District Council hosts free AI workshop for local businesses

Artificial intelligence is transforming efficiency, innovation, and growth. For businesses, it means smarter decisions, automated tasks, and data-driven insights to scale faster and stay competitive. But opportunity comes with risk. Misusing AI by ignoring ethics, trusting outputs blindly, or exposing customer data can lead to costly mistakes. This workshop will show you how to harness AI responsibly.

Leading the workshop will be Chang Ge, founder of CG Vision Consultancy and Senior Fellow at the University of Lincoln. With over 20 years of experience in education, business, and digital transformation, Chang works with SMEs in the UK and China to tackle disruption and resource pressures, delivering workshops that build client trust, boost productivity, and expand networks through ethical AI.

The day-long session will enable SMEs to leverage AI to streamline operations, reduce workload and improve decision making while maintaining ethical standards. By the end of the workshop, businesses will be able to create short to medium-term AI integration plans that allow for quick wins and risk mitigation.

Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We want to equip local businesses with the skills to use AI in a way that’s smart and responsible. This workshop will give them practical advice to help boost productivity and growth.”

The workshop will take place on Thursday, 26 February 2026, from 9:00am to 3:30pm at Gusto House in Collingham.

The session is fully funded by Newark and Sherwood District Council, but spaces are limited - reserve your place today to avoid missing out. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

To book or learn more, contact: will.parkinson@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk