About the event

Imagine a business where everything works seamlessly:

Finance and operations are connected.
Data is structured and secure.
Insights are delivered instantly when you need them.

For most companies, this feels out of reach. Disconnected systems, manual processes, and scattered data hold them back.

But the future is here – and it’s within your grasp.

Join String and Hurst at Microsoft Manchester this March and explore how to move from complexity to clarity using connected systems, smarter data and AI-powered insight.

Who’s presenting?
Paul Kiveal
CSO - String Systems
Simon Berrill
BC Practice Lead - String Systems
Jo Gibson
Business Services Partner - Hurst
Neil Jackson
Senior Digital Consultant - Hurst

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What We’ll Cover

In this session, we’ll look at what the future-ready business really looks like and why getting data right is now critical to performance and growth. We’ll explore how disconnected systems and manual processes quietly hold organisations back, and how bringing finance and operations together with structured data, automation, and AI can transform the way decisions are made.

You’ll see how disconnected systems and manual processes limit insight, and learn how structured data and intelligent tools can turn finance and operations into a true decision-making engine. Through real examples and practical demonstrations, you’ll see how tools like Power BI, Business Central, and AI can turn everyday operational and financial data into insight you can actually trust – supporting forecasting, scenario planning, and clearer business commentary You’ll gain simple, actionable steps to capture, secure, and structure data so AI delivers reliable insight, not noise, and understand where AI adds value (and where human judgement still matters).

Discover how businesses like yours are unlocking efficiency and clarity by integrating systems and applying AI effectively, and leave with a clear roadmap to turn your data into meaningful insight.

🗓️ Agenda:

 

10:00 – 10:35 | Opening: The Future Business – Why It Matters

We’ll kick things off by exploring what a perfectly run business looks like: seamless operations, connected finance, and insight delivered when you need it. You’ll see why disconnected systems and manual processes hold businesses back and how structured data, automation, and AI can finally make your business run smoothly.

 

10:35 – 11:10 | Power BI & AI in Finance: Turning Data Into Insight

Hurst will show how finance teams can turn operational and financial data into actionable insight. From combining datasets to creating dashboards that actually inform decisions, you’ll discover how Power BI and AI can support forecasting, scenario planning, and smarter decision-making – while understanding the limits of AI in finance.

 

11:10 – 11:45 | Capturing, Securing & Structuring Data Across the Business

See how data should be captured, structured, and secured across operations and finance to feed automation, reporting, and AI. Using tools like Power Apps and Business Central, you’ll learn how to structure your numbers so AI delivers accurate, reliable insight and your systems work together seamlessly.

 

11:45 – 12:20 | AI in Action: Practical Insights and Real-World Impact

Explore how AI can assist in budgeting, forecasting, and commentary, turning structured data into meaningful insight. Using real examples, Hurst will demonstrate how calculations like GP, margins, and summaries can guide better business decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

 

12:20 – 13:00 | Break & Lunch

 

13:00 – 13:45 | Business in Action: Case Studies & Integration Wins

See how businesses like yours have transformed operations and finance by integrating systems, improving data capture, and applying AI effectively. Practical lessons and actionable steps will show how to achieve maximum insight and efficiency across your business.

 

13:45 – 14:00 | Open Q&A: Solve Your Challenges

Bring your questions and challenges. Our experts will provide honest, actionable advice on finance workflows, reporting, automation, and AI so you can leave with clarity and confidence.

 

Closing Takeaways

We’ll summarise the key actions to take now, how to structure systems and data for maximum impact, and how to ensure automation and AI deliver tangible results across your business.

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