Introduction to AI for Business
Thu 17 Sept
|Durham Cricket
This practical workshop is designed for business owners, managers and employees who want to understand AI


Time & Location
17 Sept 2026, 08:30 – 13:00
Durham Cricket, Durham Cricket Chester-le-Street Durham DH3 3QR
About the event

This practical workshop is designed for business owners, managers and employees who want to understand AI
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future technology. It is already helping businesses save time, improve productivity, create content, analyse information and streamline everyday tasks.
This practical workshop is designed for business owners, managers and employees who want to understand AI, explore the most popular AI platforms available today and learn how to use AI safely, effectively and responsibly within their organisation.
Whether you're completely new to AI or have experimented with tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or Gemini, this session will provide a clear introduction to how AI works, where it can add value, and the common mistakes to avoid.
Through demonstrations, discussions and practical exercises, participants will gain hands-on experience creating effective prompts, evaluating AI-generated outputs and identifying opportunities to use AI within their own business.
No technical knowledge is required, if you consider yourself a daily user of AI for your business this workshop may not be suitable for you.
What We'll Cover
Understanding AI
What Artificial Intelligence actually is
Common AI terminology explained in plain English
Different types of AI and how they are used today
AI myths, misconceptions and limitations
Exploring AI Platforms
ChatGPT
Microsoft Copilot
Google Gemini
Claude
AI image generation tools
Other AI tools worth exploring
Prompting Fundamentals
How to write effective prompts
The anatomy of a great prompt
Improving and refining AI responses
Practical prompt examples for business tasks
Responsible AI Use
What information should never be entered into AI tools
Data protection and confidentiality considerations
Understanding AI errors and hallucinations
Reviewing and validating AI-generated content
Developing good AI habits within your organisation
Practical Business Applications
Content creation and marketing
Research and information gathering
Business planning and strategy
Customer service support
Administration and productivity
Data analysis and reporting
Interactive Activities
Throughout the workshop, participants will:
Explore real business AI use cases
Identify areas within their organisation where AI could help
Practise using AI prompts and refine responses
Compare outputs from different AI platforms
Discuss opportunities, concerns and risks of AI adoption
Create an individual AI action plan
What You'll Get
✔ Practical understanding of AI and how it works
✔ A comparison of leading AI tools and platforms
✔ A prompt guide packed with reusable examples
✔ Hands-on experience using AI tools
✔ Frameworks for identifying AI opportunities in your business
✔ Guidance on responsible and secure AI use
✔ Confidence to start using AI in day-to-day work
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is ideal if:
You are curious about AI but do not know where to start
You want practical guidance rather than technical jargon
You have heard about AI but are unsure which platform to use
You want to understand the risks and opportunities of AI
You are looking for ways to save time and improve productivity
You want to introduce AI into your business responsibly
Spaces are limited
This is a highly interactive session with limited capacity to ensure maximum value for attendees. Early booking is recommended.
Book your place now and discover how your business can improve performance and productivity in just one session.
PLEASE NOTE: businesses need to be registered with the Durham Growth Programme prior to attending. A link is below for registration, therefore ONLY businesses based in County Durham are able to attend this fully funded workshop.
Durham Business Growth and Productivity Programme is a comprehensive initiative designed to elevate productivity and foster growth within businesses located in County Durham. Being part of the programme allows you access to workshops.
For businesses in County Durham, the benefits of engaging with the Durham Business Growth programme are manifold. Through its dedicated initiatives, the fund offers access to financial resources, expert guidance, and networking opportunities that can fuel growth and expansion. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established company.
