You Know AI Could Transform Your Business - But Where Do You Actually Start?
Many business owners recognise the immense potential of AI, yet struggle to bridge the gap between hype, abstract possibilities and tangible actions. This common challenge often leads to inaction, missing out on crucial opportunities.
There's So Much Noise - Where Do I Actually Begin?
Every LinkedIn article and YouTube video has different advice.
How Do I Know This Won't Be an Expensive Mistake?
Most solutions assume you have an IT department and unlimited budget.
Which Approach Works for Businesses Like Mine?
Generic advice doesn't help you figure out a path to real outcomes.
Learn from Practitioners Who've Actually Done This
Learn from people who've actually implemented AI and automations in businesses like yours.
Programme Advisors and Instructors
Alex Croucher
Exited Founder, VKY AI and Automation
SME Board Advisor | Investor | Technology Advisor
10+ years solving AI and automation challenges for large enterprises, councils, and SMEs. Now supporting SMEs in driving growth.
What you'll learn: How to spot opportunities that pay off vs. expensive mistakes waiting to happen.
Week 1: Understand Where AI Adds Real Business Value
Oct 9
Review proven AI and automation use cases across the customer lifecycle and identify your biggest opportunities.
Take away: List of your potential AI opportunities
Week 2: Identify Your Priority Use Cases
Oct 16
Workshop your specific use cases with peer and expert feedback to determine which opportunities deserve investment.
Take away: 1-2 prioritised use cases with clear implementation potential
Week 3: Build your Business Case with Real Numbers
Oct 23
Build ROI analysis with realistic costs and position AI investments as growth opportunities, not just savings.
Take away: Complete business case template with realistic ROI projections
Week 4: Understand Implementation + Get Hands-On With Relevant Tools
Oct 30
Walk away with an understanding of what it takes to build and implement + start building an AI prototype with only the most relevant tools for your use case.
Take away: Implementation methodology + AI prototype
Week 5: Build In-House or Get Help? Resource Planning
Nov 6
Get clarity on the skills you need, partners worth considering, and what your team can realistically deliver.
Take away: Resource strategy and implementation roadmap
Week 6: Protect Your Business: Risk Management for AI
Nov 13
Understand the risks of AI and automation and learn when you need professional support vs. internal capability.
Take away: Risk mitigation framework + governance checklist
Optional Demo Day and Peer learning
One month after completion; date TBD
Share progress, troubleshoot challenges, and learn from other participants' implementations.
Take away: Real world insights + peer support
Programme Outcomes Summary:
By the end of 6 weeks, you'll have:
✅Your highest-priority use cases for AI / automation ✅A complete business case with realistic costs and ROI projections ✅An action plan for your highest-impact opportunity ✅Risk mitigation framework and AI policies ready to implement ✅Built and deployed a working AI prototype for immediate ROI ✅Peer network of 15 other business owners for ongoing support
Programme Format Details:
60 minutes lunch sessions, held on Thursdays from 12-1pm (perfect for busy schedules)
Interactive format: 15-minute expert insights + 30 minutes application to your business + 15 minutes peer discussion
Immediate application: Take away practical templates and tools each week
Ongoing support: Private WhatsApp community for continued peer learning
All sessions recorded for those who can't attend live
Limited to 16 Participants
We cap participation to ensure personalised attention and facilitate high-quality discussions within each cohort.
Key Dates
Applications close: September 30, 2025 Programme begins: October 9, 2025
Why This Investment Makes Financial Sense
Based on our research with 15+ SME owners, here's what businesses typically discover about AI opportunities vs. the cost of making uninformed decisions:
What Participants Typically Discover:
£10,000-£25,000+ in annual automation opportunities
20+ hours weekly of manual work that could be automated and employee time put to better use
Clear next steps preventing decision paralysis
What One Wrong Decision Costs:
Failed software implementation: £10,000-£30,000.
Wrong hire for "AI person": £40,000+ annually.
Opportunity cost of delayed implementation: £5,000+ monthly.
✅ Framework for evaluating any AI opportunity tailored to your business needs.
Prioritized Use Cases
✅ Prioritized list of AI use cases with robust ROI business cases and clear action steps.
Risk & Implementation
✅ Proven risk mitigation templates and a practical implementation roadmap for success.
Exclusive Network
✅ Access to a private network of 20 like-minded SME owners for ongoing peer support.
Expert Validation
✅ Real-world insights from practitioners who've actually implemented AI in SMEs
Reusable Resources
✅ Complete toolkit - templates, frameworks, and checklists you'll use for every AI decision
Common Questions
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Practical AI Workshop, designed to address your concerns and provide clarity:
I'm not technical – will I be lost?
Absolutely not. This workshop is designed specifically for business owners, not technical teams. There is zero coding or prior technical implementation knowledge required. We focus on strategic decision-making, not deep technical dives.
What if I can't attend all sessions live?
All weekly sessions are recorded and made available promptly after they conclude. We understand SME owners have busy schedules, and many participants successfully complete the program by catching up on recordings.
Is this just generic AI training?
No. This workshop is highly focused and practical, addressing strategic AI decision-making specifically for SMEs in the £1-10M revenue range. It's about identifying and implementing high-impact opportunities relevant to your business size and challenges.
What ongoing support is provided?
Beyond the 6-week program, you'll retain access to the WhatsApp peer community for continued discussions and support. We are considering additional ongoing support such as references to trusted partners, additional training for you and your team, and more, depending on your needs and interests.
What if AI doesn't apply to my industry?
Almost every business, regardless of industry, has processes that can significantly benefit from automation and AI-driven insights. Our framework helps you identify these specific opportunities within your unique operational context, even if they aren't immediately obvious.