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
Keynote Speaker
Pascal Fintoni, Managing Director of ArcLight Marketing & Media Ltd & Senior AI & Digital Skills Consultant
Pascal is a digital marketing expert with 30 years of experience and a passion for making AI accessible. Since 2023, he has embedded AI into his training and consultancy services, hosted AI conferences, delivered executive briefings, and led AI masterclasses. A prolific content creator, he has reviewed over 400 digital tools, including AI platforms. A speaker, consultant, and author, he helps businesses grow through AI-driven strategies and clear, practical guidance. Pascal defines AI as “The Art of the possible—Imagination is the key.”
Mitali Deypurkaystha
Impact Icon
Award-winning founder of The Vegan Publisher and Impact Icon AI Consultancy, she helps purpose-driven scale-ups adopt ethical, human-first AI to boost efficiency, reduce complexity, and stay competitive – without compromising values. With 1,500+ hours of hands-on experience, she transforms business challenges into impactful, inclusive solutions.
Chris Blyth
Reputation King
Founder of multiple UK businesses, he uses AI-powered voice assistants, chatbots, and automations to boost sales, streamline operations, and drive client growth—24/7. From fitness to tech, his award-winning strategies turn conversations into loyal customers while eliminating repetitive tasks through smart, scalable AI solutions.
Hina Joshi
North East BIC
With over 25 years of experience supporting SMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs, Hina is a well-connected, results-driven Lead Business Adviser. She spearheaded the adoption of AI at the BIC to automate routine tasks, and this learning is now being applied across the entire BIC adviser team—freeing up more time to focus on strategic support, coaching, and business growth.
Dave Head
Northern Designers
Dave is a creative and experienced digital marketing specialist using AI to streamline content creation and boost conversions. From voice-to-blog workflows to automated outreach and invoicing, he’s saving hours each week while increasing engagement, visibility, and cash flow—proving AI can amplify creativity and impact for small businesses.
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
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. Priority is given to businesses in the Sunderland City Council area. Thank you!
Join our mailing list
To join the Growth Lab mailing list please sign up here.
