Online Training: The AI Advantage Workshop Part Two
Delivered through Pro Manchester’s Skills Academy, the webinars will challenge existing perceptions, build confidence in effective prompting, and explore advanced productivity tools within ChatGPT. Attendees will see how AI can shift from novelty to necessity, learning how to deploy it responsibly, securely, and creatively within their own organisations. The course is practical and interactive, providing attendees with the knowledge and confidence to embed AI tools into their business operations.
At the end of the two-part course, attendees will receive full course materials, including a practical 25 page guide and access to Virtual Phil - an AI ‘course guide’ we’ll create during the final session.
The training draws on Phil Birchenall’s 20+ years of experience in business and consultancy, combined with his work at the forefront of applied AI. Phil is currently featured in an OpenAI global case study, showcasing his work developing an AI Maths Tutor. With just one in five UK businesses currently using AI (ONS, June 2025), the vast majority are at risk of falling behind.
This programme is designed to help participants join the 20% already unlocking competitive advantage, while avoiding the common pitfalls that see 95% of AI projects fail.
“Probably the best workshop I've been on.” - recent course participant
About the Speakers:
The programme will be delivered by Phil Birchenall, founder of Diagonal Thinking. Phil is a business strategist who has worked hands-on to help companies improve their operations through the pragmatic application of technology for over two decades. Phil’s interest in Artificial Intelligence in creating operational advantage began in his role as MD of an international TV formats research business, where he commissioned an AI-powered intelligence system tracking trends across the global TV sector, working with a first-to-market AI development team, Morse.
Having continued to develop his understanding of how AI can be deployed in businesses, he is now called upon to create and deliver workshops, courses and presentations on the
utilisation of AI for large-scale corporates, public sector organisations, educators, alongside freelancers and SMEs. His work is featured in a case study video on the OpenAI website, and
has been featured on Forbes and in two best-selling edtech books, The AI Classroom and Infinite Education.
Phil’s clients include Northumbrian Water Group, the largest STEM education resource in the world, Discovery Education (where Phil delivered a pilot project for the global media brand),
Port of Tyne, Vistage, MMU, Creative UK, GM Chamber, Salford University, Sharp Futures, Manchester Histories and South Gloucestershire & Stroud College. He is co-founder of The AI Cafe: a regular meet-up for professionals developing solutions that utilise AI. Prior to establishing Diagonal Thinking, Phil built his business experience through roles a wide range of organisations. As MD of global TV trends company, Phil expanded a small media operation with a handful of staff to a core team of 15 with a network of international stringers, working with around 100 clients, including Netflix, Disney and Amazon Studios.
Interested In The Event?
If you’re interested in attending, you can book online here.
For any further enquires about this event, contact [email protected]
