Business Guide to Data and AI

Data sits at the heart of modern business, yet too many organisations struggle to transform their information into valuable insight. Despite significant investments in technology, the promise of data-driven decision making remains unfulfilled for many companies. The gap between data potential and business reality creates both risk for the unprepared and opportunity for the forward-thinking.

This downloadable guide cuts through the hype to address the practical realities of data management and AI implementation for mid-sized corporates and public sector organisations. We’ve seen firsthand how businesses succeed – and falter – when navigating the data landscape. Some treat governance as an afterthought, only to face costly regulatory consequences. Others build sophisticated data systems but forget to develop the human skills needed to use and interpret them effectively. Many invest in AI capabilities without first addressing fundamental data quality issues, wondering why the promised benefits fail to materialise.

The statistics tell a compelling story about the state of data and AI in UK business. Poor data quality costs organisations 15-25% of their revenue according to an MIT Sloan Management Review article. The ICO reports that data protection fines averaged £153,722 per organisation in 2024. In early 2025, Advanced Computer Software Group were fined £3.07m for “security failings that put the personal information of 79,404 people at risk”. The Bank of England reported that 14% of companies they surveyed that had invested in AI had received immediate productivity gains.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to develop an effective data strategy, the most common data management mistakes that undermine business performance, and how AI is transforming data insights. We’ll look ahead to emerging trends in the field over the next several years. Most importantly, we’ll provide practical guidance for organisations at every stage of data maturity – from those at the beginning their journey to those pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

This isn’t a theoretical exercise or a technical manual. It’s a business-focused discussion of how data and AI supports tangible outcomes: better customer experiences, more efficient operations, reduced risks, and increased productivity. We’ve stripped away the jargon and complexity to focus on what matters – how these capabilities deliver real business impact in today’s challenging environment.

Whether your organisation is taking its first steps toward data maturity or looking to extend its advanced capabilities, the insights and recommendations in this guide provide a practical roadmap for success. The future will be led by organisations that can effectively use their data assets and apply intelligence as a core part of their strategy. Let’s explore how your organisation can join them.

Download your copy of our Business Guide to Data and AI now.