With 2025 around the corner, and another DIGIT Expo on the horizon, many UK businesses are wondering whether generative AI (genAI) is their next competitive edge, or merely the latest shiny object on the tech shelf.

DIGIT Expo will bring together leaders across the tech landscape, and genAI will undoubtedly be a key topic as companies weigh its potential and challenges. CreateFuture will be there to share its latest research on genAI and discuss how businesses can unlock its true value.

While excitement builds around AI, so does a wave of cautious scepticism. Tech leaders know better than to take every new trend at face value, and this caution reflects a wider industry sentiment: in a recent Gartner survey, nearly half of businesses reported that demonstrating a return on investment (ROI) is their primary challenge with AI.

While this concern is valid, it’s important not to slip into ‘genAI fatigue’ – in other words, getting too bogged down by the negative outlook Gartner calls the ‘trough of disillusionment.’

The key to genAI lies in managing expectations – AI is a long-term play – and while immediate ROI is important, it shouldn’t overshadow the bigger picture. Remember the post-dot-com hangover? Companies that stayed offline were quickly left behind as digital trailblazers surged ahead.

Similarly, a smart approach to genAI – instead of knee-jerk dismissal – could pay off significantly as the tech evolves. So, what makes us believe that this transformative technology can truly deliver?

CreateFuture’s Approach: Why Training Matters

At CreateFuture, we’ve recognised this ROI concern and undertook our own internal research to examine what truly drives AI value.

Through a comprehensive, company-wide AI Enablement programme – documented in our study From Hype to Reality: The True Impact of Generative AI at CreateFuture – we identified two pivotal factors for realising measurable returns: early adoption and dedicated training. And these critical insights have proved essential in shaping a more grounded, realistic genAI strategy.

Our internal study revealed that training is the linchpin for making AI effective. With even a modest investment in AI training, we observed transformative results, including up to 65% time savings and quality improvements as high as 71%.

Even more interesting? Some “power users” emerged – people who intuitively took to the tech and began to generate real impact. These power users, even if few in number, have driven significant value, reinforcing that when people understand the tech, genAI is more than just a buzzword.

Beyond ROI: Introducing Return on Reducing Risk (RORR)

While ROI is a necessary metric, AI’s value often lies outside traditional financial returns. We’ve been exploring the concept of Return on Reducing Risk (RORR) – the idea that AI can help businesses address future challenges before they become a problem.

Early exposure to genAI is a lot like learning a new language: you start with just a few foundational words, the ones you’ll use the most often. These basics can make all the difference, setting you up to confidently add more complex skills over time. It’s not just about immediate payoff but about future-proofing – preparing for challenges that might not yet be on the radar but could save your team serious time and money when they eventually appear.

Laying The Groundwork For GenAI Success

Getting genAI right means starting early with a clear focus on what your business actually needs, whether that’s refining operations, boosting customer engagement, or finding efficiencies you didn’t know were there.

If past tech revolutions have taught us anything, it’s that AI demands high-quality data and a commitment to training. The internet boom, mobile revolution, and rise of cloud computing all proved that companies prioritising data and skills adapted faster, scaled more effectively, and stayed competitive. GenAI will be no different; quality data and thorough training are the nuts and bolts that’ll keep your projects on track, so don’t skimp here.

Now, let’s not forget the vendor side. The wrong vendor can steer you off course faster than you can say “data breach.” Pick partners who align with your goals and aren’t just hopping on the AI hype train. That’s where low-stakes pilot projects come in handy, giving you a sandbox to explore where genAI really delivers value without diving in headfirst.

Recommended reading

• Leaders Agree Surge in Skills Development Needed Due to AI
• Gartner: Worldwide IT Spending to Grow 9.3% in 2025
• What Are the Top 10 Strategic Tech Trends for 2025?

Remember how early digital investments turned out to be absolute cornerstones for business? GenAI is following suit. Done thoughtfully, it’s a long-term asset, not a flash in the pan. So take measured steps now to dodge the hype-fuelled rabbit holes and position AI as the growth driver it can be.

Creating An AI-ready Workforce

The UK has always been a tech-savvy place, and genAI is no exception – it’s our ticket to lead in AI innovation, turning ideas into real, tangible results. At CreateFuture, we’re here to help organisations go beyond the tech buzzwords and actually make it work.

It all starts with strategy. That’s why we focus on assessments and training that put power in the hands of your workforce, creating “power users” who can unlock AI’s true potential. But it’s not all about tech for tech’s sake. Safety, security, and ethics form the backbone of our approach – because genAI needs to be more than a shiny tool; it needs to be a reliable partner.

Join Jeff Watkins (CTO) and Darren Dalrymple (Commercial Principal) at Digit Expo on November 21 for their talk, ‘From Hype to Reality: Stories from the Frontline of the AI Revolution.’ They’ll share key learnings and insights gained from integrating AI and other new technologies within CreateFuture.