A leading expert in technology and automation, James Disney May, has called on UK businesses to take a focused, people-first approach to artificial intelligence, following the UK government’s strategic partnership with OpenAI. The collaboration—centred on AI security, infrastructure and public sector integration—marks a significant step in accelerating AI adoption across the country.
Despite growing interest, many firms remain unsure how to implement AI effectively. “Too many organisations rush into AI expecting a revolution and walk away with a proof of concept. There’s a real gap between adopting AI and making it work,” said Disney May. He emphasised the need for businesses to target specific, measurable problems such as delivery delays, inaccurate forecasting or inconsistent customer service.
AI could contribute over £200 billion to the UK economy by the mid-2030s, yet many companies are stuck in pilot phases. Lloyds Banking Group data shows that 82% of firms using AI report productivity gains, while 76% see increased profitability. But, as Disney May notes, the key to success lies in selecting the right projects and building employee trust.
“AI is not a systems issue, it’s a trust issue,” he said. While 63% of UK firms investing in AI are also investing in upskilling, generic training often fails to empower staff. True adoption means making AI relevant to day-to-day roles and involving employees in its implementation.
He also underscored the need for clean, well-governed data. No AI system can outperform the quality of the information it’s trained on. For smaller firms in particular, disciplined data practices are crucial to long-term success. Alongside this, ethical governance is vital—especially with over half of UK businesses reportedly lacking board-level AI expertise. “Businesses must be able to understand, challenge and explain AI outputs,” Disney May warned.
Beyond efficiency, he urged firms to use AI to rethink how they operate. The government’s £14 billion AI Opportunities Action Plan supports this ambition through regional AI Growth Zones and sector-specific programmes, encouraging firms to explore transformative applications.
The UK’s agreement with OpenAI strengthens this environment. The partnership includes AI security research, expanded infrastructure, and deeper public sector collaboration. OpenAI’s tools are already being trialled on government platforms such as ‘Consult’, which summarises public submissions, with further deployments planned across justice, education, defence and security.
The AI Safety Institute, launched in 2023, continues to support safe AI development, working with leading firms to assess risks before models are released. This ensures safety and ethics remain embedded as adoption accelerates.
As the UK builds a world-leading AI ecosystem, James Disney May’s guidance offers a clear route forward: solve real problems, focus on people, embed ethics early and use AI as a lever for meaningful reinvention. With strategic support from government and practical insight from industry, the UK’s AI journey is poised to deliver long-term, responsible growth.
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