26 Jul 2023

Update From The AEMT Secretary

THE DAWN OF 2023 MARKED A DISTINCT PARADIGM shift that few could have predicted. As we waved farewell to the previous year, whispers of a technological innovation known as ChatGPT by OpenAI began circulating in the halls of social media. Now, in retrospect, it seems we may have underestimated the transformative potential of this revolutionary software.

As we now stand on the threshold of a new era, we're collectively striving to comprehend the true essence of artificial intelligence (AI) and its myriad applications within our commercial operations. A recent LinkedIn poll shed light on the fact that many of us aer still in the early exploratory phase, cautiously navigating the uncharted territories of this game-changing technology. And this is exactly where the indispensable role of a trade association comes into play. We're eagerly anticipating the collaborative journey ahead as our community pools their collective experiences, learning together to harness the power of AI. Despite the prediction that it will take years for firms to fully adopt and integrate this technology, early adopters are set to reap unprecedented benefits.

We're eagerly anticipating the collaborative journey ahead as our community pools their collective experiences, learning together to harness the power of AI. Despite the prediction that it will take years for firms to fully adopt and integrate this technology, early adopters are set to reap unprecedented benefits.

An illuminating study by MIT underscores this point: daily business activities like crafting emails, drafting sales proposals, or creating social media posts were completed 37% faster when aided by AI, with a marked 20% increase in overall effectiveness. Additionally, the study noted increased levels of job satisfaction upon completion of tasks. Consider this food for thought: if you choose to overlook this technology, you risk your competitors surging ahead, leaving you trailing in their wake, struggling to compete with their speed and efficiency.

Annual general meetings provide a mirror, reflecting back on the accomplishments and the progress we have made in the preceding year. As we look back on our recent AGM in June, the reflection is heartening. Despite being a lean team, we've shown the ability to be agile and responsive to our members' evolving needs, consistently exceeding our own expectations.

2022 was indeed a landmark year for the AEMT, laying the cornerstone for our ambitious five-year growth plan. Our strategy revolved around creating value and fostering growth for our members, appealing to businesses poised to transcend boundaries. Our vision to establish an online academy dedicated to professionalising repair, overhaul and reclamation of hazardous area rotating electrical equipment came to fruition within just one year – a feat we initially anticipated would take double that time.

However, we weren't blind to the financial pressure that escalating costs were placing on businesses and employees. Rising energy prices, increasing grocery bills, and soaring living costs called for a decisive response, leading to the creation of AEMT Advantage – an exclusive membership portal offering cost-saving benefits to our members.

As we welcome our new President, Mr James Stevens of Preformed Windings, we're infused with a renewed sense of excitement. His global experience and expertise in business growth, coupled with his tenure with the AEMT since 2019, positions him perfectly to steer the ship. I eagerly look forward to collaborating with him to unlock the potential of our international membership, thereby infusing UK businesses with fresh perspectives and insights.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, this article was written with the help of AI!