Navigating the Future with AI

Accountancy firm MHA, recently hosted Finance Leaders from the Greater Manchester Region for a morning of networking and insightful discussion which focused on one of the most transformative forces in business today: artificial intelligence (AI).

The session offered finance leaders an opportunity to explore how AI is reshaping business operations, decision-making, and strategy across sectors. Finance Directors and Controllers met to share insights on harnessing the potential of AI while maintaining resilience in an evolving economic landscape.

Discussions focussed on practical applications of AI, from finance automation to predictive analytics and considered the opportunities, compliance and governance implications, and implementation challenges facing finance leaders today. Mike Hollifield, Digital Director at Baker Tilly said, “From an AI perspective you want to keep humans in the loop, to augment that human ability and help make those decisions for faster value. If we use it (AI) in the right way, it can bring value to a new perspective”.

Expanding on the potential for innovation, Samuel Roberts, Chief Strategy Officer at The LCap Group highlighted how AI is not only a tool for efficiency, but a catalyst for transformation.

“AI can be used to automate routine tasks and improve productivity, but the real opportunity lies in its ability to enable what was previously impossible. We can now use AI for advanced forecasting such as predicting client transactions, even anticipating leadership team changes. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about unlocking new ways of thinking and operating.”

Martin Sutton, Founder of TenX Ventures, offered a compelling perspective on the business case for AI integration.

“Businesses that are deploying AI at the core of their operating model are growing 50% faster with a 30% higher gross profit margin than their non-AI peers.” (Research from 2018)

In true FD Network style, the event also provided valuable space for strategic networking and learning. Finance leaders departed with actionable insights and a renewed sense of how AI can drive strategic advantage in their organisations.

As the conversation around innovation and digital transformation continues, MHA remains committed to leading with ambition, empowering finance professionals across the North West with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to step confidently into the future.

Read more from MHA here.