London Tech Week 2025: Spotlight on the U.K.'s AI Revolution: By Neil O'Connor
I had the opportunity to attend London Tech Week this week, and it offered a front-row seat to the rapid evolution of technology and its growing influence across every sector. AI dominated the conversation, and the three-day event made one thing clear: AI is no longer just a tech trend—it's a national priority.
The Prime Minister unveiled a series of policy announcements, including a £2 billion investment programme in AI and the launch of a new AI tool to modernise the planning system. Meanwhile, the Financial Conduct Authority revealed it is using NVIDIA technology to power its Supercharged Sandbox - enabling safe, secure experimentation with AI in the financial sector.
So, what does this mean for business?
This is the year to move from curiosity to capability. AI must be embedded into strategy, operations, and customer experience with purpose and responsibility. Here's how organisations can start:
Prioritise Data Quality: AI's power lies in its ability to process and unify vast amounts of information to generate meaningful insights. But its effectiveness depends entirely on the quality of the data it's trained on. Models need relevant, complete, and clean data to deliver reliable outcomes. This was a key theme in the panel I joined at the event—highlighting that strong data foundations are non-negotiable. Build AI Literacy Across the Business: As AI becomes more embedded in daily operations, it's essential that both employees and customers understand its capabilities. The government's £187 million 'TechFirst' programme, announced during the week, aims to boost digital and AI skills in classrooms and communities. Businesses must complement this by offering internal training, external learning opportunities, and hands-on experience to build confidence and competence across teams. Encourage Innovation—Responsibly: Creating space for experimentation is vital to unlocking AI's potential. When employees are given the space to test new ideas and explore AI-driven solutions, it can lead to breakthrough solutions and stronger engagement. This must be balanced with clear governance though. Establishing ethical guidelines, safety protocols, and transparent policies ensures that innovation happens responsibly.
With the UK now ranked as the third-largest AI market globally and home to more than 3,000 AI companies, the momentum is undeniable. At Experian, we're seeing this shift in real time—from developing tools that help businesses unlock insights through automation, to exploring GenAI solutions that provide consumers with real-time financial guidance. The integration of AI, when combined with trusted data and insight, is becoming the foundation to how value is created and delivered.
AI capabilities will also continue to evolve at pace, so it's crucial for businesses to stay informed and adapt. Ultimately, those who can balance ambition with responsibility will lead the next wave of innovation.
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