Innovation Roadshow: AI for Everyday Innovation

Explore. Connect. Transform.

Join us at the launch of the 2025 Innovation Roadshow with a free, fast-paced, half-day event focused on the real-world impact of AI for SMEs.

Expect high-impact talks, interactive roundtables, and practical insights from some of the UK’s leading voices in AI and business transformation. If you’re looking to future-proof your business, this event is for you.

Agenda:

9:30am - Arrival

10:00am - Keynote: From SAT Prep to Business Transformation: The ChatGPT Journey

Speaker: Phil Birchenall

What started as a dad helping his daughter prep for her SATs became a viral AI breakthrough. Hear Phil’s real-world journey with ChatGPT and the impact it’s had on businesses big and small.

10:15am - Roundtables: Your choice of three roundtable discussions tailored around challenges that SMEs face, and how adopting artificial intelligence can help. Ask questions, explore real-world examples, and get ready to rethink what's possible. See full descriptions below.

12:15pm - Networking lunch and innovation marketplace

Network with support organisations, universities, and tech providers offering funding, partnerships, and expert advice.

1:00pm - Event close

---------------------------------------

Roundtable one: Business Wins with ChatGPT – Where Could AI Supercharge Your Operations?

Facilitator: Phil Birchenall

From cutting admin time by 80% to producing marketing content in minutes, generative AI is rapidly transforming how businesses operate. In this hands-on, conversational roundtable, Phil will walk you through real case studies from SMEs that have embraced ChatGPT to reduce costs, spark innovation, and solve everyday business challenges. You’ll leave with practical inspiration, new ideas, and the confidence to start experimenting with AI in your own operations—no technical experience required. Bring your business challenges and explore how AI could deliver tangible results, fast.

Roundtable two: Three Simple Steps to an Easier, More Profitable Business – The Surprising Secret to Growing Your Business with AI That No One is Talking About

Facilitator: Phil Slorick

AI won’t replace you—but a competitor who’s using it just might. In this refreshingly practical and no-fluff roundtable, automation expert Phil reveals the overlooked strategies that SMEs can use right now to boost productivity, increase profits, and reduce stress with AI. Whether you’re overwhelmed, curious, or already testing AI tools, you’ll uncover simple, powerful ways to get started without big budgets or teams. Walk away with three actionable steps to future-proof your business, and maybe even fall in love with automation along the way.

Roundtable three: Responsible AI - Beyond the Buzzwords

Facilitator: David Edmundson-Bird

AI is powerful—but with great power comes great responsibility. In this thoughtful and forward-looking roundtable, David explores what “Responsible AI” really means for SMEs. What are your ethical obligations as an AI user? How does your use of automation impact people, jobs, the planet, and your own values? Through open discussion and case-based scenarios, we’ll explore how to maximise AI’s benefits while minimising risks—so you can lead with confidence and integrity. A must-attend session for any business that cares about doing things right, not just fast.

----------------------------------

Can't make this event? Get in touch with us to find out more about our next roadshow at cfegrowth@mmu.ac.uk or visit our webpage.

This event is funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and is designed for businesses with a trading address in Cheshire West, but relevant to any North West business looking to adopt and accelerate their processes using AI.