North AI Hub Launch Event

We’re so excited to officially launch our February North AI Hub event and look forward to welcoming everyone in the new year.

This session will bring together regional experts and practitioners to discuss the latest innovations in AI, explore practical applications, and share how we can better support businesses and individuals on their AI adoption and innovation journey. From real-world tools and use cases to people-first and regional perspectives, the agenda has been designed to be practical, relevant, and grounded in what organisations need right now.

We can’t wait to see you in February and kick off the next chapter of North AI Hub together.

Agenda
Arrival from 9:30-10:00
10:00 – 10:05 | Welcome & Opening Remarks
North AI Hub
A short introduction to the North AI Hub, the purpose of the session, and what attendees can expect from the morning.

Morning Sessions – Part 1
10:05 – 10:20 | AI in Context: The NEBRC Perspective
Martin Wilson – North East Business & Resilience Centre (NEBRC)
An overview the NEBRC, AI in policing and a discussion of the pros and cons of AI adoption in SMEs.
10:20 – 10:35 | Delivering a Custom AI Agent using CoPilot Studio
Luke Hill and Leanne Jackson – Marra
This session shares a real-world example of delivering a custom AI agent using Copilot Studio, built on trusted organisational knowledge such as policies and documents. It explores one of the biggest challenges we consistently see with AI initiatives, data and organisational readiness, and introduces an AI Readiness Agent designed to surface risks and gaps before AI projects begin.
10:35 – 10:50 | The North East AI Growth Strategy
Jamie Hardesty – Sunderland Software City
A regional perspective on AI, including insights from work with the Combined Authority and what the North East AI Growth Strategy means for local businesses.

10:50 – 11:05 | Refreshment Break
☕ Tea, coffee, and informal networking.

Morning Sessions – Part 2
11:05 – 11:20 | Using Verkada AI in the Real World
Stuart Miller – Howell Technology Group (HTG)
Stuart will be talking about how Verkada uses AI in simple, practical ways to make everyday business life easier. From finding key moments in seconds to cutting down noise and manual effort, AI quietly does the heavy lifting. Less complexity, fewer headaches, and more time for people to focus on what really matters.
11:20 – 11:35 | People-First AI: The Questions Leaders Must Ask
Laura Mitchell – People First AI
A focused, practical session on governance, ethics, culture, and risk, helping leaders adopt AI in a way that builds trust, clarity, and confidence.
11:35 – 11:50 | The BIC, Innovation, and AI in the North East
Paul McEldon – Business & Innovation Centre (BIC)
An overview of the BIC’s AI agenda and how businesses can access innovation support, programmes, and regional opportunities.

11:50 – 12:45 | Refreshments & Networking
☕ Tea, coffee, and networking
An opportunity to connect with speakers, peers, and the wider North AI Hub community.