process gains from it. But the logic is that we will need fewer people to achieve the same outputs.
The growth companies will employ more people. It is also creating opportunities around prompt engineering and understanding technology, data sciences, and process automation, without a shadow of a doubt.
confidence, carry out pilot projects and, again, be prepared to fail, but learn from that failure.
Understand the right tool for the right job. Everyone seems to be familiar with ChatGPT which is a good all-rounder but, yes, it also does produce a lot of slop sometimes.
We use AI to help with our processes and to be more efficient. Within our organisation we use ChatGPT and we’ve developed several ‘cobots’ within it. They’ve been designed around some of our own data but they can also pull from trusted sources.
We should have some level of confidence in it but you still need that human in the loop to make sure the quality is there. That is key. That and using the right tool for the right job.
Claire Scott, technology adoption specialist at Made Smarter
We are a business support programme, we help manufacturing SMEs adopt industrial digital technologies such as AI, and it is becoming increasingly part of the picture. It is growing in maturity in SMEs, however there is room for improvement.
Prof Simon Bolton, director of the productivity and innovation centre at Edge Hill University
When it comes to strategy you have to have a systematic understanding of how you plan to use AI in a business, how it will drive the business model.
If you haven’t got that you finish up with unstructured, ad hoc use of AI, and a failure to invest in the right tools.
Data management is fundamental to any business technology and if you don’t have a clear data management strategy you’re not going to be able to ask the right questions of AI.
There’s a preoccupation with productivity, and as I always say to people, if you’re driving pure productivity, you’re on a race to the bottom because your customers are just going to ask for cheaper products or services.
You’ve got to embrace productivity but what AI gives you is that opportunity to understand the valuable information you have in your business and what added value services that can create.
There is also cultural change. Most of the resistance is not from the market, it is internal.
Also, if you’re going to use these technologies in an ad hoc way, without a plan, without clarity, focus and targets, you’re not going to get results.
Value creation is important, all businesses are changing significantly, because what you used to get paid for was doing a task. Now you have data on the task and it gives you information and insights.
Where you’re going to grow is through your ability to commercialise, to turn data into a business asset.
The companies that are going to succeed are going to be able to utilise the data that comes out to inform customers and clients ‘we’re achieving this for you’.
Roles will evolve and skills will change. AI won’t replace people but people with different skills will be more competitive. There will be an evolution of roles, but what will significantly change is the skills required in those people.
SMEs are really time poor. People know they have to have a data strategy but they are too busy working in the business. We come in and try to help dispel any myths and to help them along the way.
When it comes to adopting the technology with Expert View
AI READINESS By Mark Edwards,
Operations director, Seriun
AI is changing the way we work, but jumping in without preparation can lead to wasted time and money. Here’s what matters most.
Start with a process audit. Look at every part of your business – big and small – and ask where AI could make things faster, smarter, or more efficient. This gives you a clear roadmap instead of guesswork.
Next, focus on culture. AI isn’t just about tech; it’s about people. If your team sees AI as a threat, adoption will fail. Show how it can remove complexity and help everyone work smarter.
Watch out for shadow AI – unapproved tools creeping into the business. They create risk. Put an AI policy in place and stick to approved platforms.
Security is critical. AI can expose data if not managed properly. Build trust by addressing privacy and leakage risks upfront.
One way to do this is by using licensed solutions like Microsoft Copilot, which
keeps your data secure within your Microsoft 365 tenancy. Unlike open tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot operates inside your organisation’s compliance and security framework, reducing risk and maintaining control.
Finally, tackle the blockers: lack of knowledge, fear of change, and unclear processes. Invest in training so your people understand AI and can use it confidently.
And don’t forget to plan your budget for AI initiatives – successful adoption requires investment in technology, training, and governance.
AI readiness isn’t a tick-box exercise. It’s an ongoing effort that combines clear processes, strong culture, and robust security. Businesses that get ahead of the AI curve will stay ahead of competitors, drive growth, and unlock new opportunities.
Enjoy your AI journey and all the benefits it will bring you and your team – allowing your business to thrive in a future where possibilities are vast, exciting and constantly evolving.
LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
PREPARATION IS KEY TO
Any technology augments jobs, it is there to make our lives easier. A successful adoption of that technology should achieve that aim.
Technology usually generates more jobs than are changed or augmented, and it is being confident about going along with that change.
That is really important and businesses should support their staff to have these skills because the real value in a business is the people.
For us, AI is about being able to provide better services and being able to provide better advice to our clients.
Continued on Page 23 2026 CATEGORIES
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DIGITAL AND AI
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