News
LDC South West and Wales dinner: Exploring AI, Economic Trends and Future Growth
31 Mar 2025
The South West and Wales team at LDC hosted a dinner for over 20 business leaders in the technology, ICT and media sectors last week, at Hotel du Vin, in Bristol. Joined by two guest speakers, we brought together some of the region’s most exciting businesses, including portfolio companies Hybrid, Lending Metrics, and The Barrister Group, and other business leaders from across the region.
Across a number of interesting discussions, networking and dinner, the evening provided valuable insights into how businesses are navigating the changing role of AI, economic trends, and the wider geopolitical landscape, while leveraging technology to drive productivity and growth.
Our guest speakers included Ian Spence – Founder and Chair, Megabuyte, and Gajan Mahadevan – Senior Macro Strategist, Market Insights, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets.
Gajan shared perspectives on macro-economic trends, including a view on productivity and growth. He noted that consumer confidence remains subdued, but spending has been resilient, and inflation has eased from the peak of 2022. Gajan discussed the global economic conditions and the impact on pricing pressures, and how the ability to retain talented employees remains a priority, especially for technology businesses where skills are particularly in demand.
Ian discussed corporate activity and valuations in the technology space, looking at the nuances of software, IT services and media companies. He then led a lively and interactive session on AI, with guests discussing examples of how AI-driven companies are adapting, using data and automating processes. Ian also shared five key AI predictions, including the increased use of AI agents, shifting business models and productisation. It’s widely acknowledged that the rate of AI adoption will continue to accelerate over the next decade and there was an interesting discussion about how AI will continue to evolve tech-based businesses, and beyond into sectors like healthcare and industrials.
The South West and Wales team extends their thanks to everyone who attended the evening, representing the thriving technology, ICT and media community in the region.
