AI: from boardroom curiosity to business-critical - why employers must act now
The economic landscape in 2025 continues to be volatile, with inflation pressures, global supply chain disruptions, and digital transformation accelerating faster than many businesses anticipated. In this environment, adopting artificial intelligence is no longer a “nice-to-have” it is becoming essential for survival and growth.
Recent projections suggest that AI adoption across industries could contribute more than $15 trillion to global GDP by 2030. In the UK specifically, a 2024 survey found that nearly one in five firms expect to roll out AI or automation tools in the next 12 months, up from fewer than 10 per cent just a few years ago. Businesses that lag may find themselves squeezed as competitors streamline operations, reduce costs, and deliver faster services.
The UK government’s renewed focus on accelerating SME’s innovation and digital adoption reinforces this moment. Innovate UK has published practical recommendations to help businesses adopt digital tools and unlock growth, support that local businesses should leverage now to upgrade operations and skills.
Practical next steps for employers in the region:
• Start with low-risk, high-value pilots: automate repetitive admin tasks, introduce Copilot-style tools for knowledge workers, and create workflow automations that save staff time.
• Invest in people: short, focused workshops and hands-on sessions upskill existing teams faster than hiring new roles.
• Prioritise security and governance from day one: treat AI like any other strategic IT project.
But opportunity comes with responsibility. As adoption grows, so do AI-driven risks. Recent industry reporting highlights an alarming rise in generative-AI-enabled cyberattacks - from deepfake social engineering to attacks on AI infrastructure and leaders must treat cybersecurity as a core part of any AI rollout. Building resilient systems and governance around AI is now essential.
In recent months, two headline-making cyberattacks have underscored the urgency:
- Jaguar Land Rover reported disruptions after a ransomware incident that targeted internal systems, triggering investigations and a heightened alert across the region’s manufacturing and tech community.
- Marks & Spencer also faced an AI-driven phishing campaign exposing customer and employee data, illustrating how retail and service businesses are vulnerable to novel AI-enabled threats.
These incidents show that AI not only accelerates opportunity it also expands the attack surface. Organisations must adopt robust governance and security frameworks from day one, rather than looking for defences later.
Considering market shifts and the need for more actionable learning, at Solihull College & University Centre, we have adapted our plans. We are running two fully funded immersive, hands-on masterclasses on 20th November:
Morning Session – The AI Mini-Audit: Discover Where Your Business Could Be Saving Time & Money.
In this 90-minute interactive workshop, business owners and team leaders will use a practical framework to examine internal processes and pinpoint where AI could yield real savings. Attendees will walk away having completed a mini audit of their own operations and identifying both quick wins and more strategic automation possibilities.
Register now to attend - The AI Mini-Audit Discover Where Your Business Could Be Saving Time & Money Tickets, Thu, Nov 20, 2025 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite
Afternoon Session – Securing the AI Future: Cyber Security & AI Governance Masterclass
This 90-minute session sits at the intersection of two critical domains - AI and cyber risk. Participants will learn how to guard against AI-fuelled threats while designing governance models that support innovation, not stifle it. Real-world examples, strategic frameworks, and actionable guidance will all be part of the agenda.
Register now to attend - Securing your AI Future: Cyber Security & AI Governance Masterclass Tickets, Thu 20 Nov 2025 at 14:00 | Eventbrite
These masterclasses are tailored for decision-makers, CEOs, operation leads, IT managers, and team leads and staff - who want more than theory. You will leave with concrete steps to map AI opportunities in your business and defend against emerging threats.
Why Local Employers Should Act Now
- Adapt or be left behind - AI and automation are rapidly evolving. The quicker your business can pilot, test, and scale, the better your resilience in turbulent markets.
- Security demands built-in, not bolted-on - The recent cyber-attacks are a wake-up call: AI augments risk as well as capability. Governance, policy, monitoring, and response must be integrated into deployment.
- Hands-on learning leads to real action - Generic seminars are useful for awareness - but workshops that let you audit your own operations and build frameworks give you the foundation to move forward immediately.
- Access to regional support - These masterclasses are delivered in partnership with local experts whose mission is to help businesses in the region adopt emerging technologies. You will also gain access to ongoing guidance, peer networking, and support as you implement.
If you would like to explore how your organisation can leverage these masterclasses, co-host or speak in future sessions, or simply wish to talk through your digital and AI strategy, please get in touch by contacting Mani Dhillon, Business Innovation Lead on [email protected] or via LinkedIn.