NAA Event Review: Hartree Centre – An Introduction to AI for SMEs
Our latest networking event last month saw us visit the Hartree Centre at the Sci-Tech Daresbury campus for a networking event focused on “An Introduction to AI for SMEs”.
Delegates heard from a range of presenters from NAA member organisations as follows:
Hartree Centre’s Automotive Sector Lead, Tim Powell opened the session by providing an introduction and overview of AI.
Case studies then followed from Siemens UK’s Digitalisation Sales Specialist, John Mackey, and Helical Technology’s Senior Design Engineer, Daniel Ayrton.
University of Salford’s Centre for Sustainable Innovation Associate Professor of Change Management, Dr Ann Mulhaney, then outlined the necessary change management journey required in adopting new technologies of this type.
Blackpool and The Fylde College’s Assistant Principal, Marc Potter, then gave an overview of support initiatives available to SME businesses across the region.
Finally, Hartree Centre’s Business Development Manager, Simeon Clow shared a roadmap of grant funding support available to SMEs for the adoption of this type of technology.
A panel discussion then took place with the presenters, together with Brabners’ Head of AI, Rosie Djurovic where key takeaways highlighted were as follows:
Start now – AI won’t replace job roles, but it can augment tasks and boost productivity. Those who embrace this will lead the race.
Define the problem first – Whether you’re a large business or an SME, clearly articulating your problem statement is essential.
Value your employees and their expertise – They are the greatest asset to any company.
Successful projects rely on ecosystems – No single company has all the answers. Building partnerships is crucial to solving complex problems.
