AI skills for the UK workforce

Dr Nisreen Ameen is Director of the Digital Organisation and Society (DOS) Research Centre at Royal Holloway, University of London; and Ambassador for Research at the Institute for Directors. Her research focuses on artificial intelligence, innovation, and inclusion. She currently leads a national British Academy Policy-led Innovation Fellowship in partnership with Skills England, addressing AI skills inequalities and workforce readiness across the UK. Her work informs government policy and supports organisations in developing responsible AI strategies that balance innovation with ethical and social purpose.

Jarmila Yu is the Founder and MD of YUnique Marketing Ltd, a Surrey based strategic marketing consultancy founded in 2016 that serves local, national and international clients. Jarmila brings her award winning marketing and business growth expertise as a Consulting Chief Marketing Officer to ambitious Founders and CEOs in start-ups and SMEs, to unlock their marketing potential to successfully launch, grow and transform their business and build brands with value. She also oversees the consultancy’s marketing project services for a broad range of B2B and B2C clients, giving them access to strategic marketing excellence and a full spectrum of marketing and branding expertise.

With 30 years’ experience working with hundreds of business leaders in startups, mid-size and Blue-Chip organisations Jarmila is a globally ranked Top100 CMO, Top50 Business Advisor, Chartered Marketer, multi award-winning businesswoman and proud mum. She's on a business mission to bring The CMO Advantage™ traditionally only enjoyed by large corporates, to the pioneering purpose-driven Entrepreneurs and CEOs in Start-ups & SMEs giving them the all-important Attraction Factor they need to succeed.

As Chief Executive at STEP (The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) Mark is responsible for the organisation’s, strategy, culture, performance and governance, working closely with the board. Mark’s deep seated belief in the value of professional education, the standards and ethics that sit with them, plus acting in the public interest has guided his career choices. He is dedicated to building working environments where everyone can be their best and is an advocate for social mobility and inclusion in the workplace.

Mark sits on the Board of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors as an independent director. He is also Mentoring Ambassador for the Institute of Directors, Surrey and Berkshire Branches. Mark is mentor to a diverse group of younger professionals and is a champion of diversity and inclusion.

He holds a BSc (Hons) in Financial Services, is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors and is a Chartered Director.

Michaela Gartside is an experienced HR Director providing outsourced HR Support to SMEs. Joining the HR Dept franchise in 2013 after a number of senior HR roles, Michaela and her team work with SMEs to deliver pragmatic and compliant solutions.

Michaela has experience in employment law, employee relations, performance management, restructuring and change management, acquisitions and managing diversity. Michaela is passionate in working with clients to ensure the workplace is a positive and productive environment for all stakeholders.

Michaela is also the Ambassador for HR & Employment at the IoD Surrey and Berkshire branch.

Steve Pailthorpe is a marketing expert, AI strategist, and award-winning British entrepreneur, recognised as one of the world’s leading voices in marketing strategy, search, and artificial intelligence.

As the Founder and Chief Executive of Iconic Digital, Steve has spent over 15 years building one of the fastest-growing digital marketing agencies in Europe. Under his leadership, Iconic Digital has delivered measurable ROI for thousands of businesses – from SMEs with £1m–£5m turnover through to global brands. His systems-driven approach combines search, content, and AI-powered automation to generate leads, track performance, and scale growth predictably.