s a way for her to combine creativity with kindness — and give something back to the community.
For Gemma, the grant wasn’t about learning a skill for work, but about doing something she genuinely enjoyed. It also reflects the empathy and care she brings to her role every day — supporting others, whether that’s clients, colleagues or the wider community.
A benefit that’s about the whole person
Our Personal Development Grants reflect something that’s important to us at Stowe: recognising that our colleagues are more than their job titles.
By supporting learning that sits outside of work, we aim to help colleagues feel balanced, motivated and empowered — both inside and outside the firm.
If you’re looking for a workplace that values you as a whole person, not just the role you do, Stowe might be the place for you.
