Bell Integration recently hosted a breakfast briefing at the Shangri La The Shard in London to help business leaders speed up AI adoption. The event focused on closing the gap between AI investments and real world deployment, featuring insights from experts like Balfour Beatty CIO Jon Ozanne.
Event Highlights and Expert Insights
Business leaders gathered at the stunning Shangri La The Shard venue on August 26, 2025, for a morning session packed with practical advice on AI integration. Bell Integration aimed to address common challenges in turning AI experiments into scalable solutions that deliver strong returns.
Jon Ozanne, CIO of Balfour Beatty, shared his experiences in adopting AI within the construction sector. He explained how his team uses AI to improve project efficiency and safety on job sites. Attendees asked questions about preparing organizations for AI, including data security and workforce training.
Richard Ewing, an AI and RPA architect from CGI, praised the event for its valuable discussions. He noted the fascination in seeing how companies blend AI with current systems and predict future industry changes.
The briefing also included presentations from Bell Integration’s AI and Data division members, such as Faisal Abbasi, Henrik Eriksson, and Martin Mersey. They discussed responsible AI scaling, with a strong emphasis on people and data protection.
Bridging the AI Investment Gap
Many businesses invest heavily in AI but struggle to deploy it effectively, leading to missed opportunities. Chris Togher, Strategic Account Director at Bell Integration, highlighted this issue, saying the event provided strategies to move from testing to full implementation.
Faisal Abbasi spoke about the growing pressure on companies to show ROI from AI projects. He pointed out that clear planning and employee involvement are key to success.
Recent studies show that AI adoption is accelerating globally. For instance, a 2025 Microsoft report indicates that over 90 percent of leaders in various regions plan to integrate AI within the next year to boost workforce skills.
This aligns with trends in the UK, where tech events like London Tech Week emphasize AI’s role in business transformation. Bell Integration’s briefing fits into this wave, offering hands on guidance for leaders.
Key Takeaways for Business Leaders
Participants left with actionable ideas on AI deployment. Here are some main points shared during the session:
- Focus on data quality to ensure AI tools work well from the start.
- Train teams to build confidence in using AI daily.
- Measure ROI by tracking efficiency gains and cost savings.
- Address ethical concerns early to avoid future risks.
These tips help companies avoid common pitfalls and achieve faster results.
In addition, experts discussed real world examples from industries like construction and IT services. Balfour Beatty’s use of AI for predictive maintenance was a standout case, showing how it reduces downtime and saves money.
AI Trends and Future Predictions
AI is reshaping industries, with predictions that by 2026, over 80 percent of enterprises will use generative AI tools, according to recent Gartner forecasts. Events like this one prepare leaders for that shift.
Bell Integration, founded in 1995, specializes in IT services including AI solutions. Their global team helps clients with everything from cloud migration to AI training.
The briefing also touched on emerging AI types, such as agent based systems that automate complex tasks. This reflects broader trends seen at 2025 AI summits in London, where innovation meets practical application.
Looking ahead, experts predict AI will drive major changes in how businesses operate, from automating routine work to enabling smarter decisions.
Event Impact and Broader Implications
The breakfast briefing not only offered stunning views of London but also sparked important conversations among leaders. Attendees networked and shared stories of AI successes and challenges.
This event underscores the need for collaboration in AI adoption. As more companies push for quick wins, sessions like this provide the knowledge to do it right.
For businesses eyeing AI, starting with clear goals and expert advice can make all the difference. Bell Integration plans more such events to keep the momentum going.
What did you think of this AI adoption push? Share your thoughts in the comments below or pass this article to a colleague who might benefit from these insights.
