About

18 years of experience. A non-academic route. And a mission to make AI work for everyone.

WHY I DO THIS

It's about people.

Our country is facing real economic pressures and a huge skills shortage. Government targets talk about widespread AI adoption by 2031, but we need to be moving faster than that. But this isn't just about economics or government targets. It's about people. AI has the potential to help people get on in life, achieve better outcomes, make life easier, and get the very most from every day. Whether that's saving time, making better decisions, living healthier, or simply feeling more confident and capable — the opportunity AI presents to improve people's lives has never been greater. I started Practical AI Partners because I'm on a mission to help as many individual people and businesses as possible access that opportunity — not in five years, but right now.

HOW I GOT HERE

18 years. No tech degree. Just hard work.

For the past eighteen years, I've been working across complaints, regulatory affairs, sales and marketing, bereavement services, business improvement, and customer service in the energy sector. These roles taught me something fundamental: the best innovations come from understanding people, not just technology. I learned how to explain intricate things in ways people genuinely understand. More importantly, I learned that behind every business challenge is a person who deserves care and clarity.

Today, I deliver digital projects, building IT and AI systems, and helping businesses roll out cutting-edge solutions that have been featured in the media and earned industry recognition. In 2024, a project I led won the Bronze Award for Best Use of AI at the UK Customer Experience Awards at Wembley — showcasing some genuinely innovative, industry-first work. In 2022, I won the Audrey Gallacher Award for Excellence — an award that specifically recognises people who have taken a non-academic route into the energy sector and achieved success in their field.

That award means a lot to me. I didn't go to university. I didn't study computer science or get a tech degree. I got here through hard work, curiosity, and a determination to keep learning. AI was no different — I taught myself, figured it out in practice, and kept going until it clicked. And if I can do it, so can you.

That's not just a tagline. It's the whole reason Practical AI Partners exists.

Shaun Hodge

Founder & Director

UK Customer Experience Awards, Wembley 2024

THE PROBLEM I SPOTTED

The gap is massive — and it's growing.

Most people don't have access to this knowledge. AI education is overcomplicated, jargon-heavy, and inaccessible. The gap between expert knowledge and everyday understanding is massive — and it's growing.

WHAT I'M DOING ABOUT IT

Accessible. Affordable. Human.

I'm taking my passion for helping people be the best they can be, combined with my professional skills, and scaling them to accelerate AI adoption across society and the UK. As a solopreneur in the AI age, I can reach thousands — teaching people, businesses, and organisations how to use AI in ways that are accessible, affordable, and genuinely human.

97%

of UK businesses lack the AI skills they need

British Chambers of Commerce / DSIT, 2026

65%

of UK adults have done zero AI learning in the past 12 months

ONS, Public Opinions & Social Trends, 2024

47%

of UK businesses face moderate or extreme AI skills shortages

Hays UK Trends Report, 2026

2031

Scottish Government target for AI adoption — far too slow

Scotland's AI Strategy 2026-2031, gov.scot

TRACK RECORD

Proven where it counts.

Everything I teach has been used in the real world first — on live projects, with real deadlines, where the results actually mattered.

Years delivering, not theorising

Leading digital projects inside a FTSE 100 company — where the technology had to work for real customers.

2024

AI work judged best in class

Bronze for Best Use of AI at the UK Customer Experience Awards, Wembley — for AI put to practical use.

2022

Recognised for excellence

The Audrey Gallacher Award — for work that made a measurable difference to the people it served.

Let's close the gap together.

Explore what we offer or book a free chat to find out how we can help you.

Explore what we offer Book a free chat