Where Do You Start with AI and Automation? Cutting Through the Noise for UK Businesses
The Overwhelm Is Real
If you’re a business leader in the UK right now, chances are you’ve asked yourself:
“Where on earth do we even start with AI and automation?”
Maybe you’ve already started but hit a brick wall. Maybe you’ve spent money and seen little return. Or maybe you’re paralysed by the sheer amount of noise in the market.
Jamie Claret, CEO of Autonomate and keynote speaker on AI and automation, hears this every week in boardrooms across Hertfordshire, London, and beyond. And it’s no surprise.
The Problem: Too Many Tools, Too Many Experts
As of today, there are over 40,000 AI tools listed on “There’s An AI For That.” That’s staggering. It’s also ridiculous. How can any business leader be expected to choose the right one?
To make things worse, the market is flooded with so-called “AI experts.” Many are selling hype, not outcomes. They promise the dream but don’t deliver results.
So how do you separate the snake oil from the real value? Start by asking two simple questions.
Two Questions Every Leader Should Ask
What have you actually delivered?
Ask for real customer examples.
What ROI did they achieve?
Have they delivered tangible business results, not just demos and pilots?
What’s your strategy for my business?
Not their AI strategy. Not their favourite tool.
But a strategy that aligns with your company goals: profit, growth, customer acquisition, or cost reduction.
If they can’t answer these, walk away.
AI Should Serve Your Business Strategy, Not Rewrite It
There’s a dangerous myth out there: that you need a separate “AI strategy.”
Jamie Claret disagrees. Your strategy hasn’t changed. It’s still:
Grow revenue
Increase profit
Take on more customers
Reduce costs
AI and automation are just tools to support that strategy. They don’t replace it. If your vendor suggests otherwise, it’s a red flag.
The Smart Way to Start: Needs Analysis and Roadmap
At Autonomate, we use a simple approach: needs analysis and roadmap.
This involves:
Understanding your current business strategy.
Mapping your technology and systems.
Identifying where automation and AI can make the biggest impact.
Often, the quick wins aren’t where you expect. With a structured roadmap, you can find:
Low-hanging fruit – tasks that are easy to automate.
High-impact areas – bottlenecks that once removed, unlock significant efficiency.
Best ROI opportunities – where you’ll get the most bang for your buck.
This clarity removes the overwhelm and gives you a plan you can act on.
Avoiding the Hype, Focusing on Outcomes
Here’s the truth:
AI chatbots and plugins can look exciting.
Demos can feel impressive.
But if it doesn’t align with your business goals, it’s a distraction.
The right partner will show you how to use AI and automation to achieve your strategy, not theirs.
Conclusion: Start with Your Strategy, Not the Tools
If you’re stuck wondering where to begin—or frustrated by false starts—remember:
Start with your business strategy.
Demand real-world proof of delivery.
Build a structured roadmap for ROI-driven wins.
AI and automation are only valuable when they move the needle on efficiency, costs, and growth.