Upcoming events

AI for Manufacturing: Where to Start and What's Possible

Most manufacturers in Cumbria haven't started using AI yet, and that's exactly why now is the time to understand what it could mean for your business.

This practical 90-minute online workshop cuts through the hype and looks at what AI can realistically do within a manufacturing business, including where it's already proving its value across the wider industry and how you could start applying it, whatever your starting point.

Through real manufacturing case studies, practical examples and live Q&A, you'll gain a clearer understanding of what's possible, where the opportunities could be within your own business and, importantly, what's worth doing and what isn't.

What attendees will leave with:

• A clearer understanding of what AI can realistically do on the production floor, from quality control and predictive maintenance to getting more value from the data you already collect.
• Real examples of how AI is being used across the manufacturing sector and how these could translate to your own business.
• Low-cost, low-risk ways to start exploring AI without needing a large IT team or data science budget.
• A better understanding of how to judge potential ROI and avoid common, expensive mistakes.
• A simple framework to help you decide the first practical step for your business.

What's needed? A device with internet access. No previous AI knowledge or technical expertise required.

Suitable for manufacturing business owners, operations leads and decision-makers who are curious about where AI could fit within their business and want a practical understanding of where to start.

About Marco

Marco Rapaccini is a senior technologist who helps organisations turn AI and automation from hype into practical, measurable results. He has delivered AI and digital adoption programmes for organisations across the manufacturing, finance and technology sectors, as well as working with SMEs to develop grounded, ROI-focused strategies.

He is the founder of Fulginium, a Cumbria-based technology consulting business, and Director of Technology at the Irish Sea Rim.

This workshop is fully funded by the Cumbria Accelerator: Business Support Programme, with places limited to one per business.

Top 5 Digital & AI Tools Every SME Should Be Using

Save time, stay organised, and make your business easier to run. Running a small business means wearing a lot of hats and often spending far too much time on things that technology could make quicker, simpler, or even do for you. In this practical session, we'll cut through the endless choice of apps and software and focus on five types of digital and AI tools that can make a real difference to the way you work.

We'll explore practical tools for:

• Task Management – capturing what needs doing, prioritising it, and getting it out of your head.
• Scheduling & Meetings – making bookings easier, reducing diary ping-pong, and simplifying online meetings.
• Project Management – keeping enquiries, prospects, clients, and follow-ups organised in one place.
• Inbox Management – using the ZenForInbox method to reduce email and message overwhelm and ensure important messages don't become forgotten tasks.
• Workflow & Automation – connecting systems and getting technology to handle repetitive jobs for you.

For each area, we'll look at what the tools can do, where they can save you time, and how you can use them to increase efficiency in the day-to-day running of your business.

We'll also leave time for a Q&A session, so you can ask questions about the tools and how they might work for your business.

The aim is simple: less admin, better organisation, and more time to focus on actually running your business.

About the speaker

Liz Hardwick CSP is an award-winning professional speaker and tech entrepreneur, known for delivering practical, high-impact strategies in AI, digital productivity, and time management. With more than 25 years' experience turning 'digital' into real human and business benefit, Liz helps individuals and teams work smarter, focus deeper, and achieve more without burnout.

Her sessions combine proven frameworks (including her own), modern technology tools, and actionable tactics, trusted by global organisations including the BBC, NHS, GSK, Rolls-Royce, and General Assembly. Whether on stage or delivering a masterclass, Liz inspires lasting change that elevates performance, clarity, and momentum in today's fast-paced digital world.

This workshop is fully funded by the Cumbria Accelerator: Business Support Programme, with places limited to one person per business.