AI Academy launched by Exeter PR firm

A new AI for Marketing Academy is launching for businesses in the South West of England to help them take advantage of this rapidly emerging technology..

Developed by Exeter and Bristol-based Program Agency and tech entrepreneur Andy Doyle, founder of Filmily and Zero Fluff, the Academy will equip businesses with practical, easy-to-implement AI skills and solutions to scale up growth-focused marketing.

With AI adoption accelerating at an unprecedented pace, the launch comes at a pivotal moment for businesses as they face mounting pressure to adopt cutting-edge technologies to remain competitive.

The AI for Marketing Academy will give  business owners and marketers the confidence and methods to integrate generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, Claude and Perplexity into their marketing strategies, enhancing efficiency and business performance. A range of business benefits will be covered.

Caroline Orr, Marketing Director at Program, said: “As AI transforms the digital landscape, businesses and marketers can’t afford to be left behind.

“Our goal is to help companies understand that AI is a powerful tool they can use to work smarter, boosting their existing marketing capabilities and capacity.“The Academy focus is on practical solutions, giving people the confidence to use available AI tools in ways that are true to their brand and values, can enhance their marketing and be adopted by teams effectively and with confidence.”

The Academy launches as more and more businesses  explore AI’s ability to improve operations, enhance customer engagement, and gain a competitive edge.

As Marketing and Brand partner to Tech South West, Program is already working with dozens of companies across the region on responsible human-focused AI adoption, training teams, individual workers and helping leaders understand the opportunities and first steps of adopting and using AI effectively across their business.

“With AI now a cornerstone of business strategy, we’re here to help businesses not just adapt, but lead the way in the digital future,” added Caroline. 

“The courses are built on experience with many different companies, helping them use AI in a smarter, more effective and safe way. What company doesn’t want to shift from struggling to keep up to deploying these new tools to shape their future?”

Isobel Shaw, Program’s AI for Marketing Lead Trainer, said: “From training AI channels in your brand values and tone of voice to ensure consistency of content across your marketing channels, to setting up automated insight reports to your leadership teams, adopting a step-by-step approach to embracing AI superboosts your marketing function in a matter of weeks. 

“Whether you’re a novice, using tools in an unstructured way, or already starting to integrate generative AI into your business, the AI for Marketing Academy provides clear guidance and expertise to develop a practical business-first approach that works.”

The first course ‘AI for Marketing Essentials', starting on the 18th June and limited to just 12 people, is now taking bookings https://buy.stripe.com/5kAeXX0y7dshg1O7st

Andy Doyle, Technology Lead at Program, said:  "If you are not embracing AI in your marketing activities you will be left behind. It’s as simple as that. It’s available, and by taking a step-by-step approach, you can actually make a considerable impact in a short space of time. I love it because it’s so easy to dive in, and the impact and learnings in one part of your business, like marketing, gives you lots of insight and the confidence to then consider the benefits across your whole organisation.”

The AI for Marketing Essentials course is now open for registration. For more information and to sign up, visit https://program.agency/ai-for-marketing-course/.

Program CEO Dan Pritchard, who helped set up Tech South West, and was recently invited by Microsoft UK to join a discussion with businesses across the UK at its AI World Tour roadshow at the Excel in London, believes the opportunity for companies who integrate AI into their operations is huge.

“This is the next big digital shift. We had the Internet, online search and then social media. The rise of AI, and AI native companies, is just starting, but is going to move faster than any previous technological revolution. SMEs that are nimble have an incredible opportunity to equip their people, put the right processes in place and forge ahead, finally unlocking the power of their products and market expertise.”