Why businesses should dive into AI research

We have all heard the phrase “information is power.” In today’s world, information isn’t just power – it’s speed, efficiency, and competitive advantage. And for Channel Island businesses, especially in finance, government, and professional services, getting to high-quality insights quickly can make all the difference.

AI tools for in-depth analytical research are part of a new wave called “agentic AI.” Traditional AI (like an old-school chatbot) works in single steps: you ask a question, it gives an answer. That’s helpful, but limited. Agentic AI is different. These systems can understand what you want, break it down into smaller tasks, go off and find the answers, check sources, compare information, and come back with a well-structured, detailed output. Think of them like an extremely capable (and very fast) analyst who never takes a break.

Tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Elon Musk’s Grok are leading the way. They’re already being used by businesses worldwide to do everything from industry trend analysis to competitor benchmarking, to summarising complex financial reports. And you don’t need to be a tech genius to use them. If you can write an email, you can learn how to prompt these tools effectively. That’s what the course is all about – hands-on, live demonstrations, zero jargon, and real-world use cases.

So why should this matter to Channel Island businesses?

Because we face a very specific challenge here: we’re running out of people. For example, Guernsey’s unemployment rate is under 1%. That’s great in theory, but in practice it means there are simply not enough people to fill the jobs we have. Our population is aging, fewer young people are coming through the pipeline, and the only thing keeping the workforce stable right now is inward migration. That’s not a sustainable long-term plan. Even if you can attract new hires, the cost of recruitment, housing, and retention is soaring. Real wages have actually fallen in Guernsey when adjusted for inflation. Businesses are under pressure, staff are stretched, and we’re all being asked to do more with less.

This is exactly where these new AI tools come in.

They allow you to offload repetitive, time-consuming research tasks to an agent that works tirelessly behind the scenes. You set the brief, and it goes to work. Need to analyse a new market? Compare ten competitors? Summarise the latest regulation? These tools can do that in minutes, not hours. They won’t replace your team – but they will augment them. And in places like Guernsey and Jersey, where labour is scarce and expensive, that’s a huge advantage.

Better still, this isn’t just a tool for the techies. In fact, some of the most enthusiastic adopters we’ve worked with are people in finance, compliance, and government – smart professionals who quickly see the value once they try it. But here’s the catch: many haven’t tried it yet. Not because they’re sceptical, but because they’re busy, or they assume it’s too complicated.

Around the world, businesses are already seeing serious ROI from using these tools. Some report saving 30 minutes a day per employee on routine tasks. Others use them to generate reports, analyse data, or even draft responses to complex queries. The point is: this technology is here now, and it’s moving fast. The earlier you get to grips with it, the more competitive you’ll be.

Guernsey and Jersey have always had to do more with less. We’re small islands with big ambitions. But to stay competitive in a rapidly changing global economy, we need to be smart, agile, and tech-savvy. Embracing tools like agentic AI isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.