Every organisation today is a technology company, and as we navigate the AI era, the pace of change is profound. Our studies show that 91% of CEO’s see the opportunity in AI, yet 65% fear they are missing out due to underinvestment.
The conversation has moved on, it’s no longer human versus AI, but rather how we enable humans with AI.
To truly unlock AI’s value, we must create the critical infrastructure to underpin it, secure it, manage the data, and build the skills that enable people to embrace it. However, as we build this future, we cannot lose sight of the broader impact.
A technology-enabled economy that only a few can participate in is not a resilient one. The opportunity in front of us will not be realised if people are left behind.
That belief is exactly what underpins our UK & Ireland Manifesto.
This time last year, we made a commitment to help everyone in the UK and Ireland benefit from a more digitally inclusive society.
It was not a short-term goal, but as I reflect on the past twelve months, I am incredibly proud of the tangible progress we have made across three core areas of focus.
- Growing our presence in communities
We have expanded our connection to communities across the nation.
In Birmingham, we announced our presence in STEAMhouse and have since expanded regional partnerships to engage the business community and local authorities.
We announced our critical role with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) in the Tech Towns initiative, starting in Barnsley with the aim of creating a nationwide blueprint.
In Cardiff, we have grown our presence with dedicated facilities in Spark. In Manchester, GM One is thriving, and we have proudly overdelivered on our social value contributions.
In Ireland, we are providing regional solutions grants to charities, using technology platforms as a true connector between surplus food and those in need. And in Edinburgh, our partnership with Abertay University is showcasing what real innovation in the health service could look like.
Finally, we officially opened our new London office—a living showcase of Cisco technology and our first globally to be designed with neurodiversity in mind.
- Developing digital skills
To realise AI’s promise, continuous investment in talent is essential and in everything we do, we look to how we scale through partnership, because partnerships are what we know best.
In the last year alone, we have helped 100,000 people develop their skills through the Cisco Networking Academy—the equivalent of five years of progress in one, keeping us well on track for our target of one million by 2030.
Crucially, we are partnering with the government on initiatives like the AI Skills boost to take that further.
We have also worked with over 100 organisations to facilitate training through our apprenticeship and levy donation programme with Multiverse.
One of my proudest milestones, was the launch Discover Tech to bring tech work experience to more people, in more parts of the UK.
- Activating our ecosystem
I am continually inspired by our workforce and our partners. Over 80% of Cisco UK & Ireland employees volunteered their time to give back in the last year.
Through our collective efforts, we have supported incredible causes—from helping Care Packs go from strength to strength with over 5,000 packs created this year, to partnering with Child Bereavement UK to create wellbeing kits for bereaved children at this year’s Cisco Connect. Because we know that we have a much bigger impact when we show up together.
Real-World Impact
When we think about our technology strategy—Future Proof Workplaces, AI Ready Data Centres, and Digital Resilience—we must put it into context. Nearly every internet connection in the UK and Ireland touches Cisco, and that isn’t something that we take lightly.
From the CPaaS solutions sending thousands of NHS appointment reminders daily, to our work with the Lister Alliance on connected GP practices and the National Rehab Centre in the East Midlands. We are helping combat social isolation in Plymouth through ‘Deleting Loneliness’.
In education, our network data is supporting the Department for Education’s net zero ambitions, and we have helped launch the UK’s first Biophilic school and college. In Ireland, we are partnering with local authorities to address internet safety for children in over 4,000 schools, whilst working with the Open University to support student wellbeing.
Looking Ahead
We are uniquely positioned to provide the critical infrastructure for AI, but the picture of what we make possible is brightest when we focus on the intersection of technology, people, and communities.
We have the technology, the ecosystem, and the opportunity to truly make a difference, and we remain deeply committed to furthering our vision for a more inclusive, digital UK and Ireland.
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