Sage has partnered with Google and Multiverse to host an event aimed at helping small businesses in the North East develop practical AI skills. The gathering, supported by techUK and held in the region’s AI Growth Zone, arrives as many small companies are trying to figure out where AI fits into their operations. The company says interest in the technology is rising, but actual adoption remains spotty.
New research from Enterprise Nation, done in partnership with Sage, found that 53% of SMEs believe stronger AI skills would improve the quality, consistency, and speed of their work. When asked what holds them back, many cited costs, 46% pointed to a lack of skills, and 37% said they didn’t have time to learn new tools.
The event took place a week after London Tech Week, where the government emphasized the need for large-scale AI skills development. As partners in the UK’s AI Skills Boost programme, they are part of a broader push to equip millions of people with the skills needed to adopt AI in practice.
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The growing role of hands-on skills initiatives will support the North East AI Growth Zone’s ambitions. Through sessions focused on boosting productivity and decision-making, it is trying to help more businesses in the region turn AI ambition into something they can actually use day-to-day.
Jonathan Cowan, executive vice president at Sage, said the real opportunity isn’t just understanding AI — it’s making it usable in daily business.
“The North East has a strong track record of innovation, and that’s only accelerating as AI becomes part of how businesses operate,” Cowan said. “Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, so it’s critical they can benefit from that — regardless of their size.”
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He added that there’s still a confidence gap. “Most businesses don’t need more theory — they need to know what works in practice. The role for companies like Sage is to show how AI can fit into everyday tasks in a way that saves time, adds value and keeps people in control.”
Not everyone is convinced that corporate-led training alone will close the gap. Some smaller business owners have said that without direct financial support, even free events can feel out of reach for a team already stretched thin. The research from Enterprise Nation backs that up.
Cost was the single biggest barrier cited.
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The North East AI Growth Zone was launched last year as part of a government plan to spread tech investment beyond London and the South East. It covers Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham, areas with growing tech sectors but historically lower levels of venture capital funding. The zone is meant to act as a hub for AI-related business and research.
Sage, which is headquartered in Newcastle, has long been one of the region’s largest tech employers. Its involvement in the skills push ties directly to that local presence. The company says it plans to run more events like this one throughout the year, though it hasn’t announced specific dates or locations yet.
