HSBC UK’s Head of Technology Sector has encouraged York businesses to adapt to thrive in the climate of ‘functional disruptive change’ represented by the rapid development of AI.
In his keynote address to over 60 businesses at the first York Tech Forum on 13 February, Roland Emmans from HSBC UK explored the fast-moving tech landscape and underlined the importance for businesses of all shapes and sizes of keeping pace with rapid technological change.
Roland Emmans said:
AI has vast potential to help businesses solve challenges and serve their customers better. The pace of change is increasing day by day, we need to embrace this change, its impact on technology, our teams and consumer demands.
“A combination of great technology and great people is key – leveraging complementary strengths like AI’s processing power alongside expert human judgement.”
The event, held at City of York Council’s West Offices headquarters on Thursday 13 February, began with a welcome from Cllr Pete Kilbane, the council’s portfolio holder for Economy and Culture, who reflected on how York’s tech sector has thrived in recent years.
Cllr Kilbane highlighted major local developments, from the Institute for Safe Autonomy, a £45 million purpose-built facility which launched at the University of York in 2023, to the 6G Lab of the North, which works with the next generation of innovative telecommunications systems.
Attendees also heard from Doug Winters, Founder and CTO of Isotoma Ltd, a York-based software development agency. Doug shared challenges and lessons from his business’ 20 year-journey, advising businesses that AI technologies, while useful for businesses, need to be used according to the situation, and are not a ‘silver bullet’ Doug also shared tips on the value of continuous planning throughout a project.
Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Economy and Culture at City of York Council, said:
We have big ambitions for York as a vibrant tech hub. Tech sector investment will bring well-paid jobs and marked economic benefits.
“To truly embrace the benefits of rapid technological change, we need to help businesses in all sectors, from retail to rail, adapt to using technology to become more efficient, innovative, resilient and sustainable. This event is part of a series which includes our upcoming AI skills training for retail and hospitality businesses, delivered by our partners at the Coders Guild, and the Reignite events which have bolstered York’s status as a UNESCO City of Media Arts.
“I’d like to thank all of our speakers and everyone who joined us for this inspiring and thought-provoking session. To find out more about how we can support businesses to grow and adapt to technological change, start a conversation with our Business Growth Managers at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk.”
This event was funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.