When Chamber Members Work Together: A Practical AI Story

Posted 04 March 2026 | 0 Comments

Richard Dawson, long-standing Chamber member and CPD-certified AI Adviser, shares how a fellow Chamber member of 25+ years is putting AI to work - without sacrificing the creative quality that defines their business.

Following February's article on the three AI beliefs that will cost North West businesses in 2026, Chamber members have been asking a practical follow-up question: "That's the problem - but what does a sensible first step actually look like?"

Richard Knew and the team at Knew Productions are the answer to that question.

Two Chamber Members. One Practical AI Journey.

Knew Productions has been delivering world-class video production for more than 25 years. A dynamic, boutique creative team producing compelling content across multiple sectors - quality, precision and creativity are their signature. Like many established businesses in the region, they knew AI could add value. What they weren't sure about was where to start without disrupting the workflows that made them successful.

"That's the most common position I encounter," says Richard Dawson. "Businesses with real expertise, real standards and real clients don't have time for theoretical AI training. They need implementation that fits how they already work."

The two Richards - both long-standing Chamber members - began working together in September 2024. Not with a software list, but with Knew Productions' existing workflows: where was time being lost? Where could AI reduce operational friction without touching the creative craft at the heart of the business?

Implementation Over Theory

Quarterly workshop sessions followed - covering LinkedIn strategy and, more recently, practical AI implementation across content creation, proposal development, processes and planning.

Here is what Richard Knew had to say about the experience:

"Richard Dawson has worked with us since September 2024, leading quarterly workshop sessions for our team on LinkedIn and, more recently, AI. The real value is that Richard actually works with us to implement ideas rather than expecting us to work it out between sessions. He's introduced the team to practical AI workflows, showing how tools like ChatGPT and Claude could streamline content creation, proposal development, processes and planning. Now, all the team members use AI more regularly as a part of their daily work rhythms. What I appreciate most is that he understands Knew Productions is a busy, boutique video production company. We don't have bandwidth for homework or rigid schedules. His implementation sessions actually fit how we work."

Human First AI: The Principle Behind the Approach

Knew Productions is a strong example of what Richard calls "Human First AI" - the principle that artificial intelligence should amplify human expertise, not replace it.

"A 25-year creative business doesn't need AI to do the creative thinking," Richard explains. "It needs AI to handle the administrative and operational load that gets in the way of doing the creative thinking brilliantly. That's the distinction that matters."

For Chamber members in professional and creative services, the lesson from Knew Productions is straightforward: AI adoption doesn't require a transformation project. It requires someone who understands your business well enough to show you exactly where it fits.

A Free Starting Point for Chamber Members

For Chamber members in Legal and Professional Services who are still working out where to begin, Richard is offering a FREE AI Strategic Confidence Discovery Session (usual value £195, available until 30/04/2026). This focused 45-minute session helps senior decision-makers identify where AI adds value without compromising professional standards, clarify their biggest AI concern, and determine their next best step.

Email [email protected] or connect with Richard on LinkedIn and mention "Chamber AI Discovery".