A Day of Insights, Innovation, and AI Solutions for SMEs

On 23rd October 2024, AI Transform 2024 brought together over 200 delegates, industry leaders, and solution providers at The Slate, University of Warwick. The event was well-received, offering valuable insights, practical AI solutions, and significant networking opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Event Highlights: Expert Speakers

• Ellen Bishop from Alcea Consulting kicked off with “There's an AI Tool for That,” showcasing practical AI tools to tackle business challenges.
• Clare Walsh from the Institute of Analytics delivered “Small but Mighty: Empowering SMEs with Data Democracy,” highlighting how SMEs can leverage data for decision-making and growth.
• Piers Linney from Implement AI gave an inspiring talk on "Building an AI-Assisted Organisation," guiding SMEs through the process of integrating AI into their operations.
• Kirsty Biddiscombe from NetApp shared her insights on "AI for All: Empowering SMEs with Accessible Intelligence," focusing on how AI can be made accessible and scalable for businesses of all sizes.
• Yun Ma from JMAN Group delivered a thought-provoking session on "AI: An Accelerator for Businesses, but with Ethical Challenges," addressing the need for ethical AI implementation.

In-Depth Panel Discussions

The panel sessions delved into how SMEs can practically integrate AI into their businesses:

• “Unlocking AI Potential for SMEs: Practical Approaches for Real-World Success,” moderated by Alex Wood, featured Jaco Vermeulen (BML Global), Kirsty Biddiscombe (NetApp), Piers Linney (Implement AI), and Rachel Stiles (Alcea Consulting). They discussed case studies, real-world strategies, and actionable insights into how AI can enhance efficiency, customer experience, and business growth.
• “Why AI Won’t Replace You,” also moderated by Alex Wood, featured Andy Pardoe (Informed AI), Joyann Boyce (InClued.ai), and Nisreen Ameen (Royal Holloway). This session explored how AI can boost productivity and serve as a partner for growth while maintaining the importance of human skills.

The Importance of AI for SMEs

Reflecting on the significance of AI for SMEs, Sukhi Bhadal, CEO of Angel Business Communications, commented:
"AI is an essential tool for SMEs in today’s competitive landscape. It allows businesses to improve efficiency, cut costs, and unlock growth opportunities that would have been unattainable just a few years ago. AI Transform 2024 was designed to show that AI is accessible and can deliver real, measurable results for small and medium-sized enterprises. Our goal was to provide attendees with actionable solutions that they can start using immediately to transform their businesses."

Looking Ahead to AI Transform 2025

With the success of AI Transform 2024, we are already planning AI Transform 2025. Next year’s event will continue to provide practical, real-world AI solutions to help SMEs improve efficiency, cut costs, and grow their businesses.

Special Thanks

A huge thank you to the Angel Business Communications team for organising and executing this successful event. Your hard work made AI Transform 2024 impactful for all involved. We also extend our gratitude to the sponsors, exhibitors, and speakers for their support.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and we look forward to seeing you at AI Transform 2025!