Introduction
Many SME owner managers are already using tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini and Claude, but often without clear guidance, consistent processes or an understanding of the business risks involved. This practical workshop helps business owners and managers move from informal AI experimentation to more confident, controlled and responsible use.
Participants will learn how to identify valuable uses for AI while protecting business information, maintaining human oversight and preparing for their responsibilities under the EU AI Act.
Programme Content
The workshop explores how different AI models can support everyday business activities
and how to select an appropriate tool for the task. Participants will examine common AI
risks, including inaccurate outputs, hallucinations, bias, data protection concerns, over
reliance and the use of AI in decisions affecting people. The session introduces the EU AI Act
and explains the practical foundations of AI governance, including AI literacy, an internal AI
use policy, an AI tool register, risk assessment, staff responsibilities and incident reporting.
Participants will apply the P.R.O.M.P.T.S framework to create clearer, safer and more
effective instructions for AI, work through realistic business scenarios and identify practical
next steps for implementing and monitoring AI use within their organisation.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
• Identify appropriate business activities where AI can improve productivity and efficiency.
• Compare commonly used AI platforms and select suitable tools for different tasks.
• Recognise key risks associated with AI, including data exposure, bias, hallucinations and inappropriate automated decision-making.
• Understand the main principles of the EU AI Act and what responsible AI use means for an SME.
• Distinguish between lower-risk AI support and activities requiring greater controls, assessment or specialist advice.
• Apply the P.R.O.M.P.T.S framework to produce clearer, safer and more useful AI outputs.
• Identify the core elements of practical AI governance, including staff training, an AI use policy, a tool register and human oversight.
• Create an initial action plan for introducing or strengthening responsible AI use within their business.
Target Audience
This workshop is suitable for SME owners, managers, team leaders and employees who are
currently using AI or considering introducing it into their business. It is particularly relevant
to those responsible for operations, HR, marketing, customer service, administration,
compliance or digital transformation. No technical knowledge is required. The session is
designed for participants who want to use AI practically while keeping people, judgement
and accountability firmly in the process.