Overview

AI is quickly becoming part of everyday business, but many SMEs are using it informally, without clear guidance, review processes or risk controls. This practical workshop helps owner-managers understand how to move from casual AI use to more confident, controlled adoption. The focus is on using AI in a way that supports productivity, protects the business and keeps human judgement firmly in the process.

Programme Content

Participants will explore the practical use of tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini and Claude across common business tasks. The session will cover key AI risks including data protection, bias, hallucinations, over-reliance and weak review processes. It will also introduce the EU AI Act in simple terms, with a focus on AI literacy, responsible use, human oversight, basic AI governance, AI use policies and tool registers. Participants will complete practical exercises and apply the P.R.O.M.P.T.S framework to improve the quality, safety and usefulness of AI outputs.

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand where AI can create value in everyday SME operations
• Recognise common AI risks, including data exposure, bias, hallucinations and weak review
• Choose suitable AI tools and know when not to use AI
• Understand the EU AI Act risk-based approach and what it means for SMEs
• Distinguish between low-risk, limited-risk and potentially high-risk AI use
• Apply simple governance steps such as an AI use policy, tool register and human oversight
• Use the P.R.O.M.P.T.S framework to create clearer, safer and more effective prompts
• Complete a practical AI use risk assessment and identify next steps for their own business

Programme Content

• The AI status quo and why AI is becoming a business standard
• What LLMs are and how to choose the right AI model or tool
• AI strengths, limitations, hallucinations, bias and AI WEIRD thinking
• Data protection, confidentiality and responsible staff use
• AI governance and the EU AI Act risk levels
• Low-risk, limited-risk and high-risk AI use in everyday SME tasks
• AI literacy, human oversight, AI use policies and tool registers
• The P.R.O.M.P.T.S framework for disciplined prompting
• Practical risk assessment exercises and real SME scenarios
• Creating a simple AI adoption plan and next steps

Audience

This workshop is suitable for SME owners, owner-managers, senior managers, team leaders and business advisors who are either already using AI tools or considering how to introduce them safely into their business. It is particularly relevant for those responsible for operations, HR, marketing, administration, customer service, compliance or business growth, and for anyone who needs a clearer understanding of practical AI use, risk, governance and EU AI Act readiness. No technical background is required.