• Plain-English look at AI: what it really is, why it feels intimidating, and how small and micro businesses can start using it confidently.
• Hosted by Liz Barclay with guest Kirsty Ingleson of AI Meets Reality, who supports learners and small firms across education and industry.
• Reframes AI as familiar, everyday technology already in use (sat-nav rerouting, predictive text, cameras, recommendations).
• Explains the late-2022 shift with generative AI: mass adoption driven by free, easy access rather than brand-new technology.
• Focus on practical business value: saving time, not replacing people.
• Real examples from a small business: automating social media, supporting pricing decisions, modelling costs and margins, spotting market gaps.
• Core theme of confidence: fear comes from jargon and hype more than the tech itself.
• Shows how clear roles and prompts make AI more useful and focused.
• Challenges the idea that some sectors “can’t use AI”; benefits exist across industries with the right guidance.
• Emphasises the human role: AI works best when people are supported to use it well.

Who it’s for

• Small and micro-business owners, sole traders, freelancers and advisers who want practical reassurance rather than hype.

Up next

• Building confidence step by step: simple starting points and how to apply AI safely and effectively day to day.