Nicola Flannery outlines how organisations can navigate the expanding landscape of AI by focusing on ethical deployment, regulatory compliance, and building consumer trust for sustainable growth and innovation The true societal impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems is yet to be fully realised. However, many already see AI as an engine for productivity and economic growth. As organisations compete to be the first to unlock and realise AI's full potential, governments and regulators worldwide have started the challenging task of creating legislation and regulatory frameworks around a constantly evolving technology. While there is still uncertainty around the risks due to AI technologies, some caution must be displayed to truly understand these, particularly where risks and harms to individuals may arise. In addition, privacy and security concerns are still the leading causes of limiting investments in AI-based solutions. However, with the current buzz around AI, even an organisation not currently considering it will be inclined to do so as the technologies evolve and mature. From this perspective, it is important to start thinking about AI use cases for your business and be ready to implement such solutions in a manner that builds customer confidence and aligns with the regulatory requirements. There is no doubt that companies that have an issue with how and where they deploy AI technologies will suffer from significant reputational damage. Trustworthy AI While the risks of AI technology do exist, there is also no doubt about the benefits that can be realised. However, the social and economic opportunities of AI may not be fully gained if the public’s concerns about the risks of AI outweigh their perception of the benefits. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that AI technologies evolve and are deployed in ways that consumers and users can reasonably trust. Trustworthy AI, also known as ethical or responsible AI, has been proposed to mitigate the risks and enhance consumer/user trust in such systems. This is an umbrella term that consolidates several components which, according to the independent high-level expert group on AI established by the European Commission, consist of the premise that Trustworthy AI must be: lawful, respecting all applicable laws and regulations; ethical, respecting ethical principles and values; and robust, from a technical perspective, but also considering the social environment. Applying a human-centric, trustworthy AI-by-design approach will go a long way towards propelling innovative AI efforts while being aware of the risks that must be mitigated. Six dimensions for trustworthy AI Fair and impartial AI systems should make decisions that follow a consistent process and apply rules fairly. They should also incorporate internal and external checks to remove biases that might lead to discriminatory or differential outcomes, helping ensure results that are not merely technically correct but considerate of the social good. Transparent, documented and explainable AI systems may not operate as “black boxes”; all parties engaging with an AI should be informed that they are doing so and be able to inquire how and why the system is making decisions. Responsible and accountable The increasing complexity and autonomy of AI systems may obscure the ultimate responsibility and accountability of companies and people behind the decisions and actions of these systems; policies should be in place to clearly assign liability and help ensure that parties impacted by AI can seek appropriate recourse. Safe and secure Just as we currently depend on the consistent performance of professionals to help ensure that our daily activities are safe and healthy, we should be able to depend on equivalent or even greater reliability as we merge our systems with AI. Respectful of privacy As AI systems often rely on gathering large amounts of data to accomplish their tasks effectively, we should ensure that all data is collected appropriately, with full awareness and consent, and then securely deleted or otherwise protected from unsanctioned use. Robust and reliable As AI systems take greater control over more critical processes, the danger of cyberattacks and other harms expands significantly. Appropriate security measures should be implemented to help ensure the integrity and safety of the data and algorithms that drive AI. Nicola Flannery is Director of Data Privacy & Internet Regulation at Deloitte

CEOs are leveraging M&A for tech-driven growth and market expansion, embodying innovation and sustainability in a dynamic business landscape, explains Fergal McAleavey In the rapidly evolving business landscape of 2024, global CEOs continue to use mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to navigate innovation and transformation across their businesses.  The latest CEO Outlook Pulse Survey from EY shows businesses are engaging in M&A activity with renewed vigour, considering it a strategic support for addressing key priorities. The survey found that acquiring technology, new production capabilities and innovative startups, growing market share and accessing new geographies stood out as the top three strategic drivers for CEOs pursuing M&A. Irish M&A: growth and innovation In Ireland, the M&A landscape is particularly vibrant, with CEOs and investors showing a keen interest in a variety of transaction opportunities, from trade sales to private equity investment to strategic alliances. Ireland's thriving tech sector and business-friendly climate have fuelled a boom in deal-making, outpacing the UK and EU. This is likely to continue as companies pursue innovative technologies and seek to capitalise on the entrepreneurial energy of startups that have scaled. The strategic imperatives for Irish M&A are expected to align with global patterns, emphasising the acquisition of larger market shares, expansion into new markets, and the integration of advanced technology into existing operations. This is especially pertinent for Ireland, given its status as a European tech hub.  Ensuring strategic objectives are met CEOs are also signalling their readiness to streamline their portfolios, shedding assets to address ESG goals and refine their focus for the challenges ahead. Sustainability due diligence is playing an ever-increasing role in M&A transactions to assist buyers and sellers to ensure that those deals are aligned with their own corporate sustainability objectives. This strategic deal-making is not merely a short-term solution but is part of a broader, long-term vision to build resilience and adaptability for an unpredictable future. Irish CEOs' strategy With global funding markets more receptive in 2024, Irish acquirers may find it easier to secure financing for deals and may be the target of larger companies seeking to expand their geographic footprint or product offering. However, they must remain cautious of potential market tightening as political events unfold. For those looking to divest, the market's increasing appetite for acquisitions and the continued resurgence of private equity (PE) could provide favourable conditions. Nonetheless, the timing of PE's full-fledged return to the M&A space remains a little uncertain for large transactions as they await potential interest rate decreases, particularly in the Eurozone and the UK. Irish companies must stay attuned to shifts in monetary policy that could influence the M&A landscape.  To provide corporate sellers with more control over M&A transactions, particularly as a counter-measure to lengthy deal timelines that have become a feature of the M&A market in the last few years, time is well spent by those sellers preparing potential divestment assets for sale, including anticipating issues of particular relevance to likely buyers of those assets and identifying potential regulatory approval requirements that may add to longer deal timelines. Sell-side due diligence of prospective buyers can also be warranted to help flush out any potential roadblocks or delays that may arise from ever-increasing competition law, foreign direct investment and foreign state aid regime requirements.  The M&A momentum for the remaining months of 2024 is characterised by strategic foresight, adaptability, and a commitment to sustainability, as both global and Irish corporate leaders and investors navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving business world. Fergal McAleavey is Partner of Corporate Finance – Strategy and Transactions at EY

The topic of whether a strong labour market delivers a good labour market is gaining significant attention, particularly since the Economy Minister has underscored the importance of ‘good jobs’ , says Martha Sargent The latest labour market statistics reveal a positive trend: between December and February 2024, unemployment stood at record lows (2.2%), and employment rates reached 71.7 percent, the highest level since the pandemic, indicating a potential improvement in job quality. For the first time since 2001, Northern Ireland did not have the highest level of economically inactive (26.7%) in the UK, with higher rates across Wales (28.1%) and the northeast (26.9%). The strength of the labour market creates a context in which we can challenge ourselves on whether the jobs we have are ‘good’. This has not always been the case. Since the pandemic and the Great Financial Crash, Northern Ireland’s focus has been the retention and recovery of jobs through downturns. In total, Northern Ireland lost over 40,000 jobs following these economic shocks. Encouragingly, as the recovery has taken hold, Northern Ireland reached peak levels of employment with over 904,000 jobs in 2022. So, what does this tell us about the quality of jobs available? Building a resilient economy, one that’s focused on jobs that suit the individual and promotes the overall economy, is a pressing need. This requires a strong emphasis on good, quality jobs—a concept that has now become a cornerstone of the Department for Economy's policy following the Economy Minister Conor Murphy’s  ‘economic vision’, which states “the promotion of good jobs” as one of four key objectives, along with promoting regional balance, raising productivity and reducing carbon emissions. This idea of ‘good jobs’ has also been promoted in the Resolution Foundation’s Creating a Good-Jobs Economy in the UK, in which it found that the British economy falls short on inequality metrics and that regional patterns in productivity play out in job quality. What makes a “good job”? For now, Northern Ireland does not have a clearly defined position on what a ‘good’ job is. What is clear is that it is a mix of areas such as pay, job satisfaction, HR policies, inclusivity, etc., and as such, is debated among policymakers, academics, and economists. In fact, the Department for Economy is currently debating such concepts as part of its measure for the ‘good jobs’ objective announced in the Minister’s economic vision. The Resolution Foundation has provided some insight into what makes a ‘good job’, such as work that pays well enough to allow for a reasonable living standard, stability and security, and opportunities for career progression. Northern Ireland’s New Decade New Approach 2020 includes decent working conditions, security of tenure and a worker's level of autonomy in the analysis, and more recently, the Nevin Economic Research Institute labelled ‘good jobs’ as being secure with strong employee-management relations. The body of research on ‘good jobs’ has highlighted that there is no clear path to tread in measuring or observing ‘good jobs’ for the Department of the Economy. However, Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency's Work Quality reports can provide some insight into the indicators that could be used. The latest data for some elements of consideration shows that 84.5 percent of all employee jobs are paid the real living wage or above; 96.9 percent are in secure employment; and 78.4 percent reported having job satisfaction. Thinking about ‘good jobs’ provides a more holistic approach to economic development. Improvements to well-being because of a ‘good job’ are expected to lead to wider economic benefits for society and the individual. Firms that place value on ‘good jobs’ should also experience higher levels of job satisfaction among workers, leading to an increase in productivity and a reduction in staff turnover and should attract more talent. A people-focused approach to ‘good jobs’ encourages security of employment, training and skills development to achieve the national skills gap challenge. As the old saying goes, ‘If you can measure it, you can manage it’. We should add ‘if you can define it, you can measure it’. Seeing the Department take steps toward defining and tracking ‘good jobs’ can only serve to strengthen the economy and add to Northern Ireland being viewed as a more attractive place to do business. Martha Sargent is Assistant Manager of Economic Advisory at Grant Thornton Northern Ireland

Struggling with imposter syndrome? Jean Evans outlines practical strategies to help overcome self-doubt, boost your confidence and network effectively I used to be the queen of feeling like an imposter. I didn’t have the language to describe what was happening to me, to describe the emotions and fear I felt. For decades in my corporate career, I simply never felt good enough. I always felt ‘less than’. While the phrase ‘imposter syndrome’ has become ubiquitous, there is also a clarification to be made: it’s not a syndrome but rather a collection of feelings – not good enough and a fraud. Imposter syndrome can manifest in several ways when it comes to networking: Simply not showing up. Not engaging at all because you aren’t ‘perfect’. Signing up for events and meetings and then suddenly becoming ‘too busy’ to attend and cancelling last minute. Showing up but slinking to the bar, coffee station, table or chair and attaching oneself as if life itself depends on it. Showing up but freezing when the opportunity arises to connect with others. Managing imposter syndrome while networking can be challenging, but there are strategies you can employ to help you cope with these feelings and present yourself confidently. 1. Acknowledge your achievements Remind yourself of your accomplishments and the skills and experience that qualify you to be in the networking event or situation. Reflect on your successes and recognise your value. 2. Practice self-compassion Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Be aware that it’s natural to feel insecure sometimes, and it doesn’t diminish your worth. Practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself as you would to a friend in a similar situation. 3. Set realistic expectations Understand that not every interaction needs to be perfect. Set realistic expectations for yourself and accept that it’s okay to feel nervous or unsure in networking situations. 4. Focus on learning Instead of seeing networking events as opportunities to prove yourself, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Shift your focus from trying to impress others to gathering information, making connections and expanding your knowledge. 5. Find a support system Surround yourself with supportive friends, family members or mentors who can provide encouragement and reassurance when you’re feeling doubtful. Share your feelings with them – they may offer valuable perspectives and advice. 6. Visualise success Visualise yourself confidently engaging in networking conversations and making meaningful connections. This mental rehearsal can help boost your confidence and reduce anxiety when you are in networking situations. 7. Practice assertive communication Practice assertive communication techniques to express yourself confidently and effectively. Remember that it’s okay to ask questions, share your opinions and assert your expertise when appropriate. 8. Challenge negative thoughts When you notice negative thoughts creeping in, challenge them with evidence that contradicts them. Remind yourself of your past successes and the reasons why you belong at the networking environment. 9. Take breaks when needed If you start to feel overwhelmed or anxious during a networking event, it’s okay to take breaks. Step outside for some fresh air, grab a drink of water or simply find a quiet corner to collect your thoughts and regroup. 10. Seek professional help if necessary If imposter syndrome is significantly impacting your well-being or ability to network effectively, consider seeking support from a therapist or counsellor. They can provide strategies and techniques tailored to your specific needs. Remember that imposter syndrome is common and experienced by many successful individuals. By implementing these strategies and practising self-compassion, you can navigate networking situations with greater confidence and authenticity. Jean Evans is a Networking Architect and founder of NetworkMe 

Even the best and most expensive technology can’t produce good results from bad data. This is true for AI models, too, say Liam Cotter and Niall Duggan Nothing has changed, yet everything has changed because of the advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models. Their ability to surface unstructured data and use it to generate insights is enormously powerful and dangerous at the same time. The problems lie not only in the quality of the unstructured data but much of the structured data to which it may have access. This situation has arisen mainly because organisations have not been using this data to any great extent up until now. Refining data for best results If organisations want to take advantage of the potential benefits of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), they must give GenAI access to their full treasure trove of data or as much of it as is legally permitted. If data is the new oil, however, much of it needs refining to unlock its value. Unfortunately, too many organisations are turning AI loose on the data they have now without first addressing the quality and governance issues associated with it. AI and data analytics need good, trusted, consistent and well-curated data to work correctly and deliver value, which can be rare. Organisations tend to have very fragmented enterprise data environments. Data can be stored on-premises, in the cloud or externally with third parties – and it can be both structured and unstructured. Typically, there are lots of siloes and duplication. This results in separate parts of the same organisation interpreting the same data differently. Finding the best storage solution Data storage is a complex problem to solve. First, there is the sheer volume of data, much of it historical, held by organisations. Then, there is the way the data is passed around. It is often stored in multiple locations, amended and altered in different ways in different places, and subject to misinterpretation, which results in the same data having more than one existence. This is not a new problem; it has already been addressed for business intelligence systems. The standard solution has been the creation of data warehouses or farms which attempt to offer a single source of data truth for the entire organisation. With the enormous volume of data required for GenAI to deliver on its promise, however, the cost of maintaining and resourcing a single data source would quickly become prohibitive. Furthermore, the effectiveness of having data stored in single locations is now questionable. As a result, we are now seeing a move towards data mesh infrastructure. This sees data stored in multiple interconnected, decentralised domains that are all equally accessible. They are organised by business function, so the people most familiar with the data – those best qualified to assess and assure its quality – are in control of it. This helps to ensure the consistency and good governance of the data – the foundation required for adopting AI and GenAI in organisations. The need for team collaboration The data mesh infrastructure has other advantages. It allows different collaborators to work together, for example. In the warehouse model, all data was in the hands of the IT department, and that had severe limitations. IT professionals may be experts on secure data storage, but they are typically not familiar with the nature of the data itself and can’t be expected to vouch either for its quality or the accuracy of an interpretation. On the other hand, when different parts of the business are responsible for managing and curating their own data, they can use it more and work together to create new uses. AI can be deployed while the mesh is under development and can be given access to the data in each domain as it becomes available. However, the development of a data mesh is not simply a technology exercise. It is also a data cleansing and quality assurance process. All data in the mesh should be verified for quality and consistency. This is vitally important for organisations in which the lineage of data can be doubtful. An energy utility’s meter data sits in multiple areas of the business, for example, including the billing and asset functions. This data needs to be brought together into one coherent object, and disparate systems must be joined up and a common taxonomy shared when describing the data. This will enable AI systems to learn from the data in a consistent and more reliable way. This cleansing and verification exercise offers significant benefits in relation to compliance with new reporting standards such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Further, readily accessible quality-assured data will make the reporting process much less onerous. Governance and control Having addressed the quality and accuracy issue, the correct governance and controls must be put in place regarding privacy, data protection and security. Organisations must ensure that AI systems do not inappropriately use their data. This requires constant monitoring of data management and governance. Other key aspects to be addressed are the organisation's culture and the skills of its workforce. Organisations need to become data-centric, and their people must adopt a data mindset if they are to fully take advantage of the value of their data. They must also look at the skills within the workforce and ensure that everyone has basic data skills and that the organisation is not dependent on the IT function to get business insights from its data. Liam Cotter is Partner at KPMG and Niall Duggan is a Director at KPMG

Client surveys offer a direct pathway to understanding client needs. Mary Cloonan outlines how they can help to foster loyalty, innovation and growth Understanding clients deeply is crucial for any professional services firm aiming for long-term success. The client survey is one of the most effective tools for achieving this goal. Before your organisation sends out a survey, however, you should get to know the potential benefits and learn how to get the best results. Listening to understand Client surveys provide a direct line to your clients' thoughts and feelings. By asking thoughtful questions about their satisfaction, preferences and pain points, you can gain valuable insights that are seldom accessible through regular interactions. This allows you to tailor your services more closely to their needs. Proactive engagement Surveys are a powerful tool to help uncover unmet needs and opportunities for improvement. Clients often have evolving needs that might not be immediately apparent. You can identify these shifts through regular surveys and adapt your services and resources accordingly. This proactive approach ensures that your firm remains relevant and valuable to your clients, strengthening your relationships. Enhancing client retention A firm’s willingness to listen to and act on client feedback can bolster client retention. When clients see that their opinions are valued and lead to tangible changes, their loyalty increases. This reduces churn and turns satisfied clients into advocates, amplifying your firm’s reputation through word-of-mouth and referrals. Driving business development Client feedback is a goldmine for business development. Surveys can reveal new service opportunities or potential areas for expansion you might not have considered. Additionally, understanding common challenges your clients face can guide the development of new solutions, positioning your firm as a proactive and innovative partner. Promoting a culture of learning Conducting client surveys regularly fosters a culture of continuous improvement within your firm and your team to be open to feedback and dedicated to enhancing client satisfaction. This culture not only improves service quality but also keeps your firm agile and responsive in a competitive market. Building trust through engagement Asking for your clients’ views through surveys demonstrates your commitment to their success, how your firm values their input, and how you are dedicated to enhancing their experience. This transparency builds trust, a critical component of any long-lasting client relationship. Survey tips To maximise the benefits of client surveys, consider the following best practices: Keep it short and focused: Long surveys can be daunting. Keep your surveys concise, focusing on critical areas of interest to ensure higher response rates. Use clear and simple language: Avoid jargon. Use straightforward language to ensure clients can easily understand and respond to your questions. Incorporate quantitative and qualitative questions: To gather comprehensive feedback, use a mix of rating scales and open-ended questions. Act on feedback promptly: Show clients their feedback matters by implementing changes and communicating these improvements. Follow up: After making changes based on survey feedback, follow up with clients to let them know their input made a difference. This reinforces their value to your firm. Embrace surveys Incorporating client surveys into your firm’s strategy is a wise move that pays dividends in client satisfaction, retention, and overall business growth. By actively seeking and acting on client feedback, you position your firm as a client-centric, innovative, and responsive partner. This strengthens existing relationships and paves the way for new opportunities and long-term success. In the competitive landscape of today’s market, understanding and responding to your clients’ needs is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Embrace client surveys as a vital tool in your accountancy firm, and watch your firm thrive. Mary Cloonan is Founder of Marketing Clever