Demystifying AI, the evolution

Beginner-friendly AI for small businesses. See live demos with Microsoft Copilot and everyday tools, plus a quick look at AI's past, present

AI doesn’t have to be confusing or costly. In this practical, jargonfree session, Innovation Director Ian Balderson shows how today’s AI tools can save time, reduce admin and spark better ideas—at work and in everyday life.

We’ll start with the essentials—what AI is (and isn’t)—then take a quick tour of how AI has evolved (from early rulesbased systems to machine learning and today’s generative AI) and what’s likely next (tighter tool integration, agentic workflows and responsible use). Then we’ll jump straight into live demonstrations. Feel free to bring along some real tasks you’d like to practice with.

What you’ll learn

How modern AI works in plain English—and its limits (bias, hallucinations, data hygiene)

Where AI delivers value for SMEs: productivity, customer service, marketing, finance and ops

How to write highquality prompts that get reliable results

A simple adoption path: start small, prove value, scale responsibly

A 10minute AI evolution & future outlook (what changed, and what’s coming)

Who should attend

Owners, directors, managers and team leads in SMEs; anyone curious about using AI to work smarter. No technical background required.