A Q&A with BIC Business Adviser Hina Joshi
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept – it’s a powerful tool that’s revolutionising how businesses operate today. At the BIC, AI is being embraced not just internally, but as a key part of how we support new and growing businesses across the region.
From Growth Lab events and Masterclasses to an AI working group, policies and expert training for business advisers, the BIC is making sure nobody gets left behind.
We caught up with Business Adviser Hina Joshi, who recently took part as a panel member at the Growth Lab Sunderland event Me, Myself & AI, to hear her reflections on the event and how AI is shaping her work with clients.
Q. So Hina, you were part of the panel at the Me, Myself & AI event – what moments really stuck with you?
Hina: It was such an energising event. What stood out most was how open and curious people were about AI – especially those who might have felt unsure or overwhelmed by it before. The feedback we received was incredibly positive. Attendees told us they appreciated the practicaltips, real-life examples, and case studies that showed how AI can genuinely save time and boost efficiency.
One of the things I loved hearing was how the session helped people feel more confident about exploring AI tools in their own businesses. A few attendees said that the tools and tips we shared gave them a clearer path forward.
Q. What have you learnt that you’ve been able to share with your clients?
Hina: A lot! I’ve worked in business support for over 25 years, and I’ve seen how important it is to adapt to new tools and trends. What I’ve learned about AI is that it’s not about replacing people – it’s about enhancing what we already do well.
Many of my clients are juggling multiple roles and some are running businesses alongside full-time jobs or family responsibilities. AI can be a game-changer for them. I’ve been able to introduce tools that help with things like automating admin, generating content, or even just organising their thoughts more clearly. It’s about saving time, reducing stress, and freeing them up to focus on what they love about their business.
And because I’ve used these tools myself, I can speak from experience. That builds trust. Clients know I’m not just recommending something theoretical – I’ve tested it, I know the pros and cons, and I can help them get started in a way that feels manageable.
Sometimes a client hits a mental block – they know what they want to say but can’t quite find the words. That’s where AI comes in, like a brainstorming buddy to bounce ideas off. For example, one client, needed help crafting an intro email for organisations that support employee wellbeing. We gave AI a brief on their businesses, services, and ideal customer – and it came back with a template. The client then tweaked it to match their tone, and now they’ve got a tailored piece of business development content ready to go.
Q. What kind of impact has AI had on your own role?
Hina: It’s been genuinely transformative. Like many advisers, I used to spend a lot of time on admin – writing reports, summarising meetings, creating follow-up actions. Now, with the help of AI tools, I can do those tasks in a fraction of the time. That means I can focus more on what really matters: spending time with clients, understanding their challenges, and helping them grow. It’s made my role more efficient, more flexible, and ultimately more impactful.
Q. What excites you most about AI’s potential in business support?
Hina: What really excites me is how AI can open doors for everyone – not just tech-savvy founders or big businesses, but people from all walks of life. I work with so many different types of entrepreneurs, and I want them all to feel like AI is something they can use, not something to be intimidated by.
I love seeing people realise that AI isn’t just for someone else. It’s for them too. Whether you’re just starting out or running a growing business, there’s a way to make it work for you.
Want to learn more? Get in touch to find out how AI can support the growth of your business.
Growth Lab events and masterclasses were supported by the Enterprising Sunderland programme, funded by UKSPF.