The Softcat News Team
Bringing together senior IT decision-makers from across a range of industries, the Summit focused on how organisations can realise the value of data and artificial intelligence to boost digital transformation and drive outcomes. The event also explored how organisations can harness AI to unlock real value, freeing people from routine tasks so they can focus on the insight, creativity and judgement that only humans can bring.
A joined-up approach to transformation
Attendees explored how Softcat’s integrated technology capabilities - spanning data, AI, cloud, networking, cybersecurity and workspace - can work together to deliver real, measurable impact.
The agenda combined strategic insight with practical application, featuring expert-led sessions, interactive demonstrations and customer-focused discussions designed to take ideas beyond theory and into action. The sessions reflected the rapidly evolving role of data and AI in modern organisations.
Graham Charlton, CEO of Softcat, said: “This year’s Summit was all about cutting through the noise and helping our customers focus on how data and AI can be applied in practice, finding meaningful ways to drive real business outcomes. It was fantastic to see the degree of collaboration at work on behalf of our customers between their teams, Softcat people and partners. By bringing these conversations together under one roof, we’re helping organisations take confident steps towards becoming truly data‑driven, future‑ready businesses.”
Nick Hedderman, UK & Ireland Channel lead at Microsoft, and speaker at the Summit, said: “This event was the perfect example of the Softcat and Microsoft partnership in action, supporting our mutual customers to become Frontier Firms, where blending human ingenuity with the on-tap intelligence from AI empowers growth and achievement.”
Chris Brewster, CFO Animalcare Group PLC, and speaker at the Summit said: “Great to be part of the Softcat AI Summit. As a CFO of a company early in our data journey, I found the sessions well balanced - highlighting the opportunity of AI while reinforcing the importance of strong data foundations. I’ve come away more intrigued by AI, and with a sharper focus on better articulating the value of a data strategy.”
Driving collaboration and connection
As well as keynote sessions and breakouts, the event provided opportunities for attendees to connect directly with Softcat specialists, partners and peers, helping to broaden networks and spark new conversations across industries. Customers were also given the opportunity to share their insights during the keynote sessions and breakouts, giving the audience the opportunity to connect with stories and experiences that resonated with them.
With dedicated networking sessions and a partner and vendor expo, the Summit created a collaborative environment designed to turn inspiration into practical next steps for organisations at every stage of their transformation journey.
