Networking Event

New for 2026, the ‘Business Scrum’ networking series in association with Thorntons Law LLP, had January’s theme focusing on Artificial Intelligence. It was hosted by our Managing Director, Paul Harkins.

With 82% of UK companies using AI already reporting productivity gains and 76% seeing higher profitability*, how do you know what the implications are for your business?

This first Business Scrum event focused on artificial intelligence, the rise of this latest business capability and its implications in business. Paul Harkins chaired a ‘fireside chat’ with panellists:
– Rob Spencer, AI engineering Lead at Phoenix Group
– Gary Walker, Future of Work Architect at 22 North
– Wendy McDougall, CEO of Firefish Software
– David Bell, Head of AI at Bellrock Technology
– Gary Crawford, Chief Advisor at Owendale Advisory.

They covered many points:

• From typing to prompting: “text-to-code” is here. With modern assistants, complex models that took experts days can be generated, tested, and deployed in under an hour; when framed well and reviewed by humans.

• Don’t bolt AI onto chaos: if your knowledge base is messy, AI just gets you the wrong answer faster. Fix data/process foundations and keep a human in the loop.

• Humans still matter – just differently: automate tasks, not whole roles. Shift people from production to judgment, orchestration, and storytelling; the things AI can’t own.

Why this matters: every leader needs a practical grasp of AI because it’s reshaping cost bases, customer experience, and speed. And every student or young professional should lean in; these tools will shape career paths and choices for the next decade.

It was a great night of networking and discussion, please do save the date: “GHA Business Scrum 2: Scotland Votes — Policy, Business, Wealth & Law,” Monday 11 March, 18:00–19:30 at Braidholm. We will post details on tickets soon!