Welcome to Yorkshire Innovation Exchange
YorkshireX: Transforming the North into a Tech Hub
Unlocking AI's potential discovering what AI can do for your business today! As we approach the midpoint of 2025, the UK's AI landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. The government's AI opportunities action plan aims to position the UK as a global leader in AI.
Addressing challenges, the YorkshireX programme is a government based initiative designed to support businesses across Yorkshire and the Humber in leveraging AI for successful business transformation. It aims to transform the North of England into a thriving centre for technological innovation. It focuses on driving collaboration, developing skills and boosting economic growth in the region.
The AI Empowerment webinar, the first in the Yorkshire X programme, was designed to bridge the gap between basic AI awareness and in-depth consultancy. This session provided practical, actionable insights to help businesses confidently navigate AI adoption.
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With Katherine Bavage from West Yorkshire Combined Authority providing a brief introduction on the crucial role of SMEs i the economy, the webinar began with exploring the pressing need to drive increased productivity and growth in the UK SME Economy.
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Following that, our speakers spoke about the impact of AI on business, including transforming processes, empowering employees, and optimising operations. the session covered a reality check, a maturity check, and an opportunity check. The attendees were asked to do a quick reality check by researching the percentage growth of AI in their specific industries and an opportunity toolkit was presented to explore the relevant opportunities as well as the painful areas where AI could offer improvements.
Powered by DBT (Department of Business and Trade) and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the programme offered - Support with Ideation, AI Toolkits, and BCS certifications.
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The AI Strategy & Digital Transformation webinar, the second in the series, focused on how businesses can effectively implement AI to enhance decision making and streamline operations.
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The webinar began with a brief introduction by Harriet Stainton from the York & NOrth Yorkshire Growth Hub, who emphasised the importance of the Yorkshire X programme and it's role in equipping businesses who are interested in AI adoption with a holistic approach to implementing AI in-house.
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Sherin, CEO & Founder of AI Tech UK, then addressed the attendees and spoke of key elements which are often missed in AI transformation, strategy and planning, the right transformation strategy, and the right approach. He emphasised that AI is a game changer with a substantial impact on both the UK and global economies and that businesses need to assess their internal maturity and readiness for AI innovation.
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Following that, our second speaker, Kofi Glover provided real-world examples in financial services and manufacturing. He further addressed the importance of considering organisational AI maturity and readiness, especially for Agentic AI & Multi-Agent systems.
Key Takeaways
AI's IMPACT
While many businesses haven't yet felt AI's full impact, technologies like Generative AI and multi-agent systems are set to significantly transform workflows and industries.
CULTURE IS KEY
No matter the strategy or tools, AI transformation fails without cultural alignment. Engaging employees and stakeholders is key to adoption.
AI COLLABS
​Toolkits, events, and collaborative environments help businesses share knowledge, accelerate digital transformation, and unlock the potential of agentic AI systems.
BCS CERTIFIED
Assessing AI readiness is crucial for strategic adoption. BCS certification and tailored support can guide organisations in building effective AI action plans.
Testimonials
"I was honoured to share the stage with Sherin and grateful to share my journey and experience with the attendees."​​
Vishal Nigam
"I was excited to kick off the webinar and looked forward to seeing what the attendees would do with the information"
Katherine Bavage, WYCA
"Really interesting to hear about initial ideas on how AI could improve our business and operations"
Sebastian Chesney
"Very insightful session providing me with a clearer understanding of AI’s practical applications"
Hamam Suliman