An executive summit for business leaders, public sector organisations and strategic partners exploring how to harness AI while managing its risks responsibly.
of UK businesses were using some form of AI by late 2025, up from 9% two years earlier.
ONS Business Insights and Conditions Surveyin additional value UK SMEs could unlock if they adopted AI at the rate of large enterprises.
Microsoft / WPI Strategyof small firms say they simply lack the knowledge to get started with AI — the real barrier isn't the technology.
Federation of Small BusinessesThe programme is built around the questions Dorset's business leaders are actually asking right now — not abstract AI hype.
Build trust, manage risk, use AI responsibly.
What's actually moving the needle for businesses.
Strengthen communities, deliver lasting value.
Reduce impact, extend value, close the loop.
Partner, share, create change together.
Bookended by a national AI keynote and a local case study, and built around three practitioner panels bringing business, government and academia into the same room. Subject to change — confirmed speakers below.
Business leaders, academics and public sector voices from across Dorset and beyond.
Chief Operating Officer, Bournemouth University
Appointed COO of Bournemouth University in October 2025, Gerry brings over 20 years' experience driving transformational change across universities in the UK, South Africa and Singapore.
Chief Executive, Dorset Council
Dr Catherine Howe became Dorset Council's Chief Executive in August 2025, leading major digital transformation and now heading a workforce of around 4,500 people.
Chief Executive, Cosmic
Julie has led Cosmic, an ethical IT and digital skills organisation, for over 27 years, and is the South West industry lead for FutureDotNow.
Group Head of AI, Intergage
Luke leads AI strategy and adoption for B2B marketing specialist Intergage, and co-founded the Campfire AI community with Dorset Chamber.
Professor of Machine Learning & AI, Bournemouth University
Marcin's research spans AI, machine learning and data science, including recent work applying machine learning to detect money laundering.
Deputy Head, Centre for Sustainable Business Transformations, Bournemouth University
Mili co-founded the Centre for Sustainable Business Transformations (CSBT) and serves as its Deputy Head, researching sustainability, circular economy and inclusive AI, and facilitating the panel on AI adoption in practice.
Professor of Management; Head of Centre for Sustainable Business Transformations, Bournemouth University
Marcjanna is Head of the Centre for Sustainable Business Transformations (CSBT) at Bournemouth University Business School, an internationally recognised expert in business strategy and organisational performance, and a distinguished thought leader on sustainable business transformation.
Director of IT and Digital Solutions, Bournemouth University
Tom leads IT strategy and delivery at Bournemouth University, supporting its digital infrastructure and technology transformation.
AI Architect, Bournemouth University
Adam works on the design and delivery of AI systems and architecture, supporting the university's practical adoption of AI.
JP Morgan
Henry brings a financial services perspective, sharing insight into how major institutions are approaching AI adoption.
Partnership & Social Value Manager, SUEZ
Joe leads partnership and social value work for SUEZ recycling and recovery UK on circular economy and recycling engagement.
Head of Client Services, Blackmore
Chris leads client services at Blackmore, supporting organisations across Dorset with responsible, sustainable technology solutions.
Executive Chairman, Blackmore
Steve provides strategic leadership across Blackmore as it champions responsible IT reuse and refurbishment, including LevelIT.
Dorset Digital Inclusion Lead, Dorset Council
Penny leads digital inclusion work at Dorset Council, focused on ensuring residents can access and benefit from digital skills.
Policy and Public Affairs Lead, Digital Poverty Alliance
Natalie leads policy and public affairs for the Digital Poverty Alliance, the UK charity working to end digital poverty by 2030.
Founder, Sustainability Loft
Kuram is an award-winning sustainability leader, writer and speaker, and founder of Sustainability Loft, raising sustainability awareness across the Bournemouth area through education and thought leadership. He speaks regularly at events including edie, Emex and Sustainability LIVE on the role of technologies like AI in driving sustainable, socially responsible outcomes.
Head of Skills and Talent, TechSPARK
Chris leads skills and talent programmes for TechSPARK and has been closely involved in the CyberFirst Schools Programme.
Director of Public Affairs, Ark Data Centres
Allan chairs techUK's Data Centres Council, representing the sector on the infrastructure and skills needed for the UK's AI ambitions.
LevelIT, presented by Blackmore and DonateIT, converts redundant IT that still holds value into the specific equipment pupils actually need — rather than simply passing on whatever devices happen to be donated. That means more meaningful, targeted outcomes for children, and a credible ESG, CSR and PR opportunity for participating businesses.
Join organisations leading the way in AI & data, digital services, sustainability, circular economy and education. Meet decision makers, generate new partnerships, and demonstrate your solutions to an engaged executive audience.
Enquire about exhibiting →Executive Business Centre (EBC)
Bournemouth University, Lansdowne Campus
89 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth BH8 8EB
Bournemouth station is the nearest mainline stop, on the South Western Railway line from London Waterloo. The Lansdowne Campus is a short walk from the station. Full directions to Lansdowne Campus →
There is no parking on site. If public transport isn't possible, local pay and display car parks are available at Cotlands Road and Madeira Road.
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