Growth and future proofing your business is the theme for this year’s Talking Tech event on 16 September. We caught up with one of the speakers at the event, James Duez CEO for Rainbird to start the co.nversation about how businesses can use AI.

 Tell us who you are, what you do and something people may not know about you!

I’m James Duez, Co-founder and CEO of Rainbird. I am a “recovering” engineer (you are never truly cured). Rainbird is the fifth business I have co-founded. Something people may not know about me? Eh, as a child I spent time in Angola during the civil war.

You will be talking about why it is important that businesses are awake to AI at the Talking Tech event – can you give us a quick summary of why it is important for businesses to embrace this?

AI and intelligent automation technologies are changing the nature of work. At Talking Tech I will be discussing why ‘automation’ is unstoppable, why this should be viewed as a positive opportunity and how you can get involved. All business owners should be data-led, but also aware that bias and noise are big factors that are impacting the way businesses decisions are made.

When it comes to tech to help facilitate sales and growth, what is one way that businesses can implement this in their business right now?

One pattern of project we have observed is to create a simple consultative tool for your website that calls your customers to action and enables them to share information about their challenges. The tool “consults” with them and creates tailored advice which amplifies why your business is “right for you”. The customer gets immediate value and validation, and you get to understand the customer’s problem.

Can you give us some hints as to what other takeaways businesses will get from your talk at the event (without giving too much away!)?

AI is a broad church. I can demystify the space and help people separate what is fact from fiction, what is interesting from what is useful. I will focus on what can be applied – to help them recognize familiar project blueprints. I will provide tips on how to be successful when diving into this space, without getting lost or “losing their shirt”.

James Duez will be part of the Interactive Speaker Co.nversation Panel at Talking Tech 2021, on Thursday 16 September, 9am-2pm at The Space in Norwich. For more information and tickets visit: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/talkingtech21