We’ve launched a new Digital Forum

Author - Courtney Hiles

Date published:

Today, 10 October, we’ve launched our new Digital Forum, which aims to deliver expert insights into new technologies and the huge potential this evolving sector can provide.

The forum will be a platform for businesses to learn about the latest technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI), and how technology can transform ways of working, as well as addressing any concerns businesses may have.

It will also provide businesses with an opportunity for their voices to be heard at a national level, with insights being raised with relevant stakeholders within the Chamber network, such as the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), and government, where possible.

Callum George, policy adviser at the North East Chamber, said: “The digital world provides a hotbed of potential for sectors across the North East. As a region, we’re currently at a real point of transition, from our heavy industrial past to new technologies that will shape the way we travel, work, live, and interact with each other for years to come.

“For many businesses across the North East, the digital world brings both opportunities and challenges, in terms of skills, infrastructure, and new ways of working.”

He continued: “As a Chamber, it has never been more appropriate for us to bring members from a range of sectors together to connect, share insights, and lean on each other’s experience surrounding this topic.

“Whether it’s the development of Sunderland as a Software City, or the skills demands of new investors to the region, we believe there could be a large scope for meaningful discussions around digital technologies.”

The quarterly Digital Forum is targeted at those who rely on digital technologies in their everyday jobs or those who are exploring new opportunities to modernise their business.

Gill Hunter, managing partner at Square One Law and chair of the BCC’s Workplace Equity Commission, said: “Having been a tech lawyer for over 25 years, I have seen an enormous amount of change in tech, and the real impact it can have in driving productivity and creating efficiencies for businesses.

“However, the pace with which tech is now changing has accelerated again, with emerging and new technologies surfacing all the time. For businesses it can be confusing and difficult to keep up to speed, with the risk that tech is adopted without alignment to business strategy or for expensive mistakes to be made or opportunities lost.

“In creating the forum, we hope we can bring together industry experts and businesses, and deliver practical support to business leaders who are interested in understanding the art of the possible in tech and how it can be used to deliver business strategy.”

The forum will be looking at three overarching themes – technology, skills and leadership. The pilot forum meeting will focus on unleashing the potential and navigating the risks around AI, and the rapid growth and adoption of different models such as ChatGPT.

The Chamber’s goal is to provide a platform where businesses can learn about AI advancements, their practical applications, and how they can transform their business.

The pilot event will focus on the experiences and thought leadership of professionals, featuring expert speakers, with discussions around state of trade, how much there is to still develop and discover, opportunities as well as risks and how they can be mitigated, and challenges around implementing change.

Wendy Shearer, director, smart cities and ecosystems at Pulsant, said: “Technology has the potential to fuel innovation and growth, which is why it’s great to have Martha Lane Fox as President of the BCC, championing its adoption.

“The challenge that businesses have is navigating competing budgets and priorities and knowing which tech they should focus on to deliver results. There is a wealth of knowledge that we can tap into within the Chamber as well as from industry experts, and by listening to members, we can select the topics they want to hear about.

“The intention is to help people cut through the noise; learn; collaborate; and support their business growth.”

To be involved in the North East Chamber’s Digital Forum and to receive event invites please contact your engagement manager.

Alongside the Chamber’s work, the BCC’s Business Council is focusing on five key challenges, with one concentrating on Digital Revolution. The challenge themes are being chaired by five experienced business leaders, working with commissions of businesses, experts, Chamber representatives and academics.

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