BARELY a day goes by without stories of how Artificial Intelligence is impacting our lives, theoretically for the better. But we all know that automation is all well and good when it works but can produce terrible problems when it doesn’t.

More and more computer programmes seem to be infiltrated by AI, making suggestions about what you are likely to do. I find it personally frustrating most of the time, because good as AI might be, it can’t read my mind !

When it comes to business, there is no doubt that Artificial Intelligence can have a big and useful part to play. For example, sorting through very large quantities of data is extremely time consuming and AI can do it much faster and cheaper.

However, whilst it can’t prune vines, stack shelves, make beds or knock bumps out of car body work, it can probably be used in some shape or form in every business.

The challenge for our members is to work out the right balance, making use of the technology where it adds real value, but not to overlook the crucial role that people play in a world where face to face contact has never been more important. Young people need to be excited about the world of work, not to fear a future where they are virtual robots.

In a community like ours, customers enjoy getting to know the people who provide their goods and services and very much appreciate the personal touch, often delivered by other local people. That’s something special which underpins our members’ businesses and which I personally don’t believe AI will ever replicate.

If you would like to find out more about Chew Valley Chamber of Commerce have a look at our website: www.chewvalleychamber.co.uk