The Business of AI

The AI race may not be won by bigger language models. Manish argues that LLMs are powerful interfaces, but weak foundations for true intelligence because language alone cannot capture planning, creativity or cross-domain reasoning. Jiva.ai is taking a different route: bottom-up model fusion, designed to merge specialised models into more efficient, resilient systems that can generalise across complex problems.The business implication is significant. As enterprises hit limits around cloud dependency, data leakage, compliance and compute cost, sovereign AI becomes more than a national policy idea. It becomes an enterprise operating requirement. Manish, a molecular geneticist turned AI founder, makes the case for AI systems that organisations can own, control and deploy securely, especially in regulated sectors like healthcare, finance and insurance. The challenge for the UK is not talent. It is scale capital and risk appetite.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

AI’s productivity promise has a darker twin: a fast-growing fraud economy built on manipulation, deepfakes, voice cloning and human psychology. The real business risk is not just technical vulnerability, it is workforce vulnerability. Companies racing to adopt AI need fraud resilience as a core operating capability, not a compliance afterthought.Aarti, a technology leader turned AI fraud resilience founder, argues that safe adoption requires a human-led approach: train people, cut through both AI hype and fear, and build confidence without ignoring risk. Her career also highlights important lessons: non-linear paths, resilience and diverse leadership are not side stories. They shape better systems, stronger organisations and more equitable outcomes.Women in AI special episode, hosted by Zahra Shah.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

AI is no longer just helping people find businesses, it is becoming the first version of the business they encounter. That creates a new reputational risk: if ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude describes an organisation badly, cites outdated information, or recommends a competitor, customers may never reach the website at all. The shift from search to answer means companies must stop thinking only about SEO rankings and start managing how AI systems represent them.Tom, founder of Awareness AI, explains why generative engine optimisation is becoming a board-level issue for public-facing organisations. His work shows that models can pull from stale pages, third-party sources, Reddit, X, Google profiles and fragmented data to produce confident but wrong answers. Organisations need to audit what AI says about them, then they need to structure website schema, keep business profiles fresh, publish strong FAQs, and monitor model responses over time. In the AI search era, reputation management starts before the customer even clicks.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

AI may be scaling fast, but we hear from Nikolay that the current wave has already hit a ceiling. Pattern recognition alone is not enough to deliver the next leap in business value. Nikolay's company Braintree believes that the future lies in symbolic AI: systems that do more than predict likely outputs and instead work with abstractions, concepts and meaning. That matters commercially because it points to AI that can operate more like a true interface between people and data, with stronger reasoning, faster real-time performance and far lower infrastructure demands.The bigger business claim is efficiency. Nikolay argues that by mimicking how human memory rewrites, compresses and reorganises information, Braintree can dramatically cut data size, compute requirements and energy use. That has implications far beyond model design: lower operating costs, more practical deployment, and a credible path to sovereign AI stacks that keep data local and controllable. As a founder building outside the mainstream LLM playbook, Nikolay positions Braintree not as a rejection of today’s AI boom, but as building the next generation of AI.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

Most AI investments fail for a simple reason: companies start with the tool, not the business need. Productivity gains do not come from layering AI onto existing workflows, but from rethinking how decisions, information and value actually move through an organisation. The real job is not prompt engineering or model selection. It is business analysis: clarifying outcomes, mapping processes, understanding where value is created, and only then deciding where automation or augmentation belongs.Adam Hadley, CEO of Quantspark, makes the case that the winners will not be the firms with the most AI pilots, but the ones with the strongest management, clearest operating models and willingness to redesign work. He sees a widening gap between organisations that frame AI strategically and those still debating whether to act. His advice to leaders is blunt: ignore the hype, map your business on one page, identify what is becoming commoditised, and use AI to move up the value chain. The bigger risk now is not adopting too fast, but moving too slowly while competitors compound the advantage.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

Ethical AI is not a compliance add-on, it is a competitive advantage. This episode makes the case that better AI outcomes come from better design choices at the start: diverse teams, explainable systems, safer data practices and a sharper understanding of who a product serves. In healthcare, that is not just a moral argument. It is an operational and commercial one. Done well, AI can cut delays in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, ease pressure on clinicians, reduce NHS costs and improve patient outcomes.Femma Ashraf is the founder of Astronomical AI. Her company is building tools to detect and segment lung cancer from CT scans in minutes, but the bigger challenge is deployment: gaining trust, accessing patient data safely, navigating fragmented NHS processes and proving the system works in the real world. The broader lesson for leaders is clear: AI creates value when ethics, execution and business need are built together from day one.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

Nobody wants to be governed. Everyone wants to be excellent. That simple reframe is at the heart of this conversation with Graeme King, a data and AI governance veteran who argues that the way we talk about data management is holding businesses back just as much as the data problems themselves.With 25 years of experience across industries as varied as rail infrastructure, criminal justice, and the European Space Agency, Graeme has watched organisations stumble over the same fundamental problem time and again: their data isn't ready. In this episode, he joins Tim to make the case that before you chase the next shiny AI tool, you need to get your foundations right and that doing so doesn't have to mean boiling the ocean.He introduces the FAIR framework: making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable, as the clearest way to think about AI readiness, and argues that the real success of any AI deployment lives beneath the surface, in the unglamorous infrastructure most businesses would rather ignore. He also makes a compelling case for just-in-time governance: forget the massive enterprise-wide programme, build enough guardrails to innovate safely, use case by use case, and govern at the speed of innovation.They also tackle the unique challenges of high-stakes environments like healthcare, where a 2% failure rate isn't a statistic, it's lives, and explore whether synthetic data and digital twins are a genuine long-term solution or simply a bridge to something better.If your organisation is feeling the pressure to "just do AI," this episode is the reality check and the roadmap you need.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

From busting myths about energy-hungry data centres to explaining why your fridge temperature could be saving your company thousands, Malcolm brings a refreshingly grounded perspective to one of the most polarising conversations in business today. Malcolm Buckley, founder of Bright Angles and a veteran of 25+ years in technology and data, joins Tim to cut through the noise around AI and sustainability. We explore why the headlines about AI "burning the world" don't tell the whole story, how UK businesses can take back control of their environmental footprint, and why the data you already have, imperfect as it is, is good enough to start making better decisions right now.Malcolm also makes the case for why the UK is uniquely positioned to lead the world on sovereign, sustainable AI infrastructure, and why the businesses shaping AI strategy today are, in his words, "the lucky generation in the room."If you're a business leader trying to navigate the gap between AI's promise and its real-world impact, this one's for you.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

What if the real problem in food is not productivity, but a deep imbalance of power? Sophia Fannon-Howell, founder of Aterra.AI argues that the UK food system is structurally tilted against farmers: they carry the risk, produce the value, and yet capture only a fraction of the reward, while larger players control the data, the market visibility, and the negotiating leverage. In that context, AI matters not as a shiny new farming tool, but as a way to shift intelligence and influence back to the people at the base of the system.A data and innovation leader from the energy and commodities world, Sophia is building Aterra around a farmer-first model: shared data foundations, practical AI tools, and cooperative governance. The focus is deliberately unflashy but commercially powerful, helping farmers access grants, benchmark contracts, understand supply and demand, reduce waste, and strengthen local food networks. The bigger insight is that if farmers own their data and AI is used to correct market asymmetries rather than reinforce them, it can help create a food system that is more profitable, more regenerative, and far fairer.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

AI isn’t held back by technology, it’s held back by fear. The real barrier to adoption inside companies isn’t capability, but confidence: employees worry about job loss, leaders struggle to change established workflows, and organisations lack the internal structures to make AI usable day-to-day. The companies that win won’t simply deploy AI tools; they’ll invest in education, shared knowledge systems, and cultural change that helps teams see AI as an amplifier of human capability rather than a replacement.Natalia Chronowiat, a business director at AI-driven digital agency Push, focuses on translating AI from hype into practical business infrastructure. Her work centres on workshops, training and internal “knowledge libraries” that help teams and clients integrate large language models into everyday operations. For Natalia, the next phase of AI adoption is organisational: building environments where experimentation is encouraged, curiosity replaces fear, and employees take ownership of learning new tools. As AI reshapes work, she argues the competitive edge will come from companies that cultivate adaptability, challenge assumptions, and empower people to actively shape how AI is used.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

Who decides how AI reshapes society: technologists, governments, or the communities living with its consequences? As AI and digital platforms scale rapidly, policymakers face a difficult balance: enabling innovation and economic growth while protecting citizens from online harms, safeguarding children, and ensuring new technologies do not deepen existing inequalities.Baroness Uddin believes the answer lies in widening who participates in technology governance. A social worker turned member of the House of Lords, she brings decades of community advocacy into debates on AI, digital assets, and online safety. Through parliamentary groups and cross-sector roundtables with startups, academics, and major tech firms, she works to connect policy with real-world experience. Her approach reflects a core lesson for the AI era: effective regulation isn’t just written in legislatures, it emerges from sustained dialogue between innovators, policymakers, and the communities technology will ultimately reshape.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

Most people are consuming AI tools. Far fewer are building with them and that gap is where the real opportunity lies. In this episode, AI strategist Sumathi Menno argues that the biggest barrier to AI adoption isn’t technical skill but hesitation. Through her work advising organisations and leading the nonprofit Women Defining AI, she focuses on turning curiosity into capability, helping professionals move from experimenting with prompts to actually building AI-powered products and solutions.With a background in financial services before moving into AI strategy, Sumathi now works with organisations struggling to translate AI hype into practical implementation. Her approach starts with understanding workflows and identifying targeted use cases rather than forcing AI adoption for its own sake. Alongside this advisory work, she runs hands-on initiatives, including hackathons that bring newcomers together to build AI prototypes for public sector challenges. The goal is simple but powerful: democratise AI creation, bring more women into building the technology, and ensure the next generation of AI systems is shaped by a broader set of voices.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

World models could be the breakthrough that takes AI beyond predicting text and into understanding reality. In this episode, Linda Hong Cheng explains how these models, which learn the physical dynamics of environments, may unlock a new generation of AI capable of reasoning about complex systems. Her company, Lychee Labs, is already applying this approach to industrial manufacturing, building AI that integrates with digital twins of production lines to anticipate disruptions such as firmware changes, quality defects, or operational shocks before they cascade into costly downtime.Linda's work bridges frontier research and real-world deployment. With a background in computational social science and complex systems modelling, she is developing decision engines that combine neural networks, reinforcement learning, and world models to optimise industrial operations in real time. The broader ambition is “adaptive intelligence”: AI that can respond dynamically to unpredictable environments rather than simply generate predictions. She also explores a critical strategic issue for the industry: the linguistic and cultural biases embedded in today’s AI models, and why the future of AI will depend on who builds it and whose worldviews shape its design.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

What if AI could prevent conflicts from escalating and create an auditable record of what really happens when they do? This episode explores a new category of AI focused not on productivity, but on structuring high-stakes human communication. Vanessa Carson, founder of Defuze and Thea Labs, is building systems designed to mediate difficult conversations and preserve “narrative integrity”, creating transparent, evidence-grade records of communication in environments where trust, consent, and accountability matter.A former film professional who moved into tech delivery in highly regulated industries, Carson built Defuze after noticing recurring breakdowns in human communication during complex, high-risk interactions. The company’s first product, a co-parenting platform, acts as a proving ground for broader applications across schools, the judicial system, and enterprises. Her work highlights an emerging opportunity in AI: infrastructure that reduces conflict, protects vulnerable users, and provides organisations with reliable, auditable communication trails.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

AI isn’t just a technology race, it’s a trade policy battleground that will determine who captures value and who falls further behind. The real AI divide isn’t only about access to infrastructure, but about skills, governance, data rules, and the power embedded in digital trade agreements. As countries sign binding commitments on cross-border data flows, source code access, and digital taxation, the long-term development path of emerging economies is being quietly locked in.An economist at King's College London and advisor to the Commonwealth Businesswomen's Network, Karishma Banga argues the UK has a pivotal role: invest in digital infrastructure and skills across Commonwealth nations, take a cautious approach to AI trade provisions, and confront the environmental and fiscal trade-offs of data localisation and digital taxation. Her work bridges macro-level trade negotiations and micro-level labour impacts, asking a sharper question: will AI reinforce global inequality, or can smarter policy turn it into a new engine of inclusive growth?AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

If AI is so powerful, why are most companies seeing almost no real productivity gains? This episode exposes the uncomfortable truth: giving employees access to tools like ChatGPT or Copilot doesn’t transform a business, it just speeds up existing habits. The real value comes from redesigning workflows, developing role-specific use cases, and teaching people how to apply judgment and creativity alongside AI. Atheni.ai positions itself at this “last mile” of adoption, helping organisations move from superficial use to genuine operational change through hands-on support and a scalable “personal AI coach” that guides employees in real time.In this special 'Women of AI' episode, the conversation also challenges who gets to lead in this space. A communications executive turned founder, Louise launched her AI company in her 50s, arguing that experience, systems thinking, and communication skills, not just technical credentials, are what businesses actually need to deploy AI successfully. Her story highlights both the barriers women still face in funding and credibility, and the opportunity AI creates to lower entry barriers, empower new kinds of leaders, and bring more diverse voices into shaping how the technology is used.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

Why are so many companies investing in AI but seeing so little real impact? Is the biggest barrier bad data, or a workforce that secretly lacks the confidence to use it? In this conversation with Vivek and Bryan from the Global AI Leaders Network (GAIL), we unpack why organisations are stuck in “pilot mode,” why AI still feels intimidating to non-technical teams, and why literacy, not infrastructure may be the true bottleneck.The discussion explores what actually moves the needle: safe “sandpit” environments where employees can experiment without fear, leadership that visibly uses AI, cross-functional teams tackling real business problems, and a culture that treats failure as part of progress. From marketing transformation to compliance automation, Vivek and Bryan share practical examples. They also warn that the biggest AI risk isn’t rogue superintelligence, it’s unintentional misuse by people who don’t fully understand the tools.Finally, the episode dives into responsible AI, governance, and how organisations can scale from scattered pilots to enterprise-wide impact. If you want to understand what separates companies that talk about AI from those actually transforming with it and how to build a “human + AI” workforce ready for the future, this conversation is packed with grounded, actionable insight.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

AI can help make sense of complex infrastructure projects, turning disconnected systems into clear plans that improve efficiency at scale and help protect national infrastructure. Energy, water, and other essential networks are under growing pressure from new demand, climate goals, and public expectations, and decisions in one area increasingly affect everything else.This conversation with Michael Avant-Smith, from Business Modelling Applications, looks at how AI is being used to bring clarity to that complexity: linking data, testing options, and showing trade-offs in ways people can understand and act on. By supporting better planning, faster decisions, and continuous adjustment as conditions change, AI becomes a practical tool for building infrastructure that keeps up with the pace of change.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

What does real sustainability look like when AI enters the room—loud, power-hungry, and ethically ambiguous?In this episode of the UKAI Women in AI Podcast, we’re joined by Alex Smith, CEO of Future Plus, to talk candidly about non-linear careers, leadership under pressure, and why sustainability must move from glossy reports into everyday business decisions.Alex shares her journey—from hospitality and professional sailing to building a guided SaaS platform that helps businesses embed sustainability across climate, social impact, governance, and economic resilience. Along the way, we explore:Why sustainability and AI are fundamentally governance problemsThe myth of “perfect” sustainability (and why progress matters more)AI’s impact on net-zero pledges, workforce trust, and biasLessons from working parents, single motherhood, and executive leadershipHow AI is being used to reduce food waste through projects like Bridge AI, in collaboration with Innovate UK, Google, and NestléThis is not sustainability as virtue-signalling. It’s sustainability as discipline: measured, managed, and embedded—especially as AI accelerates faster than our moral reflexes.📌 Key theme: Just because we can, should we?🔗 Learn more about Alex’s work: https://www.futureplus.co.uk🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on AI, governance, and impactAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of the UKI Women in AI podcast, Sheridan (Founder & Co-CEO of Tech She Can) tells the story from “Well Rough” (Wellingborough, as lovingly rebranded by its own sign-vandals) to global consulting, to launching a charity that’s reached hundreds of thousands of children with tech-for-good education.You’ll hear:How an undiagnosed dyslexia and leaving school with few qualifications didn’t end the story—it started itThe early rebellion: campaigning at school so girls could do metalwork and welding (because stereotypes deserve to be mocked, not obeyed)Why curiosity and preparation beat “having a perfect plan” (spoiler: plans rarely survive contact with reality)Lessons from Accenture and PwC—and how Sheridan helped move the needle on women in tech inside a major UK firmThe research that exposed why many girls don’t choose tech (hint: it’s not “lack of ability”—it’s lack of invitation and visibility)Building Tech She Can through the pandemic, scaling resources, and focusing now on work experience, apprenticeships, and pathways—especially for young people without easy access to “who you know” networksLeadership habits that actually work: relentless note-taking, diverse teams, and staying coachable (even when your ego wants a throne)Sheridan also talks about the power of storytelling—personally and structurally—and shares how role models (from Wonder Woman to Lyra) can widen what young people believe is possible.If you care about AI, skills, education, and the pipeline into tech that isn’t quietly rigged for the already-privileged: this one’s for you.#WomenInAI #AI #TechForGood #DigitalSkills #Education #DiversityInTech #Leadership #Apprenticeships #Careers #UKTechAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of the UKAI Women in AI Podcast, Zahra sits down with Lida Cepuch — a technologist-turned-governance heavyweight whose career has zig-zagged through derivatives trading floors, complex risk management, and the boardrooms of some of Europe’s most regulated financial institutions.Lida cuts through the usual platitudes and lays out the raw mechanics of building a career at the intersection of technology, finance, and governance, starting from her early days in computer science at the University of Waterloo (back when coding required punched cards) all the way to shaping AI strategy for a UK-regulated alternative investment manager.Across this conversation you’ll hear about:Surviving Black Monday (1987) and making decisions with imperfect informationRemote team leadership long before Zoom made it fashionableHow technological literacy became her most valuable long-term assetThe structural reasons girls fall out of STEM at age 11–12Why governance around AI is still a conceptual minefieldHow allyship, networks, and unvarnished mentorship shape a careerThe reality of navigating male-dominated rooms in the 80s and 90sRaising four children while handling high-volatility roles in financeHer current project Lectern, using AI to help families save for educationWhy society cannot afford a generation priced out of universityHow AI can support — rather than distort — education, decision-making, and equityLita also speaks frankly about personal challenges, and how resilience, clarity of thought, and a deep network of mentors carried her through chaotic inflection points — from 9/11 to market collapses.If you’re interested in:AI governance, female leadership in finance, long-term strategy, risk, education policy, or the hard practicalities of deploying AI responsibly, this episode is essential.Connect with Lita: linkedin.com/in/lidacepuchSubscribe to the UKAI Women in AI Podcast for more conversations with the women shaping the future of AI — not in theory, but in the bruising, high-stakes world where technology meets power.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

How do you actually govern AI so you can use it at scale without blowing up your risk register?In this episode of the Business of AI podcast, Tim chats with Ray Eisel Porter (former Global Lead for Responsible AI at Accenture) and Dr Paul Donga (Head of Responsible AI & AI Strategy at NatWest) about their new book, Governing the Machine – a practical blueprint for AI governance in real organisations, not in theory slides.They unpack:What agentic AI really was in the 1990s – and why today’s “agents” are nowhere near the autonomous rational planners people are hyping.How to build AI governance as an enabler, not a tick-box brake on innovation.Why generative AI widens and deepens the risk landscape, especially in financial services.The emerging role of the Chief AI Officer and where responsible AI, ethics boards and risk teams fit in.How to make governance relevant to actual workers, not just a PDF policy nobody reads.Why the UK has a genuine opportunity to lead globally on responsible AI, given its regulators, legal culture, and new AI Safety Institute.In this conversation, we cover:Ray’s journey from leading global responsible AI at Accenture to co-authoring Governing the MachinePaul’s background in agentic AI research in the 1990s and his move into banking and AI ethicsThe mindset shift: governance as a way to sleep at night and unlock AI valuePractical steps to get started:Identifying checkpoints where “does this include AI?” gets askedUsing risk triage to decide when heavier governance is neededEmbedding questions through the AI lifecycle, not as a final checklistWhy FOMO about agentic AI is misplaced – and what today’s “agents” really do (mostly advanced search and orchestration, not deep planning)How to keep governance flexible as technology and regulation move, including using standards beneath policiesThe human side: training, culture, new roles (AI ethicists, data curators, responsible AI leads), and using AI to augment work rather than replace itThe UK’s regulatory positioning vs the EU AI Act and the US – and why a pro-innovation, guidance-driven approach might actually workIf you’re a business leader, risk professional, data/AI lead, or policymaker wondering where to start with AI governance – or whether you really need a Chief AI Officer – this episode will give you a concrete framework and a reality check on the current hype.📖 The book: Governing the Machine – available now from major booksellers.🎙️ Podcast: Business of AI Podcast – subscribe for new episodes.👉 Watch / Listen and let us know in the comments:Do you think your organisation is ready for agentic AI?Should the UK aim to lead the world on responsible AI – and is it doing enough?AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

AI agents can become “work amplifiers” for non-profits and membership organisations IF you start with the problem, not the solution. In this in-person episode, Alex Skinner (CEO & Co-founder of Pixl8) explains how AI can help lean teams do more with less: automating document-heavy workflows, triaging submissions, and turning messy archives into searchable knowledge.We dig into:* Why many AI projects fail by starting with a solution instead of a clear objective,* Alex’s “recipes” approach: matching the right model/tool to the right workflow,* How to pilot safely, measure success, and scale from proof-of-concept to production,* The new reality of testing: using AI to test AI in a probabilistic world,* Practical risk controls: human-in-the-loop, auditing, least access, and separating duties,* Sensitive data strategies: orchestrators, data security, open-source models, and private deployments,* What Alex is most excited about for 2026: 'Lane Assist', moving beyond chat into proactive, workflow-based AI.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

Ramyani shares her 25-year journey from being the only woman in engineering classes to leading digital, analytics, and AI across Northern Europe, while championing diversity and lifting other women as she climbed. She opens up about a defining early-career moment: being told to tone down her bold colours and emotions and why choosing authenticity became a turning point. Ramyani makes the case that AI is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for women because it rewards problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration, not just coding. Expect practical advice (passion, resilience, learning through failure), a look at major AI transformation programs she’s leading in banking and heavy industry, and a powerful call to use women’s “superpower” alongside technology to create lasting business and societal impact.Ramyani Basu is a senior partner at Kearney.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

Bosch on Skills, Trust, and the Future of Work. What does real adoption actually look like inside a global industrial giant? In this episode, Stefan Hoffmann, President of Bosch for Northern and Eastern Europe, cuts through the noise to explain how AI is already transforming manufacturing, HR, energy, and R&D. From training 65,000 employees and building trust in AI tools, to green energy, hydrogen, and automated driving, this fascinating conversation explores how businesses can use AI to boost productivity, stay competitive, and prepare people, not replace them, for the future of work.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of UKAI’s The Business of AI Podcast: Women in AI special, Zahra Shah, Chair of UKAI’s Women in AI Working Group, speaks with Sharon Moore MBE, CTO for Public Sector and Technology at IBM.Sharon shares her career journey into technology, from early exposure to computer-aided design to senior leadership roles, and reflects on the moments that shaped her path. The conversation explores career challenges, learning new industries quickly, and the difference that mentors, allies, and sponsors can make, particularly for women navigating large organisations.A practical and encouraging discussion on leadership, confidence, and building a sustainable career in AI and technology.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of the Business of AI podcast, we’re joined by Ben Warner, co-founder of Electric Twin, a company creating cutting-edge synthetic populations to help organisations understand and predict human behaviour at unprecedented speed. Ben shares his journey from academic physicist at UCL, to applied AI leader at Faculty, to chief adviser in Number 10 during the Covid-19 crisis. That experience revealed a fundamental gap in our ability to model real-world behaviour, inspiring Electric Twin’s mission: to give decision-makers rapid, accurate insights that once required weeks of surveys and complex research.Ben breaks down how Electric Twin builds “digital audiences” using advanced AI models, data science and social science, enabling companies to test ideas, messages and products in seconds rather than months. He also discusses powerful applications across marketing, product development, public policy and even predicting behavioural responses in areas like health or political engagement. With examples ranging from media companies to telecoms firms, Ben shows how synthetic audiences can accelerate decision-making and reduce reliance on slow, expensive traditional research. The conversation also explores the UK’s broader AI opportunity, the future of behavioural modelling, and how tools like Electric Twin could help shape smarter, evidence-driven policy.#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessOfAI #ElectricTwin #SyntheticData #BehavioralScience #DataScience #AIMarketing #CustomerInsights #DigitalTwin #ProductInnovation #PublicPolicy #FutureOfAI #TechLeadership #UKTech #AIEthics #AIForecasting #InnovationLeadership #MarketingTechAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of The Business of AI Podcast, host Tim Flagg sits down with chartered marketer, HubSpot Platinum Partner and AI & automation consultant Martin Broadhurst – to explore how AI is transforming marketing, sales and wider business operations. Martin shares his journey from early marketing automation through to working hands-on with generative AI, explaining how tools like HubSpot, Copilot and other platforms are making advanced automation, content creation and data insight accessible to everyday teams. Along the way, he gives real-world examples from SMEs, including using AI to clean thousands of messy CRM records in minutes, speeding up presentation creation, and helping organisations move from clunky legacy systems to cloud-based, AI-enabled workflows.Tim and Martin also dive into the skills and culture needed to harness AI effectively, from building basic AI literacy across the workforce to giving leaders the confidence to set direction and redesign workflows rather than simply bolting AI onto broken processes. They discuss the opportunities for marketers to do more with less, the risks of complacency and over-reliance on AI outputs, and why businesses that ignore AI may find themselves overtaken by AI-first competitors. If you’re in marketing, sales, operations or leadership and want practical, grounded insight into how to use AI well, this episode is for you – and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of AI, business and real-world practice.#AI #Marketing #AIMarketing #DigitalTransformation #BusinessAI #ArtificialIntelligence #MarketingStrategy #FutureOfWork #Automation #GenAI #MarketingTech #MarTech #AIAutomation #SmallBusinessAI #AIForBusiness #ContentMarketing #TechTrends #2025Trends #ChiefAIOfficer #ProductivityToolsAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of the UKAI Women in AI Podcast, host Zahra Shah sits down with Sarah Wyer, a leading PhD researcher specialising in gender bias in large language models. Sarah shares her non-linear journey into AI, from starting out in business and higher education, to discovering a passion for data, completing a master’s in computer science, and ultimately becoming an award-winning woman in tech. She explains how her research with Professor Sue Black revealed deeply embedded gendered and intersectional bias in early GPT models, and why the data choices made by AI developers profoundly shape societal outcomes. Her guiding principle is simple but powerful: technology must not leave people behind.Sarah also reflects on the challenges she has faced: from access barriers in AI research to the urgent safety concerns arising from generative models, and outlines her current work mapping gender bias across GPT iterations up to GPT-5. She speaks candidly about the risks posed by sexualised AI systems, the importance of robust governance, and her belief that AI can still be a force for equality if society chooses to embed the right values. Looking to the future, she urges young girls and women not to be deterred from entering the field, highlighting the need for visible role models and supportive communities. The episode closes with Sarah’s call for collective action: to design AI that elevates people, protects vulnerable groups, and creates a more equitable digital world for everyone.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of The Business of AI Podcast: Women in AI, host Zahra Shah speaks with co-founder of AI Potential Mary Kemp, about her unexpected and transformative journey into the world of artificial intelligence. Mary reflects on moving from decades of corporate work in the US to becoming an “accidental startup” founder after discovering how dramatically generative AI could reshape her business. She shares honest insights into the early challenges, from rebuilding a client base to navigating uncertainty, and explains how giving back to local communities and charities helped her rebuild trust, networks and opportunities from the ground up.Mary also discusses her growing focus on regulated industries such as health, finance and legal, where AI adoption requires sensitivity, rigour and long-term partnership. Looking to the future, she speaks passionately about democratising AI, encouraging women to step into the field with confidence, and ensuring this technological wave does not leave anyone behind. She highlights her work on a new charity supporting young women with confidence, community and ethical AI guidance. This thoughtful and inspiring conversation offers practical lessons for entrepreneurs, leaders and anyone curious about where AI can take them next.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of the UKAI Women in AI Podcast, Zahra speaks with Beth Wells, Innovation Manager at Weightmans Solicitors, about her unexpected journey from studying biology to building a career in legal tech and innovation. Beth shares how a temporary admin role opened the door to an entirely new profession, and why problem solving, creativity and curiosity were the real skills that guided her into an innovation team that has grown from four people to more than thirty. She reflects on the rise of legal engineering, the evolution of innovation in law firms and the importance of building supportive teams and strong mentors in a traditionally conservative sector.Beth also opens up about tackling imposter syndrome, navigating a new professional environment and learning to trust her own abilities. She discusses the challenges of introducing tech into legal practice, the value of networks like UKAI, and the mindset needed to embrace new opportunities as they emerge. For women considering careers in AI, innovation or legal tech, Beth offers practical advice on staying curious, finding the right organisational culture and being brave enough to ask questions and step outside your comfort zone. This is an honest and uplifting conversation about growth, resilience and shaping a career you never knew existed.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of The Business of AI Podcast, Tim welcomes Dr Catriona Wolfenden, Director of Product and Innovation at Weightmans, to explore how one of the UK’s leading law firms is reshaping its approach to technology, problem solving and client service. Catriona shares her journey from practising lawyer to heading a 34-strong innovation team, and offers real examples of how Weightmans has built tools that reduce risk, streamline processes and improve decision-making for clients in areas from disability discrimination to lorry regulation. She also explains why true innovation starts with understanding the problem – not rushing for the newest piece of tech – and how “faster chaos” is what happens when organisations skip the fundamentals.Catriona and Tim also delve into the shifting role of lawyers in an age of automation, the importance of diverse multidisciplinary teams, the cultural dynamics inside modern law firms and how to support junior colleagues entering a profession that is changing rapidly. They discuss the realities of adopting AI in a heavily regulated environment, why “good old-fashioned AI” still solves many core challenges, and what the coming years may hold for legal tech and professional services. If you’re interested in innovation, legal practice, organisational change or the practical value of AI, this conversation is full of grounded insights and real-world experience.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of The Business of AI Podcast, Tim is joined by Isabel Bathurst, solicitor, law firm consultant and co-founder of Legal AI. Isabelle shares her journey from early work with geographic information systems at Manchester University, through two decades in complex litigation, to helping law firms adopt AI in a way that actually fits how solicitors work. She explains why so many traditional case management systems frustrate lawyers, how disconnected tech stacks create inefficiency and inertia, and why AI needs to be designed around real legal workflows rather than forcing solicitors to become part-time IT operators.The conversation digs into some of the biggest questions facing the legal sector: how to manage security and privacy with sensitive client and medical data, what “private AI” really looks like in practice, and how tools like document review, medical record summarisation and onboarding automation can support – rather than replace – legal professionals. Isabel also reflects on how AI is reshaping training and careers for junior lawyers and paralegals, freeing them from low-value grunt work so they can move more quickly into genuine legal analysis. If you’re interested in the future of legal practice, secure AI deployment, and how to make complex tech work for busy fee-earners and vulnerable clients alike, this episode is for you.#BusinessOfAI #LegalAI #LawTech #ArtificialIntelligence #LegalInnovation #AInSecurity #DataPrivacy #CaseManagement #FutureOfLaw #UKAI #LegalTechUK #Solicitors #AIinLawAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of The Business of AI Podcast, Tim is joined by David Lane, founder of Fat Fish Digital, to explore what happens when decades of AI experience meet today’s hype cycle. David shares his journey from early AI research at BT AI Labs and the University of Sussex, through founding one of his first companies in the mid-2000s, to building Fat Fish Digital as a “technology orchestrator” working at the intersection of AI, mobile, and health tech. He talks about moving from mobile apps and gaming into cognitive health, why so many organisations still struggle with messy, unstructured data, and how Fat Fish helps clients turn dusty PDFs and policy documents into living, actionable knowledge – always with a human in the loop.Tim and David then dive into some of the hardest questions leaders are facing: what actually counts as “AI”, how to avoid jumping to solutions before understanding the problem, and why interoperability, standards and governance matter more than shiny demos. They unpack the risks of shadow AI use in critical environments, the emergence of agentic AI (and protocols like MCP), and the huge security and compliance challenges coming towards 2026. David also shares advice for choosing AI partners, building the right skills inside organisations, and using frameworks and codes of conduct – including the work of UKAI’s Agentic Working Group – to make sure AI is deployed safely, responsibly and at real scale.#BusinessOfAI #AIPodcast #FatFishDigital #DavidLane #ArtificialIntelligence #AgenticAI #HealthTech #DigitalHealth #UKAI #MachineLearning #AIEthics #AIGovernance #DataStrategy #UnstructuredData #NHS #AIForGood #TechnologyLeadership #FutureOfWorkAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

Agentic AI isn’t just another tech trend, it's a generational shift that could rewrite how every business operates. In this episode of The Business of AI, Shashi Jagtap, founder of Super Agentic AI and former Apple engineer, reveals why he walked away from one of the world’s most coveted tech jobs to dive head-first into this new frontier. He explains how agentic systems go far beyond ChatGPT-style interactions, giving machines the power to take action, make decisions, and transform entire workflows and why companies that hesitate risk being left behind.Shashi breaks down the real meaning of “agentic AI,” the explosion of new tools and vendors, and the growing panic among business leaders trying to decide whether to build, buy, or simply keep up. He shares where agentic AI is already working, including coding agents that outperform traditional development processes, and how Super Agentic AI helps organisations adopt these tools safely, securely, and strategically. His fast-growing London Agentic AI community shows just how hungry builders are to swap lessons, share failures, and learn how to apply this technology in the real world.The conversation also tackles the UK’s role in the global AI race, the urgent need for sovereign AI capabilities, and the government leaders who are pushing hard to make responsible AI a national strength. Looking ahead, Shashi argues that the only way to survive this rapid shift is to stay relentlessly curious, continuously learn, and make AI adoption an active, ongoing practice for businesses, for society, and for the next generation who will grow up in an agentic-first world.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of The Business in AI Podcast, host Tim Flagg welcomes Barbara Bouffard, CEO of Logic Lab and James McInerney, Director of Logic Lab, to discuss how small and medium-sized businesses can harness AI automation to drive growth, boost productivity, and empower their teams.Logic Lab is on a mission to make AI practical, affordable, and empowering for businesses of all sizes. Barbara and James share their journey from leading a product design consultancy to founding Logic Lab, explain how they help companies identify “low-hanging fruit” for automation, and reveal how AI tools like custom chatbots, document creators, and training assistants can transform operations.They also dive into key themes shaping the AI landscape today — from data security and workforce trust to the importance of upskilling and company-wide engagement. With case studies drawn from real businesses and honest insights about the challenges of digital transformation, this episode is packed with actionable advice for leaders ready to take the next step in their AI journey.Subscribe for more conversations on how AI is transforming business, leadership, and innovation.#BusinessInAI #ArtificialIntelligence #Automation #SMEs #LogicLab #AIForBusiness #DigitalTransformation #UKAIAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of the UKAI Women in AI Podcast, Zahra Shah speaks with Alyna, Founder and CEO of WeUno Technologies about her inspiring journey from design and communications into technology and artificial intelligence. Elena shares how she took a leap of faith to start her own tech company with no investors and built it into a thriving, human-centred innovation hub of over 40 developers, designers, and AI engineers. She reflects on the challenges of leadership, growth, and culture-building in a fast-moving industry, and why curiosity and adaptability are essential traits for any founder navigating the world of emerging technologies.The conversation also explores the transformative potential of AI in everyday life, from digital transformation in business to the ethical use of technology for human benefit. Elena offers candid advice for women who want to enter or lead in the AI sector, encouraging them to “just start” and embrace imperfection as part of the creative process. She discusses her involvement in the UKAI Women in AI Working Group, the importance of community and collaboration, and how empowering women through access, learning, and visibility can help shape a more inclusive and innovative future for AI.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of The Business of AI Podcast, host Tim Flagg sits down with Yomi Tejumola, founder of Algo Marketing, to explore how AI is transforming marketing teams and redefining talent. Yomi shares how Algo Marketing has built one of the largest networks of AI-trained marketing professionals ('algos') who are helping some of the world’s biggest companies, including Google, OpenAI, and Zoom, to embed AI into their daily workflows. Drawing on his background as a data scientist at Google, Yomi explains how empowering individuals to build their own AI tools can supercharge creativity, reduce repetitive tasks, and reignite innovation across marketing functions.The conversation goes beyond technology to explore how businesses can balance automation with human creativity, bridge the gap between sales and marketing, and cultivate a data-literate workforce. Yomi reveals real-world case studies, including how one team cut 800 analyst hours to just minutes using AI-driven reporting, and discusses the mindset shift required to scale adoption effectively. With insights on AI skills, workforce transformation, and the power of collaborative innovation, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand how AI can fuel business growth and empower teams to do more with less.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of The Business of AI: Women in AI Special, Zahra Shah, Chair of the UKAI Women in AI Working Group, speaks with Claire Roberts, founder of the AI consultancy ForAllF5 and long-time technology leader. Claire reflects on her 25-year career in digital transformation, from leading global programmes at ARM to launching her own purpose-driven business, and shares how her passion for ethical AI, team culture, and inclusion has shaped her journey. She discusses how embracing AI as a 'superpower' can empower small teams, drive innovation, and build confidence in new technologies.The conversation explores how organisations can create psychologically safe environments for AI adoption, the balance between profit and purpose in entrepreneurship, and the urgent need to rebuild diversity within the tech and AI sectors. Claire introduces her concept of 'AI30', a campaign to ensure women make up at least 30% of the AI workforce, and calls for more inclusive, transparent, and values-led innovation. As she explains, building responsible AI starts with everyday choices: how we use, question, and shape the tools in front of us.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of The Business of AI, James Turnbull, Founder and Managing Director of Camino Communications, explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping communication in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. James shares his journey from studying computer science during the “AI winter” to leading a medcomms agency that blends medical expertise with cutting-edge technology. Together, they discuss how AI can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and engagement, from analysing thousands of conference abstracts to transforming internal pharma training with chatbots and avatars.The conversation also tackles some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding AI, the danger of hype, and the importance of building everyday confidence and literacy within teams. James explains his practical framework for successful AI adoption (efficiency, value, and innovation) and why the most meaningful progress often comes from solving simple, real-world problems. Thought-provoking and refreshingly grounded, this episode highlights how “AI as normal technology” can help teams work smarter, communicate better, and find new ways to create impact in a highly regulated industry.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

Women in AI special: Zahra Shah speaks with Beth Curtis Clarke, Principal AI Consultant at Ignite AI Partners, about her journey from early challenges to leadership in artificial intelligence.Beth shares candid reflections on failure, mentorship, and confidence and how kindness and connection can drive real progress for women in AI.#WomenInAI #UKAI #Leadership #AI #InclusionAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of The Business of AI Podcast, Tim Flagg talks with Mark Pratt (Founder, The AI Pros) about shipping real outcomes: from capturing missed calls with a cloned-voice AI receptionist to auto-booking viewings straight into the CRM.What we cover:-The “start with why” framework for scoping AI work that actually pays back-Case study: estate agency replacing overflow call centres with voice AI-Plug-and-play orchestration: LLMs + automation tools + lightweight web apps-Proving value in 30 days: baselines, KPIs, and exec-friendly ROI-How to scale wins without rebuilding your entire tech stack#UKAI #BusinessOfAI #SMB #VoiceAI #AgenticAI #Automation #CRM #MarketingOps #SalesOps #Productivity #ROIAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of the UKAI Business of AI Podcast, UKAI CEO Tim Flagg sits down with The Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt, former Chancellor and Health Secretary, to discuss his new book and explore what truly makes Britain great in a changing world.Drawing on decades at the heart of government, Jeremy shares a thoughtful and optimistic vision for the UK, one grounded in realism rather than rhetoric. From his experiences as Foreign Secretary to his insights on Britain’s role in global security, health, and technology, he explains why the UK still has the power to shape the world, not just be shaped by it.Turning to the future of tech and AI, Jeremy discusses the UK’s growing innovation ecosystem, the lessons from Silicon Valley, and what government must do to help homegrown companies scale, IPO, and lead responsibly in emerging sectors.Featured in this episode: 🎧 Why the UK remains one of the world’s most influential nations 🎧 What makes Britain’s tech ecosystem unique – from life sciences to deep tech 🎧 How the UK can become the next Silicon Valley 🎧 What governments can do to unlock faster growth and innovation 🎧 Why optimism and self-belief matter for national renewal#BusinessOfAI #JeremyHunt #UKAI #TechLeadership #AIInnovation #SiliconValleyUK #FutureOfBritain #DigitalEconomy #ResponsibleAI #UKTechAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode of The Business of AI, Tim Flagg talks with Simon Torrance, founder of AI Risk, about how agentic AI is transforming business models and redefining competitive advantage. Simon explains why the biggest risk for leaders today is failing to adopt agentic AI fast enough, as companies begin building infinite digital workforces that can operate autonomously alongside humans. Together, they explore real-world case studies, the strategic roadmap for integrating AI agents, the ethical and operational risks, and how leaders can prepare their organisations, and their people, for this next wave of AI-driven transformation.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

Host Tim Flagg sits down with Agnieszka Krukowska, founder of annimoIQ, to explore how we build broader AI education and genuine AI confidence—not just coding, but everyday literacy that helps people trust and use AI at work and in life.We discuss augmented humans (not replacement), why estate-agent style case studies show AI freeing people from admin to focus on relationships, and how creativity is shifting: from linear TV to nano-dramas, mobile-first storytelling, and AI-assisted production. Agnieszka also shares thoughts on IP, dataset scraping, and the need for responsible AI across industry communities (including Women in AI).Plus: her book “The AI Life Coach”—a prompt-driven guide for reflection, growth and better decisions—and how AI can support wellbeing when used with care.What you will learn:- Why “AI literacy for all” matters as much as technical skills- Augmentation in practice: letting humans do the human work- New creative formats: nano-dramas, hooks, and mobile story arcs-Trust, IP and responsible adoption across media and marketing- Using prompts for personal growth with The AI Life Coach- Where webinars, film panels and community events push the conversation forwardTags#AI #Education #AILiteracy #AugmentedHuman #Creativity #MediaTech #ResponsibleAI #WomenInAI #Wellbeing #UKAI #annimoIQAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

Host Tim Flagg speaks with Mal McCallion, founder of ModelProp, about how AI is reshaping the property journey for consumers and agents alike — from natural-language search to virtual staging, AI video, and voice receptionists that book viewings straight into your CRM.Mal draws on two decades in proptech (PrimeLocation, Zoopla) to explain why this wave feels familiar yet faster, how “trust is your currency,” and what KPIs matter most: market share, cost to serve, and revenue per transaction. We explore “unique at scale,” agentic workflows, and why human agents will spend more time in communities while machines handle repetitive tasks.What you will learn:Natural-language property search and lifestyle-driven discoveryVirtual staging, image clean-up, and affordable property video with avatars and voiceoverVoice AI receptionists that route calls, take messages, and book viewings in CRM“Trust AI” and responsible adoption — why transparency wins instructionsFrom portals to conversations — how AI may change distribution and feesThe enterprise KPIs: win more instructions, reduce costs, lift fee percentage#AI #PropTech #EstateAgents #PropertySearch #VirtualStaging #ConversationalAI #AgenticAI #CRM #UKAI #ModelProp #AIisOurBusinessAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

Host Tim Flagg speaks with Ricky Solanke of Push about turning AI into real marketing outcomes, from agent workflows and AI creative to sales follow up and measurement.Ricky charts Push’s journey from early digital performance to an AI marketing agency, the 2023 repositioning, and why training and consultancy now sit alongside campaign delivery. He explains how Push builds client knowledge bases and configurable multi agent workflows for research, personas, ad copy, and creative production, then connects them to sales nurture so leads convert faster. We also dig into adoption, culture, and the 10 70 20 approach: human input, AI doing the heavy lift, human quality assurance.#AI #Marketing #AgentWorkflows #Creative #ROI #LeadGen #SalesEnablement #DataAnalysis #UKAI #PushAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

Host Tim Flagg speaks with Rob Price of Futuria about taking AI beyond pilots and into production inside highly assured, regulated organisations.Rob draws on years delivering emerging tech at scale across public and private sectors. He explains how Futuria configures and deploys multi-agent AI teams to do complex work in secure environments, connecting to enterprise data and tools while addressing reliability, teachability, memory, and safety.What you will learn:How to move from hype and pilots to robust, scalable deliveryWhy agentic AI matters for real workflows, not just demosEnterprise realities — governance, controls, data security, IP, and integrationFixing failure modes — reducing hallucinations and adding teachability and memoryBuild fast, then optimise towards right — an operating model for continuous improvementThe skills boards and leadership teams now need to make AI landAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode, Tim welcomes Laura Knight, former teacher and founder of Sapio, to explore how schools, trusts and universities can adopt AI in a way that is safe, values led and genuinely useful. Drawing on two decades in classrooms and leadership, plus recent work contributing to Department for Education guidance, Laura sets out a clear path that puts principles before tools.She explains how real adoption in education often starts at the grassroots with curious teachers and students, while leaders work to catch up on policy, procurement and safeguarding. We dig into practical steps that protect children and staff while enabling innovation, including data privacy, transparency, and governance that supports wise mavericks rather than shutting them down.From curriculum and digital wellbeing to device strategy and classroom practice, Laura shows how to focus on outcomes and evidence rather than product churn. We look at what the new DfE guidance means day to day, how to choose platforms that fit your vision, and how to build staff confidence so AI enhances teaching and learning rather than replacing the human connection.#AI #Education #EdTech #AIinSchools #DigitalStrategy #DigitalWellbeing #Safeguarding #DataPrivacy #TeacherCPD #UKAI #AIisOurBusinessAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co

In this episode, Tim welcomes Shimron Walters, founder of BitesizedGenius, to explore how clear, confidence-building AI training helps non-technical teams get real value from modern tools. Drawing on his journey from digital transformation in the Civil Service to entrepreneurship, Shimron shares how he translates jargon into practical skills for charities, SMEs and mission-driven organisations.He explains how BitesizedGenius  goes back to basics, from “what is AI?” to safe, compliant adoption, before scaling to AI agents and automated workflows. We dig into change management, GDPR and governance, and choosing the right stack (e.g. Copilot Studio vs general automation platforms) so leaders can balance risk with results. Real examples include briefing a VC firm on agents, hands-on training for local businesses, and designing accessible learning that builds digital confidence.From addressing digital skills gaps to imagining AI as a 24/7 personalised tutor for learners with additional needs, Shimron shows how thoughtful adoption can widen access, not just cut costs, especially across the charity and public sectors, where resources are tight and impact matters most.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co