LDC AI and data dinner provides insights from Microsoft and Google Cloud

LDC hosted a private dinner on Tuesday evening to discuss AI and data, and the opportunity for the technology to help businesses to grow. The evening brought together industry experts alongside ambitious business leaders from the wider market.

Guest speakers included Dave Preedy, Technology Strategy Director at Microsoft UK, Ajay Vij, UK & Ireland and Strategic Industries Head EMEA, Google Cloud, and from LDC’s parent company, Lloyds Banking Group (LBG), Rohit Dhawan, Executive Director, Head of AI and Ranil Boteju, Chief Data and Analytics Officer.

Hosted in London, the evening began with a welcome from Aylesh Patel, Partner and Head of South at LDC, and included an interesting panel discussion and Q&A, hosted by Chris Baker, Partner at LDC.

The key themes coming out of the evening included:

AI is not hype – it’s transforming industries and societies

In the last 30 years, we’ve witnessed technological shifts that redefine the way we live and work—but today, the pace of change is faster than ever. Generative AI is not just another innovation; it’s a fundamental shift in how businesses operate, how individuals create, and how societies adapt.

Microsoft and Google stand at the forefront of this transformation. Google’s product set includes five products with more than 2 billion users, integrating AI into services that redefine efficiency and accessibility. Meanwhile, Microsoft is embedding generative AI into tools that give people more time to focus on creativity, innovation, and meaningful work in parallel with transforming business models.

At LBG, generative AI has been helping colleagues to solve problems, accelerate business processes, and improve operational efficiency. From software engineering to customer interactions, AI is making companies more effective, not just more efficient.

AI accessibility and personalisation – driving democratisation

One of AI’s biggest promises lies in its democratisation—making it accessible to everyone, regardless of expertise. Businesses testing how AI can be embedded must ensure that they prioritise diversity within the testing, ensuring AI works for all, not just select groups.
Interestingly, some of AI’s earliest adopters are industries that traditionally lag in technological adoption, including the legal profession, where generative AI is streamlining research and analysis with speed and accuracy. AI doesn’t have to replace human judgment, but can enhance it.

AI is also reshaping customer interactions. Large Language Models (LLMs) enable businesses to engage with customers on a human-like level, offering personalised assistance and maintaining memory across interactions—with the potential, for example, to act like a personal bank manager for the masses.

AI risk management – the ethical & regulatory landscape

As AI grows, so does the responsibility to deploy it ethically. Regulatory shifts, like the EU AI Act, aim to address risks associated with AI decision-making—especially in critical fields like medicine and finance. Businesses must balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring guardrails are in place to protect users while fostering creativity.

AI will make mistakes and so the conversation around tolerance for errors is crucial. Leaders at Microsoft, Google, and LBG understand that learning-by-doing is essential, with an emphasis on responsible adoption and continuous refinement.

Looking ahead: what’s next for AI?

The future of AI remains in an exciting phase of test-and-learn. Boundaries are still being defined, and businesses can look at a mindset shift—AI has the potential to be far more than tweaking existing systems; giving the opportunity to reimagine how things are done entirely.

In some sectors, visionary CEOs are embracing an AI-first approach, with well-known software companies publicly prioritising AI-led growth over traditional workforce expansion. However, this model isn’t for everyone, and businesses must evaluate how deeply AI should be embedded in their operations by exploring use cases, refining policies, and considering business models.

The LDC team extends its thanks to everyone who attended the evening.

If you would like to chat to one of our team about how AI and data can support your business growth plans, use the form below to arrange an informal chat, or message your regional LDC office and we’ll be in touch.