Accelerate Digital

Artificial Intelligence is transforming how businesses operate, creating new opportunities to improve productivity, streamline processes, enhance customer experiences and drive sustainable growth. Yet for many business leaders, the challenge isn't understanding what AI is, it's knowing where it can deliver genuine value within their organisation.

Join Anglia Ruskin University’s Arise Innovation Hub, in collaboration with programme partners, is pleased to bring together their community for this collaborative event, shaped by member feedback and designed to address the topics most relevant to innovative and growing businesses. This event is for an interactive bonus masterclass designed specifically for established SMEs, business owners and senior decision-makers and those who have graduated through the Adopt, Adapt, Grow Series. This look to move beyond the AI hype and gain practical, actionable insights they can apply immediately.

The event will feature a keynote presentation from Swami Bala, exploring how organisations across multiple sectors are using AI to save time, improve effectiveness, generate new opportunities and support innovation. Through real-world examples and practical business applications, attendees will discover how AI is being used to transform marketing, sales, professional services and SME operations.

You'll also experience live demonstrations showcasing how today's AI tools can support business growth, from identifying sales opportunities and creating high-quality marketing content to building intelligent systems that can support proposal writing, research and decision-making.

Attendees will hear directly from SMEs already embracing AI and advanced technologies with interactive fireside chats and audience Q&A. Speakers include Muntazir Panjwani, Co-Founder at Vibe Agency, James Howard, Founder & Owner of Kyte IT, and David Bell who is helping SMEs Grow, Scale & Innovate Through AI, Technology & Strategic Business Advice; will share lessons learned, common challenges, the mistakes businesses should avoid, and the key actions organisations can take to successfully embed AI into their operations.

There is time for a light lunch and networking to discuss key takeways from your morning.

Whether you're looking to increase productivity, improve operational efficiency, empower your teams or create new opportunities for growth, this masterclass will provide the knowledge, tools and confidence to take the next step in your AI journey.

During the masterclass we'll explore:

✅ Why AI has become a business imperative for SMEs

✅ Common misconceptions surrounding AI and what successful adoption really looks like

✅ Real-world examples of AI delivering measurable business value

✅ Using AI to automate administration and reduce repetitive tasks

✅ AI-powered approaches to sales, lead generation and business development

✅ Creating high-quality marketing content faster and more efficiently

✅ Using AI as a strategic thinking partner to support decision-making

✅ Data privacy, governance and managing AI-related risks

✅ How to identify high-value use cases within your organisation

✅ Building an AI implementation roadmap and measuring return on investment

Who is this event for?

This masterclass is ideal for:

• Established SMEs that have already begun their digital transformation journey
• Business owners looking to improve productivity and efficiency
• Managing Directors, CEOs and senior leadership teams
• Operational leaders seeking process improvement opportunities
• Businesses looking to future-proof operations and support sustainable growth

We are delighted to be delivering this workshop in partnership with ARU’s Arise Innovation Hub, Launchpad Southend, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Made Smarter South East, Connected Innovation, Ambitious Essex, Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway.

Places are limited to ensure an interactive experience, so early booking is recommended.

Please note: This course is funded specifically for Essex-based businesses. If your business is located outside of Essex, unfortunately you will not be eligible to attend and your ticket will be refunded.

Event venue & nearby stays

Arise Chelmsford Innovation Hub, Alan Cherry Drive, Chelmsford, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

Get the app →

Discover more events by tag