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Intelligent SME . tech is a Lynchpin Media publication for professionals with an interest in global SME news and events . If you wish to subscribe for regular copies , then please email : info @ lynchpinmedia . com
EDITOR ’ S NOTE
ello and a warm welcome to the 53rd edition
H of Intelligent SME . tech . On this month ’ s front cover , we feature James Tweed , Founder of education company , Coracle . The organisation provides prisoners in 91 institutions with access to education via specially designed offline Chromebooks , pre-loaded with courses within a secure learning platform . Its service helps prisoners access courses from The Open University , Prisoners ’ Education Trust and a range of vocational programmes .
Coracle ’ s network comprises of 2,750 Chromebooks by which inmates can access its Osprey-VLE system . This contains a rich array of educational content , from chess games to Open University courses . Its content can also help users develop and demonstrate practical skills that aid future employment , for example , enabling users to secure food hygiene certificates and to complete practice driving theory tests . Turn to page 44 to read more .
There is a lot of talk about AI in the business world . But what does it really mean for small and medium businesses ? Are they able to afford the latest AI technology and how can they realistically incorporate it into their every day ? The Editor ’ s Question this month is : What ’ s the best way for SMEs to harness the power of AI ? Four experts took the time to give their views , starting on page 20 .
The UK economy remains in a period of slow growth . So , it is no surprise that many SMEs are looking to grow abroad . However , challenges outside the macroeconomic environment are holding them back . Immy Spence , Head of SME Growth at Airwallex , outlines how progressive businesses have an opportunity to turn these challenges into competitive advantages by focusing on three core areas . Turn to page 25 .
Organisations are under intense pressure to automate while preserving the human touch , navigating challenges like fragmented data systems , talent shortages and rising customer expectations for seamless , meaningful interactions . In light of this , Hans Zachar , Group CIO at Nutun , delves into how organisations can balance cost-cutting with delivering empathetic , hyperpersonalised customer service . Turn to page 41 .
We also have a round-up of all the latest SME news from across our regions , while our intelligent brands section looks at what ’ s new in sales and marketing , finance , HR and customer experience .
I hope you enjoy the magazine and if you ’ d like to contribute to any future issues , please contact me by emailing rebecca @ lynchpinmedia . com
Rebecca Miles Managing Editor
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