Working closely with agencies every day, we’ve had a front-row seat to the start of one of the most significant transformations our industry has ever experienced – the transition to a world with AI. Through our recent research holding detailed interviews with 30 creative agency leaders, and working alongside more than 20 agencies in their AI journey in 2024, we’ve seen firsthand how AI is reshaping not just how we work, but what’s creatively possible.
Let’s be honest – when generative AI first emerged as a serious tool for creative work 2 years ago, many of us had concerns. Would it diminish the value of human creativity? Could it compromise the quality of our work? Will it make our hard won skills redundant? These were natural reactions. But what we’ve discovered through our research and hands-on experience is something far more nuanced: while the potential for semi-automating some tasks is there, the more impactful use of AI is as a powerful creative amplifier.
The most inspiring moments in our research came from agencies that have moved past the experimental phase. These AI Pioneers – about 20% of the agencies we studied – are building new ways of working that combine human creativity with AI’s ability to condense and recombine huge amounts of information to deliver more impactful results for their clients.
One agency leader put it perfectly when they described how AI allows creatives to “more easily access their creativity.” We’re seeing teams explore more creative directions, push boundaries further, and deliver higher quality work – not because AI is doing the creative thinking, but because it’s removing barriers to expression and expanding what’s possible.
The efficiency gains for certain tasks are real (think content localisation, for example). But the real win for agencies is using AI to help them what they do best – strategic thinking and creative innovation. When creatives can quickly explore multiple directions and “get all of their crap ideas out quickly,” as one leader put it, they have more time and mental space for the kind of deep creative thinking that leads to breakthrough ideas.
From our conversations we’ve learned that successful AI integration isn’t just about having the right tools – it’s about having the right approach. Here’s what’s working:
The agencies seeing the best results are those investing heavily in their people. They’re equipping their teams not just with AI tools, but with the skills and confidence to work with AI as it evolves.
Rather than making AI a point solution for doing a handful of identified tasks, the AI Pioneers are weaving it throughout their core processes. They’re rethinking workflows, team structures, and even their business models to leverage AI’s strengths.
The most forward-thinking agencies are bringing their clients along on the journey, having open conversations about how AI enhances their creative options and encouraging their clients to take advantage of them.
We are at the beginning of the AI transition. The agencies that will thrive aren’t those using AI to simply work faster – they’re the ones using it to push creative boundaries and deliver ideas that were previously too complex, too expensive, or too time consuming to be possible.
The future we’re seeing emerge is one where:
To our fellow agency leaders: this is our moment. The technology is ready and the opportunity is clear. Yes, there are challenges to navigate – from skill development and agency growth, to client education to data privacy. But the rewards for those who get this right are many.
As the creative industry embraces AI, we’re constantly finding new ways to augment creativity and increase the value we can add to brands. But it’s not enough to just give people the tools – it’s about equipping people with the skills and confidence to work with AI as it evolves.
The question isn’t whether AI will transform our industry – it’s already happening. The real question is how will you integrate AI in a way that augments the value to bring to your clients, and aligns with your agency’s creative vision? Every agency’s journey will be unique, shaped by their particular strengths.
For those ready to embrace this change, the path forward is about building teams that are confident with AI, developing processes that leverage its strengths, and creating work that shows clients the enhanced value we can deliver.
The future of creativity is human + AI, and for those of us willing to embrace this change, the creative possibilities are exciting..
To dive deeper into how creative agencies are successfully navigating the AI transition, download our full report. Drawing on conversations with 30 creative agency leaders and our experience helping over 20 agencies embrace AI throughout 2024, it offers practical insights on everything from building AI-confident teams to developing new client service models. Whether you’re just starting your AI journey or looking to accelerate your adoption, you’ll find actionable strategies and real-world examples to guide your next steps.
Visit wearespark.ai to access the complete research and join the conversation about the future of creative work.
Local pioneers recognised for driving technology for social good in the region
Tech4Good South West has announced the inaugural cohort of Tech4Good Champions, recognising individuals based across the South West of England who are using technology to drive positive change and generate social impact.
The 2024 Tech4Good Champions are:
“These champions represent the very best of how technology can be harnessed for social good,” said Annie Legge, founder of Tech4Good South West.
“What they all have in common is passion, creativity and a commitment to making a difference in their communities. This is the first cohort of Tech4Good South West Champions who have been chosen by a panel of experts and peers. We’re honoured to shine a light on their incredible work.”
Tech4Good South West launched its member community in 2022 to celebrate and support the region’s thriving ecosystem of technologists, social innovators and community leaders driving positive change through digital solutions.
To nominate a future Champion: https://tech4goodsouthwest.org/champions
Distortion Creative Group, the parent company of Studio Giggle, has announced the appointment of Rob King as its new CEO and investor. King’s arrival comes as the company embarks on a rebrand and ambitious expansion strategy, targeting growth in Bristol and the South West, with a vision to become a global creative leader.
With a background in senior roles at renowned organisations such as Abbey Road Studios, Zinc Media owned The Edge Picture Company and a number of award-winning creative agencies. King brings a wealth of experience in sales, marketing, and creative strategy. His focus will be on scaling Studio Giggle’s operations in live events, film, animation, and content production, while transforming Distortion Studios into a world-class virtual production hub.
King sees his new role as an opportunity to take Distortion Creative Group to the next stage of its growth and development. “Studio Giggle is entering its 18th year, and this ‘coming of age’ marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the company. We’ve been a maverick creative force in Bristol, but now we’re set on becoming the go-to agency for creative content in the South West as well as for our clients nationwide and beyond,” he said.
Despite a well-documented downturn in the film world, Distortion Creative Group has seen growth over the past year, expanding its staff by 20% following new work for clients and producing events in locations as far-flung as Singapore and the Middle East. “The vision that directors Jonathan Brigden and Steve Garratt have shown crafting the region’s go-to creative agency is phenomenal. I look forward to collaborating with them on the next steps, as well as working with the talented staff base that has made Distortion Creative Group what it is today.”
While Studio Giggle has traditionally worked with clients in London and internationally, its plans include a focus on Bristol’s burgeoning tech and fintech industries, offering creative and technical production solutions that align with the region’s growing reputation as a global hub for creativity.
“Bristol has been our home for 18 years and it’s a great opportunity to now give back and help businesses in the area excel creatively,” King emphasised.
As part of the expansion plan, King will also oversee the development of Bristol’s first permanent virtual production facility, positioning Distortion Studios as a pioneer in sustainable and cutting-edge production technologies. “We have an incredible mix of creativity, technology, and storytelling that puts us in an advantageous position as the world enters a new era of production possibilities. In particular, our early adoption of AI and software, including Unreal Engine, has revolutionised the creative potential for clients of all sizes,” he added
Looking ahead, Distortion Creative Group is preparing to expand its portfolio. “Our rebrand positions us as pioneers in exciting new areas of creative technologies, so expansion is certainly front of mind,” King noted. “We’re keen, however, to stay true to our values of true collaboration with our clients, technical innovation and award-winning creativity.
Distortion Creative Group is preparing to unveil the details of its growth plans, including the addition of new companies to the Distortion Creative Group. “This isn’t just about a rebrand or staying the same size,” King noted. “We’re on a growth trajectory, and in the next few years , we’ll look back at this moment as the time when we transitioned from a boutique agency to a larger creative group.
Steve Garratt, Distortion Creative Group’s Founder and Creative Director, added: “Rob’s addition marks a pivotal point in our on-going plan to grow a world class creative agency and Virtual Production studio in Bristol. Both Jonathan Brigden and I are excited to welcome Rob to the team and draw on his unique expertise.”
Rob King’s move to Bristol further underscores the company’s commitment to investing in the city’s creative future. His appointment marks a pivotal moment as the company positions itself for sustained growth and global reach.
For further information or to arrange an interview with Rob King, please contact:
Tom Hall: [email protected] (07545980782)
Amy Hunter: [email protected] (0117 972 0081)
About Distortion Creative Group:
Distortion Creative Group is a leading creative agency based in Bristol, UK, offering a full range of services across live events, film, animation, and content production. Its flagship company, Studio Giggle, is known for its innovative approach to storytelling and creative production, with clients including Sky and British Airways. Distortion Studios is at the forefront of virtual production technology, delivering sustainable solutions for clients worldwide.
Bristol Creative Industries is delighted to be sponsoring Creative Day at Bristol Technology Festival 2024 alongside BCI members Aer Studios and MyWorld.
Now in its sixth year and organised by techSPARK, Bristol Technology Festival is the UK’s largest regional technology festival.
It celebrates the awesome people, innovation, community and thriving tech scene in the city. We are excited to be involved and representing Bristol’s brilliant creative industries.
Each day of the festival from 7-11 October is themed. Thursday 10 October is Creative Day.
Here the brilliant free events to attend on Creative Day:
SXSW UK is being hosted WHERE?
MyWorld, 9.30 – 11am
…we all know it should have been here, right? Join us as we unlock the untapped potential of creative tech in the region and realise what it takes to position ourselves as rightful global leaders.
Fuelled by barista coffee and brunch, this interactive workshop invites participants to collaborate with key community figures and industry bodies to define what creative technology means to our community and chart a path forward.
Panel: Setting the future vision of creative technology in the South West
Motion, 12.45 – 2pm
Join us for an engaging and interactive panel discussion that will dive into the future of creative technology in our region. Building on the insights from our morning workshop, our panel of industry experts will discuss the untapped potential of our sector and work together to define a shared vision for the future.
Meet the panel:
MyWorld Creative Tech Showcase
Motion, 2 – 5pm
Join us and immerse yourself as we explore emerging technology innovations and trends, such as AI, immersive, gaming, sound and how they are going to continue to transform creative industries. The event showcases the technology that has been researched and developed through MyWorld.
The Sheds studio tours
MyWorld, 9am – 5pm
Book a tour to look around MyWorld’s state of the art facilities at The Sheds and experience some of the innovative technical research being developed in the spaces.
Tom Harber, Bristol Creative Industries board director and Aer Studios managing director, said:
“We see our involvement in Bristol Technology Festival as a meaningful step towards driving deeper collaboration with the tech sector and a stronger relationship with key organisation including techSPARK and MyWorld.
“Creative Day at Bristol Technology Festival provides a platform for Bristol Creative Industries to discuss the creative industries’ role in driving innovation in the region and will bring valuable insight for our members, as well as opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.”
If you’re new to Bristol Creative Industries, here’s a bit about us.
Founded in 2005 as Bristol Media, we’re a community interest company that supports the creative sector to learn, grow and connect.
Driven by the common belief that we can do more collectively that alone, we’re about prosperity for creative businesses and that means attracting new talent and new customers.
In Bristol and across the region we:
We are supporting Bristol Technology Festival to foster greater collaboration across the sectors and create opportunities for insight and connections for our members.
To maximise the benefits of tthe Bristol Creative Industries network, support our work and help the region’s creative sector thrive, you can join as a member.
Look out for representatives of Bristol Creative Industries at Bristol Technology Festival events.
If you are looking to recruit a live events tech, Weston College can help businesses access fully funded* apprenticeship training for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
There is still a post pandemic impact on the sector, resulting in disruptions to staffing, increased costs, and significant supply chain delays. As the industry strives to recover, this new apprenticeship provides a timely solution by developing a new generation of talented technicians capable of supporting the growing demand for live events across the UK and beyond.
The exciting Live Event Technician Apprenticeship program, designed to address the critical shortage of skilled professionals in the live events industry begins starts in November so dont miss out!
Live Event Technicians work in a wide range of settings, including concerts, festivals, theatrical productions, exhibitions, and conferences. Their core responsibility is to prepare, build, set up, and operate industry-standard equipment to deliver seamless live performances. In this dynamic role, technicians interact with a variety of professionals, including venue staff, production managers, designers, performers, and producers..
The Live Event Technician Apprenticeship offers a structured pathway for both new entrants and existing employees to gain the necessary technical skills and practical experience. Employers can use this program to recruit new talent or upskill current staff, ensuring that they are equipped to meet the high standards required for live event production.
For those looking to secure the future of their business and contribute to the growth of the live events sector, this apprenticeship is an ideal solution. To find out more, contact [email protected]
*For 16-21-year-olds and up to 25 if a young person has an Education Health Care Plan.
As the end of Drupal 7 support looms, it’s crucial for businesses to take action and migrate to Drupal 10. Staying on Drupal 7 puts your site at risk of security vulnerabilities, performance issues, and could even damage user experience (and your reputation).
Stay tuned to learn the essential steps to assess and optimise your current Drupal 7 site, establish a robust Drupal 10 environment, and ensure a seamless migration. By following this guide, you’ll not only protect your digital presence but also position your business for future growth and innovation.
Secure a comprehensive backup
Protect your existing Drupal 7 site by securing a full backup. This safety net covers both your database and files, ensuring you’re prepared for a smooth transition.
Content and module audit
This is your chance to streamline your site. Identify the content and modules that drive your business. We’ll help you eliminate outdated or redundant elements, clearing the way for a leaner, more efficient site.
Update for stability
Ensure your Drupal 7 site is fully updated to the latest version. This step not only lays a stable foundation for migration but also presents an opportunity to patch any vulnerabilities and optimise performance before the big move.
Choose the right hosting
Select a hosting environment tailored to support Drupal 10’s advanced capabilities. This stage allows you to reassess your hosting needs and choose a platform that can scale with your business, ensuring long-term reliability and speed.
Deploy Drupal 10
Our team will handle the installation of Drupal 10, setting the stage for your site’s evolution. This is your opportunity to start fresh with the latest technology, ensuring your site is equipped to handle future growth and innovation.
Initial setup and configuration
We’ll configure your site’s basic settings, aligning it with your brand’s unique identity. This is the moment to revisit your site’s core settings and make improvements that reflect your current business objectives and user needs.
Activate migrate modules
Leverage the power of Drupal 10’s Migrate modules. Our experts will ensure they’re installed and ready to work their magic. This phase is an opportunity to refine the way your data is organised, improving site efficiency and data integrity.
Seamless content migration
We’ll meticulously migrate your content – from nodes to users, and beyond – ensuring your data arrives intact and ready to drive engagement. It’s the perfect time to clean up your content, ensuring only relevant and high-quality information makes the move.
Configuration migration
Transfer your site’s configurations with precision. Whether it’s content types or views, we ensure your site’s core functions are not just preserved but optimised for better performance and user experience in Drupal 10.
Custom module rebuild
Rebuilding custom modules in Drupal 10 isn’t just a task – it’s an opportunity to innovate. We’ll ensure your modules are not just replicated but enhanced for improved functionality, security, and speed.
Theme overhaul
Elevate your brand’s digital presence with a redesigned theme that’s fully compatible with Drupal 10’s cutting-edge standards. This is your chance to modernise your site’s look and feel, ensuring it reflects your brand’s evolution and appeals to your target audience.
Feature testing
We rigorously test all features to guarantee that your site performs flawlessly. This stage is crucial for identifying areas where user experience can be improved, leading to higher engagement and satisfaction.
Comprehensive testing and debugging
Before going live, we conduct extensive testing across all platforms. Our commitment is to iron out any issues, ensuring a smooth launch. This is the final opportunity to fine-tune your site, making sure it’s in peak condition for launch.
Content accuracy review
We perform a detailed review of your migrated content, ensuring everything is aligned with your business objectives and looks impeccable. Use this stage to ensure your content strategy is up-to-date and resonates with your audience.
Go live and thrive
Once we’ve ticked all the boxes, we’ll seamlessly transition your site to Drupal 10. This launch is more than just a migration; it’s an opportunity to reintroduce your brand to the market with a stronger, more powerful digital presence.
Sticking with Drupal 7 now that support has ended is a risk your business can’t afford. Without security updates, your site becomes vulnerable to attacks, risking data breaches and downtime. The lack of updates also means your site will fall behind in performance, leading to poor user experience and potential loss of business opportunities.
The clock is ticking – don’t wait until it’s too late. Migrating to Drupal 10 isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a critical step in future-proofing your digital presence. With Drupal 7 reaching the end of its life, now is the time to act.
Ready to make the move? Let’s talk.
Book a free consultation with our Technology Director, Steve King, and Marketing and Business Development Director, Sophie Harris. Together, we’ll map out the perfect migration strategy for your business, ensuring a smooth transition that positions you ahead of the competition.
To schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a more secure, high-performing website contact us today.
You may not have heard: Drupal 7 reaches end of life in January…
Just kidding. Of COURSE you have. It’s been the talk of the digital town for a while now. Not to mention the source of quite a few headaches as businesses scramble to work out what the next move is.
What it comes down to is this: if your current site runs on Drupal 7, you need to choose a new content management system (CMS). And preferably sooner rather than later.
‘Why the urgency?’ we hear you cry. Because when security and software updates stop, your site will be at increased danger of security breaches. And you’ll find the performance of your website becoming increasingly compromised. Staying on the old platform is a case of diminishing returns and increasing risks.
Surely an upgrade to the latest Drupal version makes the most sense? After all, it’s done you proud so far. And you’re familiar with it. Well yes, there are plenty of reasons that make it a great option.
But it’s not a total no-brainer. Let’s delve into why.
You might imagine that a move to the latest version of Drupal would simplify the migration process. If it’s the same provider then won’t it be easier to just take your existing content and place it in the new system?
Not quite. Given all the new features and functionalities that have been added between version 7 and the latest iterations, it is still a major undertaking.
But migration has the potential to be a lengthy process whichever platform you choose. So it’s important to make your decision carefully.
We’re glad you asked! This does depend on the size of your website and the number of assets to be transferred. But let’s break down the steps you’ll need to take to get your new website up and running:
1. Partner with an experienced web-migration expert who can help streamline the process, suggest new features and test it all before the final launch.
2. Audit your existing website and make a note of all your pages, site functionalities and content, including page URLs.
3. Create a new site and design a repeatable migration process to transfer all the content over from your existing site.
4. Carry out multiple tests to ensure your new site will run smoothly after launch, replacing the test content with the final content when you are happy.
5. Prepare to launch – set up the new site and switch your web address to the new version. Make sure all your webform submissions are safely migrated and you’re good to go.
That might sound daunting, but not only will migration future-proof your site it also offers some exciting possibilities.
Chances are, you’ll have experienced a few issues with your old site. Choosing your new CMS is a great chance to iron some of these out. Plus add additional capabilities so you can showcase what you do in a more effective/dynamic way.
And it might be that Webflow gives you more flexibility.
Once you’ve conducted your website audit (see step 1 above), you and your chosen migration partner will have a much clearer understanding of your new requirements. And, depending on what you need, Webflow might offer the best performance.
Webflow represents something of a one-stop shop: its low code/no code approach means you don’t need a development team (or front-end and back-end developers) to create your website, and you don’t need painstakingly built plugins or modules.
Each software element is designed specifically to run on the platform. And you can choose from a vast array of third-party integrations. All of which makes your website simpler and faster to build. And adds up to faster page loads as there are no external layers to run.
The Webflow application will also save you time by managing the maintenance of your site and all your integrations, take care of CDM delivery and ensure the website stays live.
Even better, any future changes can be made by one designer and developed on the platform at the same time.
Webflow sees itself as a ‘visual-first’ platform which puts fewer boundaries in the way of your imagination.
Code-based websites require multiple steps to build as each iteration or change bounces back between design and development teams.
Webflow allows a designer to build out your site as they go. And with millions of third-party integration options available, it’s easy to find what you need to make your ideas come alive.
You might be concerned that the low code/no code approach means your site will face limitations. That’s simply not the case. Webflow allows you to address global audiences with native localisation, which is excellent for boosting your SEO and allows you to build strong domain authority with each localisation sitting under a single URL.
We know that’s a lot to take in. If you’d like help making your decision, talk to our experts today.
BIMA star James Hobbs appointed Head of Tech at Aer Studios
Aer Studios, a leading creative technology studio in the South West, is thrilled to announce the appointment of James Hobbs as Head of Technology. Hobbs, who brings a wealth of experience from his time at Dyson and Great State, joins at a time when Aer Studios also announces a new trio of practice leads, including Max Waring (Front End), Jon Chard (Back End), and Aaron Bushell (DevOps).
Hobbs’ appointment comes shortly after the addition of Lucy Rees, Head of People and Culture, further strengthening Aer Studios’ leadership team. These strategic hires mark a significant step in Aer Studios’ growth, as well as its commitment to excellence and innovation in the creative technology sector. Last year it secured a coveted place on the BBC Digital Design Roster.
Notable career achievements for Hobbs include a six-year period at Dyson, where he successfully led the global digital technical team from its inception to over twenty members. At Great State, Hobbs was instrumental in driving the company’s technology strategy, leading an engineering team delivering multi-award-winning work.
In addition to his impressive career achievements, Hobbs has been recognised in the prestigious BIMA 100 for Sustainability, underlining his commitment to sustainable practices. This aligns perfectly with Aer Studios’ 2024 BCorp certification and its ongoing efforts to prioritise sustainability in all aspects of its operations. Aer Studios won its own prestigious BIMA Award in the Innovative App category in October 2023.
“James’ appointment comes at a time when Aer Studios is gearing up for growth,” said Tom Harber Managing Director at Aer Studios. “His experience and values fit perfectly with our ambitions. With James on board, we’re excited to amplify our efforts and lead the charge in transforming the tech industry into a beacon of sustainability for the future.”
“I’m delighted to have joined Aer Studios,” said James. “It was immediately clear from my initial conversations with Lucy and Tom that Aer Studios have a deep focus on people and planet, both of which are really important to me, alongside delivering outstanding work for clients.”
Hobbs’ arrival at Aer Studios is set to propel the company towards new heights, enhancing its technical capabilities and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable practices. With a cross-capability leadership team in place, Aer Studios is well-positioned to lead the industry in creative and sustainable technology solutions.
About Aer Studios
Aer Studios is an award-winning creative technology studio based in the South West of England. Its mission is to create meaningful digital experiences that have a positive impact on people & planet. Partnering with leading brands in the public and private sectors, its clients include Warner Media, Cartoon Network, BBC, Dogs Trust, Diabetes UK, CNN, History Royal Palaces and GOV.UK. With a particular focus on employee experience, Aer Studios ranked in the top 100 best workplaces and best workplaces for wellbeing by the Great Place to Work awards.
www.aerstudios.co.uk
Not-for-profit organisation Tech4Good South West has launched a brand-new recognition showcase which will spotlight individuals and teams making a positive social impact across the region.
This initiative will celebrate organisations and individuals who are utilising digital technology as a force for good in the world. Champions will be selected based on Tech4Good South West’s guiding principles which include commitment to protect the planet, ensuring accessibility for all, and empowering innovation.
Anyone can get involved and nominate by submitting an online application on behalf of their chosen champion. The first round of the initiative is now open to nominations and the champions will be selected by guest judges. These champion nominations will roll throughout the year, bringing together community stories as part of a Champions Showcase. Tech4Good South West Champions will be announced and celebrated at our events, and annual reports.
The Tech4Good South West community has grown following its relaunch earlier this year. The organisation aims to build a regional ecosystem, fostering partnerships and opportunities for knowledge sharing, amplifying the impact of tech for good initiatives across the region.
The organisation plays a key role in supporting projects across the South West. One notable project and champion example is the Digital Divide Collective, incubated by Tech4Good South West. This project focuses on addressing digital inclusion in Bath & North East Somerset. The Digital Divide Collective is committed to tackling disparities in technology access, usage, and outcomes, ensuring that technology is accessible for all. Working alongside Tech4Good South West, the collective aims to identify barriers, map needs, and initiate key actions or projects.
Since its launch, the Digital Divide Collective has collaborated with local charities, national organisations, and industry partners to identify and amplify key initiatives that bridge the divide.
Commenting on the champions initiative Tech4Good South West Co-Founder Annie Legge said: “Technology has the potential to offer so many people wide-ranging opportunities. It can break down barriers to accessibility and address the digital divide that society is facing. A core pillar of the Tech4Good community is recognising tech for good achievements across the region. It’s essential that we celebrate the change-makers in the South West and acknowledge the potential positive impact they are having.
“The champions’ showcase provides an opportunity for community members to nominate individuals believed to be doing exceptional work, demonstrating dedication to tech innovations and access for all. The judging team looks forward to learning more about the amazing work delivered across the South West and announcing the region’s champions at the upcoming showcase event.”
To submit a request to nominate please complete a form via the Tech4Good South West website here.
Neighbourly, the giving platform which connects businesses with local charities and community groups across the UK and Ireland, has teamed up with Microsoft to launch a campaign to bring together corporate volunteers with the charitable sector, with the aim of helping to reduce admin burden and address the growing digital divide.
Through the DigitalBridge campaign, launching this month, charities and community groups in Neighbourly’s network, from youth charities to food banks, will be able to access support through Neighbourly’s corporate network, with volunteers from around twenty businesses including Virgin Media O2, Hays, Overbury and Morgan Lovell, Motability and Redcliffe & Temple BID helping charities with a range of digital challenges as well as facilitating access to AI resources to help them expedite administrative, strategic and creative tasks.
The campaign comes as research shows that spending less time on administrative tasks is a growing need for charities and that two thirds of charities are interested in making the best use of emerging tech such as AI and ChatGPT. In Neighbourly’s most recent community research, 64% said they don’t know where to start with Gen AI or haven’t spent any time on it. In 2023 the Communications and Digital Committee also highlighted high levels of digital exclusion amongst citizens, with the rapid shift towards online services deepening disadvantage for those who remain offline.
Microsoft is supporting the programme through the provision of online training resources developed specifically to help build knowledge and access learning pathways so that charity employees can use technology to drive greater impact. Employees from businesses in the Neighbourly community will utilise and signpost these resources as part of their volunteering activities, to help build confidence and skills in key areas. Charity staff and volunteers will also be able to take learnings to provide practical support and digital skills to beneficiaries.
Volunteer opportunities will run throughout June and into the summer, tying in with and celebrating other major volunteering calendar moments such as The Big Help Out (7-9 June).
Neighbourly has been working with Microsoft since 2023 as part of its Entrepreneurship for Positive Impact (EfPI) programme which supports tech businesses and entrepreneurs that are addressing urgent social challenges.
Charles Eales, UK Social Impact Lead, Microsoft Philanthropies, said:
“We’re excited to be working with Neighbourly on this important campaign aimed at bridging the digital divide and empowering charities with essential digital skills. At Microsoft, we believe in the power of technology to drive positive change, and through initiatives like this, we can be really targeted and help make a meaningful impact in communities where the need is greatest.”
Bev Sykes, Founder, Just Good Friends, said:
“Our small charity would be really interested in learning more about AI and chat tools. We know we need to get more digital skills to take us further – we’re struggling to move forward in certain areas because of our lack of knowledge. I’ve done some initial reading about AI and it sounds interesting but I need some help understanding how it can be best applied.”
Steve Butterworth, CEO, Neighbourly, said:
“As a platform dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between businesses and local charities, we’re proud to collaborate with Microsoft and our valued client partners on this innovative volunteering initiative, through which we hope to reach at least 1,000 charity employees. By harnessing the power of corporate volunteers and technology, we aim to empower charities to navigate the digital landscape more effectively, ultimately driving greater impact and inclusivity within communities.”
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