A leading tech and AI expert has shared his advice on how businesses can best deliver AI-enabled growth.
James Disney May’s roadmap comes just days after OpenAI and the UK government signed a new strategic partnership in London.
The deal will formalise collaborative efforts to expand AI security research, explore infrastructure investment, and integrate AI into public services, building on OpenAI’s establishment of its first international office in the UK two years ago.
It is likely to open up new opportunities for UK businesses looking to use AI to turbocharge growth.
But according to expert James Disney May, who specialises in supporting businesses in this area, many are still unsure where to start.
He said: “Too many organisations rush into AI expecting a revolution and walk away with a proof of concept. There’s a clear gap between adopting AI and making it deliver results. The businesses that succeed are the ones that start by asking a simple question: what specific problem are we trying to solve?”
“Analysts estimate that AI could contribute over £200 billion to the UK economy by the mid-2030s. The sooner you move from planning to action, the better positioned you’ll be to claim your share of that growth.”
James’ comments come as companies across the UK continue to invest and experiment, and, crucially, are starting to see returns from integrating AI into their businesses. According to a report by Lloyds, 82% of firms using AI report increased productivity, and 76% are seeing improved profitability. The latest figures also show that nearly 70% of businesses are actively using or exploring AI. Yet for all this enthusiasm, results remain uneven. Some leaders are turning investment into real growth. Others are stuck in a cycle of pilots and presentations that never quite convert to performance.
Here James shares his thoughts on how business can leverage AI to stay competitive in the changing business landscape:
- Choose Use Cases That Solve Real Problems
“If you’re putting AI on your roadmap just to keep up appearances, it will not deliver value. The most effective projects start with one measurable, real-world problem: reducing delivery delays, improving forecasting, or addressing inconsistent customer service. Start there and build momentum.”
“Disney May highlights recent findings from Moneypenny showing that 40% of UK firms achieving strong results are those applying AI selectively and strategically.”
- Prioritise People Over Platforms
“AI is not a systems issue; it is fundamentally about trust,” he said. “Employees do not need to become coders, but they should feel confident about what AI means for their roles. Generic workshops are not enough. Walk teams through practical examples relevant to day-to-day work and invite their input.”
“While 63% of UK companies are investing in AI upskilling, many still rely on one-size-fits-all training that leaves staff disengaged.”
- Build a Strong Data Foundation
“It is a universal truth that no model is better than the data it is working with. There are several examples where AI implementation has crumbled because of poor quality or faulty data input.”
“As an SME, you don’t need to build vast systems, but you do need to maintain records that are clean and reliable. Investing in governance, structure, and data hygiene is a great place to initiate AI deployment.”
- Put Ethics and Governance Front and Centre
“If your board does not understand your AI strategy, that is a problem. If your customers cannot understand how a decision was made, that is a bigger one,” said Disney May.
Research by the Institute of Directors shows over half of UK firms lack board-level AI expertise, creating risk.
“Ask yourself: can we explain what our AI is doing, why it is doing it, and challenge it if necessary? If not, slow down before you scale.”
- Use AI to Reinvent, Not Just Optimise
“If AI is only saving you a few hours a week, its potential is being underused,” he explained. “The real opportunity is using AI to rethink how you serve customers, price dynamically, or respond in real time.”
The government’s new £14 billion AI Opportunities Action Plan – including AI Growth Zones and sector-specific support – sets the stage for bold innovation.
“Ask yourself: what product, service, or insight could we offer today that was impossible two years ago? That is where the real competitive edge lies.”
For more information visit https://www.jamesdisneymay.com/