Sage has partnered with Google and Multiverse on an event to help small businesses in the North East gain practical AI skills. The event, supported by techUK and hosted in the region’s AI Growth Zone, comes at a time when many small businesses are understanding how and where to use
Kirstie Pickering
Sage has partnered with Google and Multiverse on an event to help small businesses in the North East gain practical AI skills.
The event, supported by techUK and hosted in the region’s AI Growth Zone, comes at a time when many small businesses are understanding how and where to use AI. Sage says while interest is growing, adoption remains uneven.
New research from Enterprise Nation, in partnership with Sage, found that 53% of SMEs believe stronger AI skills would help to improve the quality, consistency and speed within their business. When asked about what is holding them back from adoption, 53% said costs, 46% said lack of skills, and 37% said having the time to learn new tools.
The event came a week after London Tech Week, where the government highlighted the need for large-scale AI skills development.
As partners in the UK’s AI Skills Boost programme, Sage, Google and Multiverse are part of a wider effort to equip millions of people with essential AI skills needed to adopt AI in practice. It also reflects the growing role that practical skills initiatives will play in supporting the ambitions of the North East AI Growth Zone.
Through collaboration with partners including Google and Multiverse, and sessions focused on boosting productivity and decision making, Sage is striving to help more businesses across the North East turn AI ambition into practical, confident use in their day-to-day work.
Speaking at the event, Jonathan Cowan, executive vice president at Sage, said the real opportunity isn’t just understanding AI – it’s making it usable in day-to-day business.
“The North East has a strong track record of innovation, and that’s only accelerating as AI becomes part of how businesses operate. Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, so it’s critical they can benefit from that – regardless of their size,” said Cowan.
“There’s still a real confidence gap though. Most businesses don’t need more theory – they need to know what works in practice. The role for companies like Sage is to show how AI can fit into everyday tasks in a way that saves time, adds value and keeps people in control.”
