AI for Business with BCN

AI is advancing at an extraordinary pace and for most businesses the challenge is no longer access to the technology, it’s knowing how to apply it. In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Rotherham (CTO at BCN)  to explore the latest news and developments in AI and why the focus is shifting from model capabilities to business execution. We discuss the race between frontier AI labs, the short-lived r...

Robots are getting real, and the business impact is closer than most people want to admit. We pick up the thread on robotics and autonomy and ask what it means when “work” shifts from humans doing tasks to humans directing systems that do them for us. Along the way, we talk about why the first wave won’t be humanoids in your office, but focused, high-value robotics like self-driving vehicles, ware...

Billions are flowing into AI, models are getting smarter, and the price of access keeps dropping, but the hardest part for most leaders is deciding what to trust and how to stay secure while everything speeds up. We sit down with Mark Rutherham (CTO at BCN) and Matt Lovell (CEO of CloudGuard) to unpack what the latest AI headlines mean for real business strategy, especially for UK organizations na...

Headlines are loud, decisions are quiet. We walk through the breakthroughs that matter to leaders, agent teams, bigger context windows, and permissionless tools, while Mark brings a CTO’s lens to “knowledge work is cooked” and Rowan shows how to scale marketing without losing voice, trust, or brand integrity. We cover: Agent Teams, Bigger Context Windows & Permissionless Tools Separating Hype...

The ground is shifting under every screen-based job. We dig into why embracing AI is now a necessity and how leaders can turn that momentum into real gains in margin, speed, quality, and customer experience.  In this episode, Mark Rotherham, CTO at BCN, helps us unpack what actually changed in the last 12 months, why 2026 looks like a major inflection point, and how to move beyond pilots toward du...

In this episode we look at why 2026 becomes the tipping point for AI in information work and how leaders can turn capability into measurable outcomes. We break down  AI agents , governance, data readiness, and practical first steps that prove value without risking your most critical assets. • Defining information workers and where disruption lands first • Closing the knowledge gap with safe, gover...

We share how wholesalers and distributors turn fragmented systems into real-time visibility, trusted forecasts, and measurable ROI. Cutwel’s story shows how better access and governance speed decisions, while cautionary tales highlight the cost of poor forecasting and blind spots. • The sprawl of ERP, spreadsheets, and cloud tools creating silos • Wholesale challenges around real-time visibility a...

Every missed pick, late shipment, or stockout tells a story, and it usually starts with a process that no longer fits the volume. We pull back the curtain on how wholesalers, distributors, and suppliers can replace spreadsheet sprawl and manual ordering with streamlined flows, real-time inventory visibility, and warehouse operations that actually keep promises. The throughline is simple: fix the p...

In this episode of the BCN Podcast, we explore the approaches businesses should take when implementing AI tools, focusing on education, security, and effective adoption strategies. Experts Fraser Dear and Johan Venables share insights on how to identify business cases, address data security concerns, and ensure successful AI integration. • Starting with education to help staff understand AI capabi...

Halfway through 2025, the AI revolution isn't slowing down it's accelerating in ways that are transforming how businesses operate. In this enlightening conversation, Peter Filitz sits down with Fraser Dear and Johan Venables to unpack the dramatic evolution of Microsoft's Copilot ecosystem and what it means for organisations navigating digital transformation. The discussion reveals...

With AI tools now used by 75% of SMBs and 80% of individuals, safeguarding sensitive business data is more critical than ever. In this episode, experts Reece Gohil and Johan Venables explore how Microsoft Purview enables secure, responsible AI adoption across your organisation. We cover: Real-world implementation tips, from licensing to security assessments How Purview addresses cloud sprawl and ...

AI is becoming embedded in everything we do. With 75% of businesses now using artificial intelligence and over 80% of people incorporating it into their everyday lives, organisations face unprecedented security challenges that require immediate attention. Reece Gohil and Johan Venables join the BCN podcast to navigate the complex landscape of unauthorised AI use in business environments. They reve...

Navigating the complex landscape of financial management and operational control is a challenge for any growing business. What if there was a way to scale your systems seamlessly alongside your expansion? In this engaging conversation, BCN's SAGE experts Eirini Katsampa, Darren Anguige, and Colin Leyland pull back the curtain on how SAGE 200 transforms business management for growing companie...

Modern business needs are driving organizations toward AI-empowered ERP systems like Business Central for better data visibility and smarter decision-making in real-time. • Organizations typically reach a tipping point when they experience inefficiencies, lack of data clarity, or risk from disconnected spreadsheets • Common hesitations include fear of business disruption, complexity concerns, and...

This week’s conversation focuses on the vital role of ERP solutions in the wholesale and distribution sector , emphasising how Business Central helps businesses stay competitive amid operational challenges. Through a comprehensive discussion with our experts, we explore the integration of AI that enhances efficiency and decision-making. • Overview of operational challenges facing the wholesale and...

Unlock the potential of your supply chain with data-driven insights. Our discussion explores the significance of data analytics in enhancing decision-making and meeting business goals. • Importance of data quality in driving business improvements  • Strategies for implementing effective data analytics  • Real-world success stories highlighting analytics benefits  If you're looking to elevate...

Following the latest episode of the BCN podcast, "Not all AI is Equal Part 1," where AI experts Fraser Dear, Head of AI and Data Innovation at BCN, and Andy James, AI and Power Platform expert delved into the nuances of AI, breaking down its various categories, the team takes it a step further in Part 2 as they explore Microsoft's AI ecosystem. Discover the key differences between t...

Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses operate, but with so many different types of AI, it's crucial to understand that not all AI is created equal. Knowing which type of AI to use and when can be challenging. In this episode, Fraser Dear, Head of AI and Data Innovation at BCN, and AI expert Andy James, dig into the nuances of AI, breaking down its various categories. They exp...

2024 was a pivotal year for artificial intelligence, and as 2025 unfolds, AI’s impact on businesses and daily life is accelerating. In this episode of the BCN podcast, Fraser Dear and Andy James explore the latest trends, demystify AI concepts, and discuss its transformative potential. From generative AI reshaping workflows to the rise of multimodal models enhancing versatility, AI is enabling cre...

In this episode of the BCN podcast, Oliver Chan is joined by Dr. John Bolton and Mark Graban to discuss how lean methodologies and control charts are transforming healthcare.  They dive into Mark Graban’s journey into healthcare improvement, unpack the challenges important challenges of patient safety and quality of care , and stress the critical role of measurement and leadership in driving meani...

In the latest episode of the podcast, Andy James joins host Pete Filitz to delve into the transformative role of AI in law firms . They kick off the discussion by exploring the current applications of AI, highlighting how it’s already streamlining tasks such as document review, legal research, and contract analysis. Andy emphasizes that AI is not about replacing lawyers but augmenting their capabi...

In the latest BCN podcast, Wayne Hardaker, an Azure sales specialist, explores opportunities for digital transformation for law firms through cloud adoption and AI integration. He highlights the shift from traditional on-premise systems to cloud solutions for better efficiency, security, and innovation. Wayne explains how AI, particularly Microsoft’s Copilot , enhances productivity by automating r...

In this episode, experts Emma Portlock and Matt Lovell join Peter Filitz to discuss the constantly evolving landscape of cyber security, particularly in light of Cybersecurity Month.  They address common myths about security, the advancements in Microsoft security services, and the importance of a multi-layered approach to cyber security.  The discussion also highlights the role of Security Operat...

Pete Filitz is joined by Steve Byrne and Mark Rotherham to discuss BCN's Full Stack development services.  BCN offers a wide range of services, including full stack development, low-cost solutions like Power BI and SharePoint development, and AI integration. Full stack development involves designing, creating, testing, and deploying entire applications using various technologies and tools. Pe...

Harry Busby and Andy James join Pete Filitz to talk through everything you need to know about BCN's AI kickstarters, which are designed to introduce businesses to AI services and provide practical use cases. The Kickstarters include Copilot Studio Chat, Copilot Power App, and AI Builder; which cover everything from chatbots, automation, and generative AI, providing businesses with a starting...