Jonny Cottom knows the challenges that come with running a startup on your own. Since launching his brand of eco-friendly water bottles, his BreakBottle, last year, he has been solely responsible for speaking to investors, pitching to retailers, and running digital marketing campaigns for him. Now, Johnny uses a variety of AI tools to help manage his most time-consuming tasks, social media, and creative collaborators, from writing the first draft of his copy to developing sales strategies and brainstorming new ideas. It is functioning as. Using AI, he says, gives you the power of multiple humans to make better use of your time and grow your business.
Companies like BreakBottle aren't the only ones benefiting from AI's incredible potential. It could have a huge impact on businesses of all sizes and across the UK. The recent UK Economic Impact Report compiled by Public First highlights the magnitude of the opportunity. AI-powered innovation could create more than £400bn of economic value for the UK economy by 2030.
Growth with AI will be more sustainable if it is for everyone. The report also highlights a critical lack of technology skills in the UK, which, if left unaddressed, will continue to pose a challenge to fair national growth, especially as demand for AI and other technology expertise soars. It will be a stubborn barrier.
At Google, we've long believed that a healthy economy requires everyone to have the opportunity to participate. That's why we have focused on digital skills training for many years and since 2015 he has provided free training to over 1 million Brits in over 500 locations across the UK.
Free AI training for everyone
We are now expanding our digital skills training and delivering new AI training to everyone in the UK. New Fundamentals, a new free AI-focused training series, equips people and businesses with practical skills and knowledge to harness the benefits of AI, including saving time, landing new jobs, and growing their businesses. To do. Google experts have designed his 10 easy-to-understand modules packed with practical advice and tips focused on essential AI skills. Two of his will be released today.
Boost productivity with AI: Introducing the smartest ways AI tools can save you time. Learners will learn about what AI is, how it helps in everyday products, what large language models can do, and what AI can do, from brainstorming new ideas to writing code to lightening the burden. You'll gain a clear understanding of how you can use it to be even more productive. of administrative tasks.
Understand machine learning: This course is designed for small business leaders and teaches them the potential of machine learning to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate growth. Learn how to apply different ML models, when and how to invest, and how to prepare data and resource data for machine learning projects. New data from the Federation of Small Businesses shows that just 2% of small businesses in the UK are using machine learning tools, so there is huge potential.
We were proud to see the reactions of the first 85 enthusiastic learners to complete the training at the Google Digital Garage event hosted by Ruth Porat, SVP and CFO of Google and Alphabet. And in the coming weeks, we'll be introducing the next eight modules covering topics such as data, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and leadership in a digital world – how to use the skills and expertise needed to run an AI-enabled business. We look forward to releasing it in the near future.
Partnering to support UK AI leadership
The UK has a great opportunity to drive sustainable, inclusive and technology-led growth. It is clear that achieving this will require a collective effort.
That's why, alongside this new AI training, we're calling for a new national skills service to help close the UK's digital skills gap and identify, deliver and certify lifelong learning to help people prepare for future opportunities. I am.
Meanwhile, at Google, we continue to work hard to equip people and companies like BreakBottle with digital tools and skills, and collaborate with ecosystems to ensure we build an AI-powered future that benefits everyone. I'll go.
