Meet AI – your new business sidekick
AI is no longer just for big businesses with deep pockets. It’s here, it’s practical and it has real potential to make your life easier – whether you’re a one-person operation, running a team, or freelancing across sectors.
Me, Myself & AI is your chance to explore how artificial intelligence can work for you. With the help of local businesses and digital doers, we’ll show you where AI can fit in your world – so you can do less of what slows you down, and more of what you’re great at.
Why you can’t miss this
AI is changing the game. Some people are diving in, others are hesitant, and even sceptical – worried it’s “cheating” or might replace their job. We’re cutting through the noise with real people who’re already using AI to give their business an edge. This is your chance to ask them your questions, explore opportunities and find the tools that work for you.
This session will help you:
- Identify the “time thief” tasks AI can take off your plate
- Spot growth opportunities – even in places you hadn’t thought of
- Level the playing field when it comes to your competitors – whatever their size
- Feel more confident about tech, change and your business’s future
Meet the speakers
Real people, real businesses, real stories.
Speakers to be announced soon – stay tuned!
Meet the hosts
John Forth & Debbie Simpson
Business Advisers, North East BIC
Having run their own successful businesses, John and Debbie are now passionate about sharing their experiences to help others reach their goals. They’ve recently been experimenting to harness the power of AI to streamline their own work, cutting admin time to just ten minutes. By using AI to capture and distil key action points from diagnostic meetings with entrepreneurs, they’ve freed up time to focus on delivering real value to clients. They’ll share how their hands-on experience shows how AI can enhance, not replace, human connection and creativity.
What is Growth Lab Sunderland?
Growth Lab Sunderland is a hugely popular series brought to you by the North East BIC, created to inspire and empower local businesses with ambition to grow.
Held at venues across Sunderland, these events are all about making growth feel achievable – whether that’s personal growth, business growth, or just being one step ahead of where you were yesterday.
What does growth mean to you?
Growth isn’t all about taking on more staff and bigger premises. It means different things to different people. It might mean doubling profits without hiring a single person, taking Friday off to spend with the family or gaining confidence to try something new.
Growth Lab Sunderland is about seeing things through a new lens – discovering tools and ideas so nothing stands in the way of what you want to achieve.
What to expect:
- Learn from other businesses just like yours
- Discover shortcuts to what works (and what doesn’t)
- Ask the questions you’ve been holding back
- Get honest, real-world insights – no jargon, no nonsense
- Connect with others on the same journey
- Explore new ways of working – and thinking
Book your place
Priority is given to businesses in the Sunderland City Council area. Not based in Sunderland? Click the link above to pop your name on the waiting list and we’ll be in touch if there’s space. We’d love to see you there if possible!
Join our mailing list
To join the Growth Lab mailing list please sign up here.
Growth Lab: Me, Myself & AI
27th June 2025, 9:30-12:30
Once we have your details and checked your eligibility we’ll be in touch.
This Growth Lab event is fully funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is provided by Sunderland City Council and North East BIC to stimulate entrepreneurial ambition across the City. We’ll just need to check your eligibility before confirming your place. Thank you!
