Masterclass: AI for Business - Navigating Innovation, Risk & Responsibility
Date:
Wednesday 21st January 2026
Time:
09:30-12:30
Cost:
Chamber Member:
£20.00 + VAT
Non-Chamber Member:
£35.00 + VAT
Status:
Places Available
Sponsored By
Location
Charlecote Pheasant Hotel Charlecote Road Charlecote Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire CV35 9EW
Parking
Complimentary car parking is available at the venue.
Event Detail
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept—it’s here, transforming the way businesses operate. But with innovation comes responsibility.
Join us for an insightful masterclass that explores how business can harness AI to drive growth while maintaining strong governance and ethical standards.
This event brings together leading experts to discuss key topics that matter most to businesses today.
Session 1: Why does AI hallucinate? And other essential questions
AI tools like ChatGPT can give you confident answers that are completely wrong - these are called hallucinations. This session will look at why this happens and what it means for you when using AI in your business.
Caroline will cut through the jargon and give you the key points about ethical AI - all based on questions she's regularly asked when rolling out AI tools in SMEs. Leave the session with practical knowledge about AI to help you use AI tools safely, ethically and with more confidence.
Session 2: Beyond Compliance: AI Governance as Proof Your Organisation Can Be Trusted
AI Governance is often viewed through the narrow lens of compliance, but leading organisations increasingly recognise it as a strategic capability and a visible marker of trustworthiness. This lecture introduces the foundations of AI Governance and shows how structured governance, risk management, and transparent processes signal operational discipline to clients and partners. TMW will explore how turning governance into a repeatable practice not only reduces risk but positions your organisation as safe to do business with in an AI-driven economy.
Session 3: Risk & Cybersecurity
Session 4: Practical AI Tools for Small Businesses: What’s Actually Worth Using
AI is everywhere now, but many small businesses aren’t sure where to start, or which tools are genuinely useful. In this session, Christopher will cut through the hype and focus on the practical AI tools that make a real difference in day-to-day operations. He’ll explore everyday AI assistants, simple automation, data insights, and AI-powered visuals, with a strong emphasis on responsible, accessible adoption. A short Q&A will follow for anyone who wants to explore how these tools could fit their own organisation.
Agenda
9.30am - Arrival, registration & refreshments
10.00am - Session 1 delivered by Caroline Broadway, Dandelion Applied AI
10.30am - Session 2 delivered by Thibault Williams, TMW Resilience
11.00am - Break
11.15am - Session 3 delivered by John MacDonald, EBC Group
11.45am - Session 4 delivered by Christopher Howell, Mercia AI
12.15pm - General networking
1.00pm - Event close & Depart
Cancellation Policy
If you book a place and are unable to attend, please cancel your place in writing by emailing [email protected]. Cancellations made after Monday 12th January will be charged in full.
Presenters
- Caroline Broadway
- Dandelion Applied AI
Founder of Dandelion Applied AI, Caroline Broadway helps SMEs and charities put tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot and ChatGPT to work in a practical way. She brings 25 years of experience in business and leadership, with a focus on the people side of AI adoption. Her approach keeps AI grounded in business goals and delivers quick achievable wins.
- Christopher Howell
- Mercia AI
Christopher Howell is the founder of Mercia AI, a local consultancy dedicated to helping small businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire use AI in simple, practical, and responsible ways. After nearly three decades in software development, he now focuses on demystifying AI for real people, showing how tools like automation, AI assistants, and data insights can save time and support growth. He also serves as an internal AI Champion in his professional role, supporting colleagues in using AI effectively, and is an active member of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
- John MacDonald
- EBC Group
John is a technology strategist with over 27 years of experience in the IT industry. Responsible for managing and developing strategic client relationships with EBC Group clients. With a focus on Cyber Security, he act's as a client’s outsourced IT Manager, Director, vCIO, or CTO, ensuring that our technical solutions are expertly tailored to meet the evolving business needs of both existing and prospective clients. By working closely with clients’ account managers, account directors, and the wider account management team, he delivers value-driven strategies that foster long-term partnerships and uncover new opportunities for growth and success. He is certified in ITIL, Microsoft, WatchGuard, SentinelOne, and Sophos, amongst others, and has a strong background in electrical and mechanical engineering. John is passionate about delivering high-quality services and ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Thibault Williams
- TMW Resilience
Thibault Williams is the founder of TMW Resilience, specialising in cybersecurity, AI assurance, and information governance. He has extensive experience helping public sector organisations align with standards, including ISO 27001, ISO 42001, and NIST RMF, and advises on the fast-evolving landscape of AI governance and digital risk. Thibault brings a practical, operational perspective to AI compliance, balancing technical controls with safeguards against bias, unfairness, and complexity. He has also led post-cyberattack recoveries and drafted cyber recovery playbooks for UK Government departments, shaping resilient, secure-by-design systems. His approach is pragmatic, collaborative, and focused on strengthening trust, security, and organisational resilience.
