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 durable operating model upgrades.

We cover:

• Why 2026 is the inflection point for AI adoption across every sector
• The real reason AI has shifted from novelty to mission‑critical business infrastructure
• The truth about AGI, the “singularity,” and what these terms actually mean for organisations
• How roles in finance, marketing, sales, software engineering and operations will be reshaped
• The risks leaders can’t ignore, from shadow AI to hallucinations to governance gaps
• The three actions every business leader should take in the next 90 days to stay competitive

Chapters:

0:00: Setting The Stakes: Disruption

1:04: Why AI Became Mainstream

4:42: Adoption Strategy And Culture

6:10: First-Mover Advantage Vs No-Mover Risk

7:24: AGI Hype And Practical Benchmarks

10:52: Business Benchmarks Over Processes

12:35: Jobs, Tasks, And Role Shifts

14:45: Mindset: Curiosity And Upskilling

16:34: Risks, Shadow AI, Governance

19:50: Ninety-Day Action Plan

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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, governed tools
• Shifting from tasks to outcome-oriented orchestration
• Agents as digital colleagues with identity, policy, and skills
• Scaling benefits: cost, consistency, and 24/7 coverage
• First steps for SMBs using Microsoft Copilot and policy controls
• Lower barriers to proof-of-value and rapid prototyping
• Governance, compliance, and model provenance
• Data maturity aligned to decisions and outcomes
• Measuring ROI with partial automation and human oversight

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For more information about BCN, visit bcn.co.uk

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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 and forecasting
• Success story transforming a fish supply chain with live data
• Proving ROI through small pilots and scaling wins
• What Cutwel changed to trust data and act faster
• How to appoint a data champion and set governance
• Quick wins with Power BI and dark data insight
• Roadmap from reporting automation to cultural adoption
• KPIs to measure impact like COGS, OTIF, turnover, forecast accuracy
• Linking forecasts with supplier lead times for fewer stockouts
• Using Microsoft funding and keeping security front and centre

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For more information about BCN, visit bcn.co.uk

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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 process, then use technology to scale it.

Emma Portlock leads a conversation with Andy from productivity solutions and Fareeya, a senior ERP consultant, plus seasoned CIO advisor Mark Mitchelson. Together, we examine the hidden costs of inefficiency, duplicate data entry, long approvals, aging stock, and overnight integrations that slow the business. You’ll hear real examples: turning a 12-step manual order routine into a 5-step ERP flow, digitising stock counts with barcode capture, and phasing a legacy system off into modern Business Central. Mark breaks down demand forecasting across long lead times and complex variants, while Andy shows where quick wins live, staffing automations, certificate tracking, and mapping warehouse zones into the system for accurate movements.

We also talk data without the buzzwords. AI only delivers when the data is curated, connected, and current. That means consolidating files, standardising fields, and surfacing real-time signals so forecasting, seasonality insights, and exception alerts can be trusted. The roadmap we share is practical and phased: discover how work truly happens, pilot a high-impact fix, measure ROI, and scale in steps across orders, inventory, and warehouse workflows. The result is fewer fire drills, faster fulfilment, and operations that can flex with demand.

Ready to reduce hidden costs and increase control? Listen now, subscribe for more practical deep dives, and share your biggest bottleneck so we can tackle it on a future episode. Visit BCN.co.uk for more information about how we help Wholesalers with their digital transformation.

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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 capabilities and address misconceptions
• Identifying the right business use cases for AI implementation, including individual productivity tools versus process-focused solutions
• Conducting thorough data discovery and security audits before implementing AI tools
• Building appropriate governance frameworks and AI councils to monitor and control AI use
• Creating supportive communities and identifying champions to drive successful adoption
• Using Microsoft Viva Insights to measure productivity gains and demonstrate ROI
• Recognising that AI adoption is a continuous journey requiring ongoing support and education

Visit our website at bcn.co.uk to learn more about how we can help your business begin or improve your AI adoption journey.

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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 how Microsoft has strategically repositioned Copilot from a standalone chat tool to the central hub of the Microsoft 365 experience. This shift mirrors their earlier Microsoft Teams strategy, creating a unified interface where AI becomes the primary gateway to all productivity applications. Users can now generate documents, presentations, and insights without switching between applications, fundamentally changing workflow patterns across organisations.

Most striking are the real-world productivity gains businesses are experiencing. Rather than incremental improvements, organisations are seeing multiplicative efficiency boosts of 300-400% for specific tasks. But this isn't about replacing humans it's about enhancement. Employees report having more time for high-value work, reduced stress levels, and unexpected skill development, with non-technical staff gaining coding literacy through natural language interactions with AI assistants.

Looking ahead, our experts predict the emergence of more specialised AI agents working in unison, creating an orchestrated ecosystem of purpose-built assistants. The next frontier may involve a shift from reactive to proactive AI systems that anticipate needs rather than just responding to prompts, essentially moving from "co-pilot" to "autopilot" in certain scenarios.

For business leaders, the message is clear: the AI and automation revolution isn't optional. Organisations need to start their adoption journey now while implementing proper governance, maintaining transparency about AI use, and ensuring human oversight.

Visit bcn.co.uk for more information on our products and services and how we can help your business adopt these new technologies.

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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 shadow IT without blocking productivity
• Options for SMBs via Microsoft 365 Business Premium and enterprise upgrades
• Microsoft Funding and workshops to map your data estate

Whether you're focused on compliance, governance, or AI readiness, this episode offers practical guidance to protect what matters most. Learn more at bcn.co.uk.

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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 reveal why simply blocking AI tools isn't a viable solution and how businesses can instead establish effective guardrails that protect sensitive data while still enabling productivity. Through real-world examples—including one shocking case where an employee searching for their payslip accidentally discovered everyone's annual bonuses—they illustrate why proper data governance must be the foundation of any AI strategy.

The conversation explores Microsoft's approach to supporting businesses through this transition, highlighting how tools like the free Copilot Chat can provide immediate productivity benefits with enterprise-grade security. Listeners will gain practical insights into conducting AI readiness assessments, identifying high-value use cases across departments, and implementing governance frameworks that balance innovation with protection. Particularly valuable is the discussion around Microsoft Purview's capabilities for tracking unauthorised AI use and managing internal data risks—a crucial consideration that many organisations overlook in their AI planning.

Whether your business has already embraced AI or is just beginning this journey, this episode delivers essential guidance on keeping your company data secure without sacrificing the competitive advantages that AI offers

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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 companies. Unlike basic accounting software, SAGE 200 offers a comprehensive ERP solution that brings financial and commercial operations into one powerful, secure platform built on Microsoft SQL infrastructure. The modular design allows businesses to start with essential financial components and progressively add capabilities—from manufacturing and CRM to project accounting and advanced reporting—as their needs evolve.

What truly sets this solution apart is its remarkable flexibility. Whether you prefer on-premise deployment, cloud hosting, or a hybrid approach, SAGE 200 adapts to your strategic IT direction rather than forcing your business to conform to software limitations. When implemented through BCN's client-first methodology, companies benefit from a partner that understands real-world business challenges and configures solutions to address industry-specific requirements. Their team's approach goes beyond installation, encompassing thorough discovery, strategic configuration, data migration, comprehensive training, and ongoing support.

Technology constantly evolves, and staying current provides a competitive advantage. Ready to transform how your business handles finance and operations? Listen to the full episode to learn more.

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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 anxiety about potential implementation failures
• Business Central stands out due to its seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, creating immediate familiarity for users
• Remote accessibility, real-time data processing, and automated workflows deliver tangible day-to-day benefits for users
• BCN's unique approach blends technical expertise with practical business experience from consultants who've worked in finance, warehousing, and manufacturing
• The future of ERP involves intelligent systems that transform data into actionable insights through embedded AI capabilities
• Clean, structured data is the foundation for successful AI implementation within ERP systems

If you've enjoyed today's podcast, like and subscribe so you don't miss out on the next episode. All of our podcasts are available to listen on demand at our website, bcncouk.

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