Unlocking Growth Responsibly: AI and the Sustainable Goals for SMEs

Organiser: University of Bedfordshire

Venue: Luton Campus

Address:

Date & Time: 11 Feb 2026 - 10:00 am-12:00 pm

Are you looking to grow sustainably while also driving innovation? 

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are crucial for achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, as they make up 90% of businesses and 50% of employment worldwide. While the goals provide a universal blueprint, SMEs can start by focusing on a few areas most relevant to their business operations and impact.

Unlocking Growth Responsibly: AI and the Sustainable Goals for SMEs

Date: 11th February 2026

Time: 10am – 12pm

Location: Luton Campus

Artificial Intelligence presents one of the largest opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises in the decade ahead. Whether it’s supply chain optimisation, carbon reduction, demand forecasting, customer service automation or data-driven sustainability reporting, AI has the potential to accelerate growth while delivering measurable social and environmental impact.

However, AI also carries risks if poorly designed or adopted. From biased recruitment tools to high-energy AI models, misinformation, or labour disruption without upskilling, AI can undermine the same Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework it has the power to advance.

This two-hour interactive session will give SMEs:

• A clear roadmap to adopt AI tools that reduce waste, carbon and cost
• Practical ways to support fair work, equality, transparency and ethical decision-making
• The ability to assess environmental and social risks before investing in AI solutions
• A hands-on template to design a balanced and responsible AI micro-pilot

Participants will leave with actionable steps, tools, and confidence to drive innovation and sustainability simultaneously. Whether you are new to AI or looking to scale your digital strategy, this event will help you grow responsibly and stay ahead of evolving UN SDGs and procurement requirements.

Register Here:
Central Bedfordshire-based businesses: https://www.beds.ac.uk/ukspf-central-beds
Bedford-based businesses: https://www.beds.ac.uk/ukspf-bedford
Luton-based businesses: https://www.beds.ac.uk/ukspf-ai-luton/

The workshop is delivered in partnership with Bedford Borough Council, Luton Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council and funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund.