AI Unlocked: Strategies for Growth & Practical Application

Are you ready to unlock the true power of AI for your West Yorkshire business?

Artificial Intelligence isn't just for tech giants. It's rapidly becoming as fundamental to business as email or finance, with the UK government projecting it could boost national GDP by 10% by 2030! Yet, we know many businesses, especially SMEs, feel overwhelmed by the hype, worried about costs, or simply unsure where to begin.

You're not alone. Many businesses face barriers like a lack of expertise (35% of UK firms) and cost concerns (30%). But what if you could cut through the jargon, bust the myths, and discover practical, affordable AI solutions that drive real-world efficiency and growth?

Welcome to AI Unlocked: Your Roadmap to a Smarter Business Future!

Delivered by AD:VENTURE Business Support Programme, Wakefield Council, Wakefield First and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, this FREE event is designed for West Yorkshire businesses of all stages and sizes – from ambitious startups to established enterprises. We're here to get you started, stimulate new thinking, and equip you with the knowledge and tools to genuinely engage with AI.

Why Attend AI Unlocked?

• Demystify AI: Move beyond the hype and gain a clear understanding of what AI can truly do for your business. No jargon, no pressure – just real guidance.
• Boost Productivity & Efficiency: Discover practical, off-the-shelf AI tools that can instantly streamline everyday tasks like writing, planning, summarising, and generating ideas. See live demonstrations and get hands-on experience!
• Future-Proof Your Business: Learn how integrating AI can push new boundaries, disrupt old markets, and secure your competitive edge in an evolving landscape.

Connect & Collaborate: Network with a vibrant community of West Yorkshire business owners, build new local supply chains, and explore collaborative opportunities.

Access Essential Support: Learn about the fantastic business support offers available through organisations such Wakefield First, AD:VENTURE, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, as well as a wide range of business support exhibitors and experts who can help you on your growth journey.

What to Expect on the Day:

Our fast-paced, engaging format is designed to provide maximum value:

• Insightful Presentations: Dynamic and engaging talks and panels covering diverse AI applications, use cases, supply chain opportunities and strategies, followed by interactive Q&A.

• Networking Opportunities: Dedicated breaks for coffee, chats, and a complimentary networking lunch from local independent food vans, keeping you fuelled for building connections with fellow attendees and event partners.

• Hands-On Hotdesking and Workshops (Afternoon ): After the stage talks this is your chance to experiment with new AI tools, deepen connections, and truly apply what you've learned in a supportive environment.

Don't Get Left Behind – Embrace the AI Advantage!

The future is here, and it's powered by AI. This is your chance to equip your business for greater efficiency, increased capacity, and sustained growth. Whether you're a complete beginner or have dabbled a bit, you'll leave with actionable insights and a toolkit of examples you can start using straight away.

Spaces are limited to ensure a quality experience, so secure your FREE ticket now!

BOOKING YOUR SPOT - Your way. If you want to book onto this event, but you would prefer not to use Eventbrite - Please email adventureevents@leeds.gov.uk and we'll get you sorted.

Important Notice Video and Photography: We will be taking photographs and recording elements of this event. By booking this event you acknowledge this. If you do not wish to be photographed at the event, please speak to the organisers on arrival.

Organised by: AD:VENTURE Business Support Programme, Wakefield Council, Wakefield First and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Here you can see the timings and the speakers agenda!

• 9.30 – 10:15 We are open for registration!

Our main agenda will start from 10:15. You are welcome to arrive from 9.30, to sign in, get your badge and your lunch voucher, grab a drink, start networking and have a chat to our exhibitors.

• 10.15 Welcome and Housekeeping. A quick opening welcome from the team who’ll give you the low down on the day.
• 10:17 Accelerating Growth with an AI Powered Business ​

Alex Dalglish - Azure Senior Partner Solutions Sales Manager at Microsoft

Alex Dalglish is an Azure Senior Partner Solutions Sales Manager at Microsoft, where he has spent the past four years helping partners accelerate cloud transformation and business growth. With a broader career spanning senior leadership roles at global systems integrators, Alex brings deep expertise in services strategy, delivery, and partner engagement. Outside of work, he plays competitive badminton for Harrogate and is a keen golfer. His passion for racket sports includes tennis and squash, and he enjoys music as a creative outlet—thriving on activities that challenge both mind and body.

• 10:25 Panel - Smart Growth, Smart Teams: Integrating AI for Productivity & People Confidence, with Q&A

Ready to put AI to work, not just talk about it? This power panel of West Yorkshire business leaders will discuss actionable ways for micro to small businesses to spot AI opportunities, successfully manage implementation, and ensure you and your team feel confident and excited, not fearful. Get practical tips to boost productivity and empower your people!

Chaired by Alex Beardsley - Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Chartered Marketer, Strategic Leader and SME Champion

Alex Beardsley is an experienced entrepreneur, Chartered Marketer and Non-Executive Director with a career spanning business strategy, ethical finance, and digital transformation. She co-founded and scaled ABL Business, a financial services firm, before developing Debeo, a fintech platform designed to make SME debt finance more transparent and accessible.

Alongside her board roles with, ABL Business, the Business Enterprise Fund and Enterprise consultancy with Halifax Opportunities Trust , Alex is the National Community & Operations Lead at The Lifted Project — a national initiative backed by Lloyds to unlock capital for women-led high-growth businesses across the UK.

Currently completing an MSc in Psychology, Alex brings a unique blend of commercial acumen and human insight to her work, with a passion for empowering people, building inclusive ecosystems, and driving meaningful change.

Away from work, she’s a keen runner, lover of the outdoors, and a strong believer that “small changes can make a big difference" and "Everything is about people".

Dean Hartley - Entrepreneur - Angel Investor - Startup Advisor

With over three decades of building, scaling, and exiting technology ventures, I’ve experienced the founder journey from every angle. Since exiting my last company in 2018, I’ve dedicated my focus to empowering the next generation of founders - investing in and advising startups and early-stage ventures.

As a Fellow at Venture.Community and Founder-Advisor at Chevet Technology, I’m proud to support ambitious entrepreneurs transforming bold ideas into thriving businesses.

Zandra Moore MBE, CEO Zygens

Zandra is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and angel investor with over 25 years’ experience scaling B2B Enterprise SaaS, Data Analytics, and AI companies. She co-founded and served as CEO of Panintelligence, where she successfully scaled the business and drove significant enterprise growth. Her track record includes multiple successful exits, alongside an active role in backing and mentoring early-stage tech ventures.

Her latest venture, Zygens, is pioneering Agentic AI solutions for financial services in the UK. A committed advocate for inclusive leadership, Zandra has influenced national policy through her work on the UK Government’s Taskforce for Women-Led High Growth Enterprises. In 2025, she was awarded an MBE for services to gender equality in business. She also serves as Chair of The Lifted Project, a national network of boards dedicated to doubling the number of women-led high-growth businesses across the UK’s regions.

Liz Whitefield, Co-Founder and Director, Hippo

With a career spanning 30 years across public sector delivery and digital transformation Liz was one of the founding members of Hippo who has supported growth in clients from day one.
Liz is passionate about helping to build long term delivery partnerships with clients , sharing in the outcomes they want to achieve and supporting all our hippos in achieving their potential.

Steve Gregory: Made Smarter Manager at RTC

Steve Gregory is a Digital & Manufacturing Specialist at RTC North, where he plays a key role in delivering the Made Smarter programme in West Yorkshire. With a passion for helping businesses embrace technology and innovation, Steve works directly with SMEs to identify opportunities for digital adoption, process improvement, and strategic growth. He brings a wealth of practical experience in manufacturing and technology implementation, guiding companies through their digital transformation journey to enhance productivity and competitiveness. Steve is a strong advocate for leveraging smart technologies to unlock potential and drive economic development across the region.

Panel Q&A

• 11:00 Wakefield – global leadership in AI and advanced manufacturing for the creative sector

Why Pink, Coldplay, Hollywood, Netflix & ITV believe in a hi-tech future for Wakefield, they are voting with their feet. How do we prepare?

Phil Adlam: Chief Innovation Officer at Production Park, CTO for CoSTAR and Director of Research at XPLOR

Phil Adlam is an R&D leader at the forefront of live experience innovation. As Chief Innovation Officer at Production Park, CTO for CoSTAR and Director of Research at XPLOR, he spearheads research into createch; live experience technologies, spatial audio, virtual production, large-scale volumetric capture, and AI-powered workflows. Production Park’s ecosystem has supported creative experimentation for global touring acts including Beyoncé, Arctic Monkeys, Lady Gaga, and Cirque du Soleil, and major events such as Eurovision, Formula 1 and the Commonwealth Games. Under his leadership, XPLOR won the Global Production Award for Virtual Production Innovation at Cannes 2024 for its work on the RedBull Racing VP pipeline. Phil has pioneered advances in camera/LED synchronisation, immersive audio systems, and hybrid R&D-industry collaborations, positioning the UK as a hub for production technology research. He established the UK’s first virtual production studio outside of London and plays a key role in shaping technical education and knowledge exchange between academia and industry.

• 11:15 Panel - Creative Intelligence: How AI is Reshaping the Digital Landscape

Following Phil Adlam's insights, this panel dives into the exciting yet challenging world of AI in the creative and digital industries. Our experts will explore how AI is boosting productivity, opening new frontiers for artistic expression, and transforming business models, considering both the huge opportunities and the key considerations for digital and creative businesses.

Chaired By - Jonny Ross Founder of Fleek Marketing

Jonny Ross is the dynamic Founder of Fleek Marketing, a leading digital marketing agency renowned for helping businesses thrive online. With a passion for cutting-edge strategies and an eye for emerging technologies, Jonny is a recognised expert in digital marketing, social media, and SEO. He's dedicated to demystifying the digital landscape for SMEs, making complex concepts accessible and actionable. As a seasoned speaker and consultant, Jonny brings a wealth of practical experience in leveraging technology to drive business growth

Phil Adlam: Chief Innovation Officer at Production Park, CTO for CoSTAR and Director of Research at XPLOR

Phil Adlam is an R&D leader at the forefront of live experience innovation. As Chief Innovation Officer at Production Park, CTO for CoSTAR and Director of Research at XPLOR, he spearheads research into createch; live experience technologies, spatial audio, virtual production, large-scale volumetric capture, and AI-powered workflows. Production Park’s ecosystem has supported creative experimentation for global touring acts including Beyoncé, Arctic Monkeys, Lady Gaga, and Cirque du Soleil, and major events such as Eurovision, Formula 1 and the Commonwealth Games. Under his leadership, XPLOR won the Global Production Award for Virtual Production Innovation at Cannes 2024 for its work on the RedBull Racing VP pipeline. Phil has pioneered advances in camera/LED synchronisation, immersive audio systems, and hybrid R&D-industry collaborations, positioning the UK as a hub for production technology research. He established the UK’s first virtual production studio outside of London and plays a key role in shaping technical education and knowledge exchange between academia and industry.

Helen Hartley: Founder Helen Hartley Consulting Ltd

I founded Helen Hartley Consulting to bring creative minds together as a collective of independent businesses that are agile, bold, and purpose-led. After years in big agencies in London, I wanted to work with brands that share my vision for positive impact. We specialise in tech for good and healthy FMCG crafting compelling visually engaging brand stories that drive change for people and planet.

Crispin Read: Director, The Coders Guild

Crispin Read is a Director at The Coders Guild, an organisation dedicated developing digital talent and innovation. With a deep understanding of the technology landscape and the skills gap within the creative and digital sectors, Crispin is at the forefront of preparing the workforce for future challenges and opportunities. His expertise spans technology education, digital transformation, and industry collaboration, making him a key voice in discussions about how AI is impacting skills development, job roles, and the ethical considerations for creators and developers alike.

Grant Thompson: Digital Catapult

Grant Thompson is a key figure at Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology. In his role he champions the adoption of cutting-edge innovations, including AI, across the creative and digital industries. Grant brings extensive experience in connecting businesses with emerging technologies, helping them to unlock new opportunities for growth, overcome technical challenges, and navigate the evolving landscape of digital content creation. His work focuses on demonstrating the tangible impact of advanced tech on business transformation and artistic expression.

Panel Q&A

• 11:40 Time for a quick break. Grab a brew, do a bit of networking and get ready for the next sessions at 12.00noon!

• 12:00 Making AI Human: How to Brand Your Tech for Market Success

You've built cutting-edge AI, but how do you make sure the market truly 'gets' it? In this insightful session, our tech branding experts Helen Hartley and Anna will share a case study on HarmBlock, showing how to articulate your AI product's unique value, and craft a compelling brand story.

Helen Hartley: Founder Helen Hartley Consulting Ltd

I founded Helen Hartley Consulting to bring creative minds together as a collective of independent businesses that are agile, bold, and purpose-led. After years in big agencies in London, I wanted to work with brands that share my vision for positive impact. We specialise in tech for good and healthy FMCG crafting compelling visually engaging brand stories that drive change for people and planet.

Anna Wanczyk: Founder Anna&

Anna Wanczyk is a Digital Brand Director who runs an independent design studio in Leeds called Anna&. She makes brands come alive online, ensuring they live, breathe and move. She works collectively with other independents to make sure her team's specialist skills match each project's unique needs.

• 12:10 AI in the NHS: Turning Vision into Practice (Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust)

While artificial intelligence isn’t a cure-all, it’s fast becoming a valuable partner in solving real healthcare challenges. This session explores how Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust is translating the national AI vision into practical action by establishing enabling frameworks and collaborative groups to drive progress, overcoming barriers to adoption, and showcasing real examples of AI projects improving patient care. Participants will gain insights into how NHS innovation operates at a local level, best practice for engaging with a Trust, and considerations for the safe and ethical adoption of AI in healthcare.

Dr Stuart Bond: Director of Innovation and Consultant antimicrobial pharmacist

Stuart Bond has been Director of Innovation at Mid Yorkshire for four years, during which time the innovation team has built a bespoke Innovation space in the Clinical Research and Innovation Building. Building on his research and innovation experience from over 20 years as a clinical pharmacist, Stuart is passionate about encouraging colleagues to be curious at work and to ask the disruptive questions with a view to improving patient and staff experience.

Rob Birkett: Chief Digital and Information Officer – Mid Yorkshire Teaching Trust / Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust / The Health Informatics Service

Senior leader within the NHS with current responsibility for digital in a joint role across Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT) and Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust alongside leading The Health Informatics Service (THIS), a large Digital provider across the NHS. He has a background of over 20yrs experience across a number of management and leadership roles within both the NHS and the Military. Robs focus is on developing Digital as an enabler for organisational and system transformation. His experience includes the delivery of Oracle Health EPR into 2 large acute trusts as well as leading the team to achieve HIMSS AMAM stage 6 for data analytics/science, the first in Europe. He has an MBA from Huddersfield University as well as wider development including the Kings Fund collaborative exec leadership programme. He is also senior lead for the Armed Forces Network and Exec Lead for the Empower leadership development programme.

• 12:25 Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber

Dr Sean Clarkson: Head of Strategic Operations at Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber.

Sean leads the organisation’s externally-facing portfolio of strategic projects and drives internal strategic development of the organisation.

He works with stakeholders across the globe on projects seeking to tackle the big health and societal challenges impacting the population today and in the future. Much of Sean’s work focusses upon driving inclusive economic growth and creating equitable health outcomes through building cross-sector, multi-disciplinary partnerships focussing on innovative healthtech products and services. He has extensive experience supporting academic institutions, the public sector, and businesses located across the world to successfully translate research and development into practice and drive spread across the health sector

12:40 NHS Q&A

• 12:50 Innovate UK BridgeAI​ - Building an AI-enabled economy​

With the potential to increase UK GDP by up to 22%, AI technologies are key. Innovate UK BridgeAI stimulates the adoption of AI in priority sectors, creating new opportunities for businesses, jobs and economic growth while driving increased productivity. We provide programme support​ by;

• Connecting businesses in priority sectors with AI experts ​
• Developing new trusted AI services and technologies ​
• Elevating high-growth potential sectors ​
• Addressing standards gaps​

Richard Cooper: Senior Project Manager and Quality Lead Innovate UK

Richard is a senior project manager and the Quality Lead within the Strategic Portfolio Office at Innovate UK Business Connect. For the last 3 years he has been supporting the network growth of the BridgeAI programme, which currently stands at over 12,000 individuals and 500 organisations.

• 13:00 Lunchtime - Time to eat! Use your voucher and get your hands on a lush lunch from our 4 independent food stalls to fuel you for the rest of the day. You can use this time for networking and chats with our “Ask Me Anything” experts and exhibitors.

• 13:45 Case Study - VidPlate: Our Journey to Simplifying Content Creation for All

VidPlate is an innovative AI tool from Howson Digital designed to help businesses, particularly SMEs, elevate their branding and content through personalised video at scale. It leverages Artificial Intelligence to create dynamic, bespoke video content that can adapt to individual customer data or preferences. This allows brands to deliver highly relevant, engaging video messages that resonate on a personal level, boosting customer engagement, conversion rates, and overall brand impact, all without the need for extensive manual production.

Tom Howson – Founder of VidPlate

Tom Howson is the Founder of VidPlate, a content creation platform combining handcrafted creativity with automation and AI to make high-quality content affordable for businesses of all sizes. Formerly Studio Manager at Asda and Design Director at Vidsy, Tom founded VidPlate nearly two years ago to simplify and streamline content production. After years leading in-house and agency teams producing content for major UK and global brands across Europe and Asia, he saw clear challenges in speed, cost, and scalability. Supported by Barclays Eagle Labs, Plexal, WYCA, AD:VENTURE, and Innovate UK, VidPlate is set to launch in October 2025.

13:55 Digital Catapult UK: Accelerating UK Businesses with Advanced Digital Tech

Digital Catapult is the UK authority on advanced digital technology, dedicated to accelerating the early adoption of cutting-edge innovations like AI, 5G, immersive tech, and quantum computing. They connect businesses – from startups to large corporations – with expertise, facilities, and funding opportunities. Through collaborative programmes, labs, and strategic guidance, Digital Catapult helps companies de-risk innovation, develop new products, and scale their use of advanced tech to drive growth, productivity, and global competitiveness across various sectors.

Grant Thompson: Digital Catapult

Grant Thompson is a key figure at Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology. In his role he champions the adoption of cutting-edge innovations, including AI, across the creative and digital industries. Grant brings extensive experience in connecting businesses with emerging technologies, helping them to unlock new opportunities for growth, overcome technical challenges, and navigate the evolving landscape of digital content creation. His work focuses on demonstrating the tangible impact of advanced tech on business transformation and artistic expression.

• 14:05 Panel - Next-Gen Marketing: AI Tools for Today's SME

Ready to supercharge your marketing without breaking the bank or your brain? This panel is your guide to unlocking the incredible power of AI for your small business! Discover practical tools and strategies to create quality content and personalise customer experiences, while saving time and boosting growth. We'll discuss how AI can make your marketing smarter, not harder, with real-world examples and risks and pitfalls to watch out for. Get ready to transform your marketing efforts today!

Chaired by - Helen Hartley: Founder Helen Hartley Consulting Ltd

I founded Helen Hartley Consulting to bring creative minds together as a collective of independent businesses that are agile, bold, and purpose-led. After years in big agencies in London, I wanted to work with brands that share my vision for positive impact. We specialise in tech for good and healthy FMCG crafting compelling visually engaging brand stories that drive change for people and planet.

Nick Washbourne: Founder, Let's Run Marketing

Nick Washbourne is the Founder of Let's Run Marketing, a Leeds-based agency dedicated to driving measurable results for businesses through innovative digital strategies. With a strong track record in SEO, paid media, and performance marketing, Nick is passionate about leveraging data and cutting-edge tools to help SMEs optimise their online presence and achieve tangible growth. He brings a practical, results-focused approach to the rapidly evolving marketing landscape, making him an ideal voice to discuss how AI can empower businesses to market smarter and more efficiently.

Georgia Halston - Group CEO of Halston Group

Georgia Halston is the Group CEO of Halston Group, a collective of forward-thinking brands specialising in B2B marketing for technology, innovation, life sciences, and heavy industries. With a marketing career spanning 15 years, she is an expert in marketing strategy, critical thought, and innovation. Based in Leeds Georgia has built her reputation through launching and acquiring businesses while championing sustainable and technical industries. Her leadership focuses on delivering deep, strategic marketing solutions for complex B2B sectors. Through her writing and speaking engagements, Georgia shares insights on business landscape trends, marketing innovation, and company leadership, establishing herself as a thought leader in the digital and B2B marketing space.

Jonny Ross Founder of Fleek Marketing

Jonny Ross is the dynamic Founder of Fleek Marketing, a leading digital marketing agency renowned for helping businesses thrive online. With a passion for cutting-edge strategies and an eye for emerging technologies, Jonny is a recognised expert in digital marketing, social media, and SEO. He's dedicated to demystifying the digital landscape for SMEs, making complex concepts accessible and actionable. As a seasoned speaker and consultant, Jonny brings a wealth of practical experience in leveraging technology to drive business growth

Tom Howson – Founder of Howson Digital and VidPlate

After establishing and leading Asda's Content Studio and serving as EMEA Director of Design at Vidsy, Tom founded VidPlate to help brands create cost-effective, impactful content and measure its effectiveness. VidPlate has secured an InnovateUK grant to expand its data and AI systems and has received support from Barclays Eagle Labs, Plexal and the WYCA AD:VENTURE programme.

Alexis Bradbury – Director at Browndog Design

Alexis has over 25 years of marketing experience, formerly in a range of in-house and agency roles, and latterly running his own agency. As director of strategy, he has worked with over 200 SMEs, including delivering marketing workshops for numerous programmes such as AD:VENTURE, Enterprising Barnsley, Success Doncaster, Digital Birmingham, Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, York St John University and University of Huddersfield.

14: 25 Panel Q&A

• 14:30 A quick wrap up of the stage talks before we get into some hands-on AI action.
• 14:35 Hands on AI – Taking you to 4.30pm.

You’ll be able to choose from a range of activities:

Ask Me Anything, find a booth and ask your burning questions on these hot AI and Tech topics.

Network with each other and explore the exhibitor’s zone.

Workshops on all things AI (These will be pre-bookable as limited spots)

Try out some tools and take advantage of the great space, WIFI and hot drinks till 4.30pm.

We will have more details including Ask Me Anything topics, Exhibitors and Workshop details for booking on here soon!