Digital Planning co‑founder James Ferraby took to the airwaves for BBC’s AI Week – explaining what artificial intelligence means for jobs and productivity in the Midlands.
The live segment on BBC Radio Leicester explored how Artificial Intelligence is already changing day‑to‑day work – as well as what leaders need to do next.
James set out a clear message for businesses to treat AI as core infrastructure, not a bolt‑on.
His comments reflect the company’s work delivering AI‑driven automation and compliance for regulated sectors across the UK.
“We are a software development company that builds and helps companies with their AI automation and workflows,” he told listeners.
“A lot of what we’re seeing at the moment is the value captured by the individuals using chat models to speed up kind of day-to-day work.
“The real compound gain for business comes from integrating AI at a deeper level into everything the business does – and having humans in the loop to certify it, keep it safe and compliant.”
That approach mirrors Digital Planning’s client work – embedding AI into core workflows then serving as an ongoing partner to clients spanning financial services, professional services, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
A recent example includes a project for East Midlands Chamber in which Digital Planning used AI and other technology to build a tool which is set to slash 58% of admin time spent on specific comms tasks. The Chamber is using officer time saved to launch a new podcast which will interview members and partners. The project has been shortlisted for Best Use of AI at the CIPR Midlands PR Awards 2026.
James also highlighted the pace of change for the workforce and the culture inside Digital Planning.
“Will you lose your job to AI? Maybe,” he continued in his interview with Ben Jackson. “But you will certainly lose your job to somebody that can wield AI.”
James noted that team members who fully adopt AI can deliver 10 to 20 times more output than traditional methods allow.
That focus on adaptability – with James echoing Darwin’s view that the most adaptable survive – shapes how the company recruits, trains, and reorganises around AI‑augmented roles.
For organisations exploring how to scale beyond one‑off AI experiments, Digital Planning’s message is clear: deep integration, strong governance and continuous training are the strategic levers for long‑term competitiveness.
