Microsoft this week predicted that AI could add around 10% to the UK economy within just five years.

Chris Hopton, CEO of Ricoh UK, believes the UK will only realise these benefits through secure, responsible and truly practical deployment of AI – ensuring it empowers people to focus on higher-value work rather than replacing roles outright.

“This partnership reminds us that the opportunity is far too big to ignore. But it also brings urgency: only through secure, responsible, and truly practical deployment will we realise these gains.

“We see day in, day out how automation and AI can empower people for higher-value work, not replace roles. The greatest return will come from unlocking productivity, enabling talent to flourish, and preparing institutions, both public and private, for what lies ahead.”