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Opinion: Upping the pace of AI adoption is critical to the North's economic growth

7 0
09.09.2025

The term "AI" has become somewhat of a buzzword in recent years, with many primarily associating it with generative tools like ChatGPT, browser-based AI assistants, or Google’s AI-powered search features.

But what often goes unnoticed is the extent to which AI technology can benefit businesses in broader, more meaningful ways - integrating seamlessly to enhance their everyday operations, drive business growth, and unlock new opportunities for innovation.

AI can transform not just how tasks are performed, but how decisions are made, business relationships are built and maintained, and long-term value is created across organisations. From supporting educators to reduce the burden of administrative tasks to providing healthcare professionals with the tools to streamline diagnostic processes, AI’s myriad applications are still not fully understood, or embraced, by many businesses.

Upping the pace of AI adoption has the potential to unlock economic growth in the North and across the UK and empower businesses to operate competitively on a global scale.

According to McKinsey, larger organisations are currently leading the way in adopting and scaling generative AI best practices, with 52% of large companies having established dedicated teams to drive generative AI adoption, compared to just 23% of small businesses.

This is largely down to the greater financial resources of big businesses, their access to skilled........

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