Unlocking AI Potential for SMEs: Practical Approaches for Real-World Success

Alex Wood

Alex Wood is a presenter, journalist and content creator who specialises in facilitating high-level discussion about AI and digital transformation. As a skilled interviewer, Alex is passionate about helping people and companies tell their stories. He has hosted dozens of industry-leading events across Europe and shared a stage with politicians, celebrities and experts in various fields including technology, media and sport. As a journalist, Alex spent many years honing his craft in newspapers, radio and television before transitioning into events in 2022. You can find him on social media, or visit his website, by searching Alex Wood Presents.

Ellen Bishop

Alcea Consulting Limited

Ellen Bishop founded Alcea in 2017 as a communications consultancy, delivering tailored strategies to help businesses communicate more effectively. By 2023, Ellen had transformed the business after delving into the opportunities offered by AI technology. During this period, she personally adopted AI tools within Alcea, discovering how they could enhance creativity, streamline strategic work, and drive results. Through this journey, Ellen recognised a significant gap in the market. Many businesses lacked the expertise and knowledge to adopt AI successfully and fully benefit from its potential. In response, she evolved Alcea’s focus to provide comprehensive AI solutions that demystify the technology, remove jargon, and provide clear pathways for AI adoption. Her services are designed to ensure businesses of all sizes can confidently integrate AI tools, with the support and training necessary for long-term success. Ellen’s approach is grounded in her deep understanding of communication, project management, and her professional experience. She focuses on delivering practical solutions that empower businesses to make the most of the AI revolution, while ensuring a smooth, safe, and sustainable transformation. Beyond Alcea, Ellen is an accomplished speaker and podcaster, dedicated to sharing her insights on AI’s impact on business and fostering discussions on its long-term benefits. She is passionate about helping organisations adopt AI effectively, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Jaco Vermeulen

BML Global

Specialist in M&A digital due diligence, and transition strategy and delivery, having overseen deals totaling more than $10 billion. Private Equity portfolio companies CTO/CDO operating partner and Technology Advisor. Led multiple enterprise digital business transformations with teams from 5 to over 100, and 8 figure budgets. Founded several startups, including AI based services for consumer empowering international eCommerce localization, and B2B services matching and optimisation.

Piers Linney

Implement AI Limited

Piers Linney is an entrepreneur, investor, and former Dragon on the prime-time BBC show Dragons’ Den (Shark Tank in the USA). With a background in law and investment banking, Piers has established himself as a leading figure in the UK business world, particularly in the technology sector. Piers is a Linkedin ‘Top Artificial Intelligence Voice’ and is the Executive Chairman and Co-founder of Implement AI which supports businesses to unlock the power of AI. He has sat on the board of Nesta, the UK’s largest (£600m) innovation foundation, and British Business Bank during the roll-out of £90bn of Covid support. Piers is also an advocate for diversity in business and sits on Sky’s Diversity Advisory Council. He was a pioneer in the UK cloud computing sector and sat on the boards of the UK Cloud Industry Forum and TechUK. Piers is Chairman and a co-founder of Atherton Bikes, a world leading manufacturer of additive manufactured mountain bikes which won 1st and 2nd in the World Championship in 2023.