Google partnership boosts AI skills for GM entrepreneurs

MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub (MITIH) has partnered with Grow with Google to deliver a free new workshop series helping Greater Manchester’s entrepreneurs unlock the practical potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for business growth.

Based at HOST, the Home for Skills & Technology in MediaCity, and open to all, attendees can choose to take part in any of the interactive workshops, including Making Sense of AI, Practical AI for Business, Social Media Masterclass, AI Prompting Essentials, and Leadership for the Digital Age.

Delivered by MITIH as part of its Spark Salford accelerator programme, it brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, and creative professionals for hands-on learning. Participants will gain actionable insights into using AI tools to streamline operations, boost productivity, and strengthen digital strategies. 

This comes as AI is forecast to be a major driver of UK productivity and growth. AI alone is expected to add up to 0.6% to annual GDP growth, while wider AI adoption could contribute an additional 1.5 percentage points over the next decade. 

Many businesses investing in AI expect to see tangible productivity gains within 2–3 years, particularly across customer operations, marketing, and R&D.

Rodolphe Soulard, Spark Salford Programme Lead and Head of Enterprise and Investment at MITIH said: “Digital Futures is about making AI accessible and actionable for every business. Many business owners know AI has potential, but don’t know where to start. This event, in partnership with Grow with Google, bridges that gap by showing how it can directly support marketing, leadership, and business growth.”

Spark Salford is a fully funded accelerator that supports Salford-based SMEs in adopting emerging technologies such as AI, automation, and immersive media to drive innovation and competitiveness.

Digital Futures: Empowering Growth, Leadership & Innovation with AI takes place on 13 November. Companies do not have to attend all day, but can register for the event and workshops here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/digital-future-empowering-growth-leadership-innovation-with-ai-google-tickets-1760651649479?aff=FBComm