Press Release: New AI business Consultancy launches SMEs adopt AI ethically and safely.

As the UK’s new government puts responsible AI adoption at the heart of its national growth strategy, a new consultancy has launched to support small and medium-sized businesses across Wales and the North West to adopt AI safely, strategically, and with confidence.

Expand AI, founded by North Wales-based digital strategist and BSI-certified AI Management Practitioner Ruth Astbury, delivers AI skills training, risk strategy consulting, and a supportive peer community - designed for SME, Solo entrepreneurs and the third sector who are navigating a fast-changing AI and digital world.

“AI must work for working people,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer during London Tech Week this week. “It should unlock opportunity for every business - not just the biggest - and deliver productivity gains across our economy.”

“This week, I attended London Tech week and listened live to the Prime Minister’s speech and other leaders for the technology world.

The government’s policy is exactly why I created Expand AI,” says founder Ruth Astbury. “From micro-businesses to growing SMEs, leaders are telling me the same thing: they’re curious about AI but don’t know where to start, what’s safe, or how to manage risk. Our service bridges that gap - quickly and practically.”

Why It Matters  - Local Support, National Vision

SMEs account for 99.9% of UK businesses, yet many still lack access to clear, affordable, and ethical support to implement AI in ways that are safe and effective. According to new research released today by software company ServiceNow and Oxford Economics, while awareness of AI is high, small firms are struggling with the skills, governance, and change management needed to embed AI into daily operations.

Wales and the North West are home to tens of thousands of small businesses, many of which operate in rural, manufacturing, tourism, and public service economies. Yet these regions are often underrepresented in national tech initiatives and trail behind London and the South East in access to AI training, funding, and digital infrastructure. Expand AI aims to close this regional gap by providing local, tailored support that prioritises human-first design, plain-English guidance, and ethical implementation.

Expand AI Services provides ongoing support in three key areas:

1. AI Business Confidence Strategy & Risk
   Introduction to BSI/ISO 420001. Practical risk assessments, policy writing, and internal comms plans.

2. AI Business Confidence Training
   Hands-on workshops and short courses tailored for SMEs, solo entrepreneurs and third sector organisations.

3. AI Business Confidence Community (Beta launching now)
   An online collaborative AI Business Confidence group for ongoing support, toolkits, and monthly updates. Members will be encourage to share knowledge and best practice AI implementation and new services.

About Ruth Astbury

Based in North Wales, with 20+ years of experience in digital communication and transformation. From Asda’s first e-commerce site to a Virtual reality film for Etihad Ruth has been involved in multiple award winning digital first projects that spanned all 3 major digital waves.

She is now a BSI-Certified AI Management Practitioner, with specialist knowledge of ISO/IEC 42001the new international standards for AI implementation and risk management.  Plus, she is the co-founder of her own Femtech platform with 3 other partners from North Wales (a women’s health tech start-up) launching in September

Ruth is passionate about making AI safe, inclusive, and accessible for purpose-driven businesses, and believes that we must act now if we are to make the The AI driven economy is for everyone.

Launch Offers available until 31 July 2025

AI Business Confidence Introductory SME AI Fast-Track + Audit; Introductory price: £995 + VAT (Full value: £1,750) This launch bundle combines training and strategy into one powerful package: Half-Day Leadership Workshop & Audit - Contact Ruth today to book 

AI Business Confidence Workshop - Get Clear on AI in One Morning is a no-jargon, hands-on workshop that shows you exactly how to put AI to work, without turning you into a coder or drowning you in buzzwords. Various dates across June/July.  Introductory price: £45 + tax (Full value: £125)

Media enquiries:

Ruth Astbury - ruth@ruthastbury.com
Visit www.expandai.co.uk
Let’s connect on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthastbury/
Mobile: 07494647661