Greater Manchester Business Leaders Urged to Use AI to Power Productivity 

Business leaders across Greater Manchester are being called upon to harness the power of AI and data to upskill their workforce, recognising that their greatest asset is the talent they already have. 

At a Future-Ready Business event, hosted by IN4 Group at the Castlefield Rooms in Manchester, over 50 local business leaders came together to explore how AI, cloud, and digital solutions can drive productivity, reduce costs, and sustain a competitive edge in today’s fast-evolving market. 

Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group, encouraged attendees to focus on existing talent: “Look at your workforce and build on their skills. AI isn’t just for IT—it’s about weaving data and AI applications throughout the organisation.” 

Industry experts shared practical insights on the future of AI in the workplace. 

Adam Kellett, Senior AI Policy Analyst at the University of Sheffield, highlighted the importance of preparing for a digital future: “Train yourself and your teams in AI. The future workforce will thrive on digital literacy, adaptability, and critical thinking.”  

Patricia Gestoso Souto, Director of Scientific Support at BIOVIA, stressed the importance of proactive AI adoption, stating: “If you’re hesitant about AI, consider this: 70% of students and workers are already using OpenAI tools. It’s time to embrace this shift rather than ignore it,”. 

IN4 Groups’ Modern Worker for the Modern Workplace Programme equips senior leaders with essential generative AI skills through expert-led masterclasses, hands-on workshops, and live showcases, preparing businesses for the digital future. The approach combines cutting-edge technology with a human-centred focus, ensuring leaders and teams are well-equipped for the demands of the modern workplace. 

Andrew Bel Dean, Head of Cloud at IN4 Group, and instructor for the programme emphasised AI’s role in enhancing current operations: “AI can make your processes more secure, faster, and cost-effective. This isn’t about replacing your people; it’s about empowering them to work smarter.” 

The event also showcased real-world applications from participants in IN4 Group’s Modern Worker for the Modern Workplace Programme, to help local leaders understand and implement AI-driven solutions. 

Sameera Gunaratne, Operations Manager at Habro Property Management Ltd, shared how the programme transformed his perspective: “It’s been a game-changer. I hadn’t realised how AI could impact managing shopping centres, but we’ve now identified ways to reduce shoplifting with our existing tech—without the need for costly facial recognition systems.” 

Kev Duxbury, Director at Forever Consulting reported significant productivity gains: “This programme opened our eyes to AI’s potential. At first, there was hesitation, but the training helped our team get on board, and now we’re seeing productivity soar.” 

For more information about the Modern Worker for the Modern Workforce programme, please contact Sarah Ayton, Senior Client Relationship Manager at IN4 Group, at Sarah.Ayton@in4group.co.uk.