Fortifying Your Business: AI and Cyber Security Strategies for Leading SMEs

Unlock practical AI benefits for SMEs with a focused, in-person workshop in Leicester. Utilising ChatGPT for your Business is a one-day action-planning session designed to introduce business owners and marketing managers to the potential of ChatGPT and Generative AI. Delivered in Leicester by East Midlands Chamber and funded via UKSPF, this workshop equips you with concrete steps to streamline customer interactions, content creation, and marketing using AI in your day-to-day operations. What you’ll gain from the day: - A clear understanding of what ChatGPT is, how it works, and how to prompt it effectively for business tasks - Hands-on guidance on using ChatGPT for content creation, customer service, and automated responses - Practical tips for integrating AI into your business strategy with minimal risk and clear ethical considerations - Real-world case studies showing how SMEs have successfully adopted ChatGPT to gain a competitive edge - An action-oriented takeaway plan you can implement immediately in your business Who should attend: - Established SMEs located in Leicester city looking to pilot or scale AI-powered workflows - Business owners and marketing managers who want to harness AI without needing prior AI expertise What’s covered: - Introduction to ChatGPT and its capabilities - Understanding prompts and how to tailor prompts to business needs - Using ChatGPT for content creation and marketing - Case studies of successful AI adoption in small businesses - The future of Generative AI and practical considerations for implementation and ethics Outcomes: - A solid understanding of ChatGPT’s role in your operations - Actionable strategies to improve customer service and content workflow with AI - Practical steps and timelines to integrate AI into your business process - Ethical considerations and risk management when deploying AI - Confidence to experiment with AI and generate measurable improvements Important details: - Date: 3 March 2026, 9:30am – 4:00pm - Location: Mercure Leicester The Grand Hotel, Leicester, LE1 6ES (in-person) - Status: This event is fully booked with registrations closed - Eligibility: Open to established SMEs located in Leicester city and funded by UKSPF through East Midlands Chamber - Organiser: East Midlands Chamber - Presenter(s): Includes industry experts and panelists such as Martin Broadhurst Note: Registrations are closed, but this page provides context on the topics and potential benefits of adopting ChatGPT in a

Fortifying Your Business: AI and Cyber Security Strategies for Leading SMEs is a practical, half‑day summit designed to turn AI hype into real business outcomes for Leicester and Leicestershire SMEs. Hosted by Better-IT in collaboration with the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster, this event focuses on actionable strategies to boost productivity and security using AI, with concrete, real‑world examples you can implement the same day. Attendees will explore how small teams can safely leverage AI agents and Microsoft Copilot to streamline workflows while maintaining data governance and compliance. The session promises a fast‑paced mix of expert talks, interactive workshops, and live demonstrations aimed at delivering tangible results for business leaders, IT managers, and operators who want to harness AI without compromising security. What makes this event valuable: - Practical AI adoption: See how AI and Copilot can be integrated into everyday business processes to save time and reduce manual effort. - Security‑first AI: Learn how to balance innovation with data protection, policies, controls, and compliance considerations when deploying AI tools. - Hands‑on workshops: Interactive 30‑minute sessions on preparing data for AI, and on using AI for personal productivity with practical workflow tips. - Real‑world examples: Local case studies showing how SMEs are using Copilot safely and effectively today. - Networking and local expertise: Connect with regional security professionals, AI practitioners, and peers facing similar challenges. - Breakfast and informal networking: Pastry breakfast, tea and coffee provided, with dedicated time to discuss collaborative opportunities. Agenda highlights (9:30 am – 12:45 pm): - Huntress: How small businesses are utilising Copilot safely, with real‑world applicability. - Better‑IT: Michael McHugo and Bill Hefford on driving innovation with AI tools and automation, including call transcriptions and automated onboarding. - Copilot: An update on Microsoft Copilot’s current capabilities for small businesses and how to develop intelligent agents. - Interactive workshops (30 minutes each): Preparing your data and business security for AI; AI for personal productivity with Copilot sessions and practical workflow tips. - Coffee break and a special guest session, followed by EMCSC insights on bridging the AI skills gap. - Closing remarks with key takeaways and next steps. Location and logistics: - Venue: Mattioli Arena, 12 Memor

The DRAFT Festival of AI 2026 is a dedicated AI conference occurring on October 16, 2026, at St Martins House Conference Centre in Leicester. Hosted by Practical AI, this event is an ideal opportunity for professionals, enthusiasts, and novices interested in artificial intelligence to deepen their understanding and network with like-minded individuals. Attendees can expect a focused program covering cutting-edge AI topics, industry insights, and practical applications of AI technologies. The conference is well-suited for developers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and anyone looking to stay ahead in the fast-evolving AI landscape. The setting at St Martins House Conference Centre provides a professional environment conducive to learning and collaboration. As Practical AI organizes the event, the agenda likely emphasizes hands-on knowledge and practical AI skills, enhancing attendees' ability to apply AI in their work or projects. This in-person conference offers a valuable platform for learning, idea exchange, and connecting with AI experts and peers in Leicester. Find more AI events in [Leicester](/cities/leicester). Register for the event and learn more at the [Eventbrite page](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/draft-festival-of-ai-2026-ai-conference-tickets-1353170622759).