Uncategorized Archives

28/05/2025

The state of AI in 2025: how AI is transforming Manchester businesses

This blog is a contribution by our very own Eddy Bennett, Co-Founder and Digital Director here at 22 Group. As a leading branding, marketing and website agency in Manchester we have a passion for emerging technology and a sharp eye on the future of digital marketing. Eddy is leading our exploration into how AI is reshaping businesses across various industries.

In this piece, he shares insights into the current state of AI and how it’s already transforming how companies operate, improve efficiency, and drive growth.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has made impressive strides in recent years, and 2025 marks a significant turning point—the rise of autonomous AI agents. These intelligent systems, capable of acting independently to perform complex tasks, are now revolutionising the way businesses function in a wide range of sectors.

In the past, companies traditionally relied on human expertise and manual processes. Today, AI agents are empowering businesses of all types to streamline operations, enhance customer service, and unlock valuable insights. This article explores the current state of AI, how AI agents operate, and specific ways they are already transforming UK businesses.

The current state of AI in 2025

AI has evolved far beyond simple automation and predictive analytics. Modern AI systems leverage large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI's GPT series, deep learning models, reinforcement learning systems, and multi-agent environments. The advent of AI agents—autonomous entities capable of performing tasks with minimal human intervention—marks one of the most significant developments in AI technology.

What are AI agents?

An AI agent is an autonomous system that interacts with its environment through perception (such as language, images, and data), decision-making, and action. These agents are powered by:

Natural language processing (NLP): Understanding and generating human-like text.
Machine learning (ML): Learning patterns from data and improving over time.
Computer vision: Identifying and interpreting visual information.
Reinforcement learning: Adapting behaviour based on feedback.
Multi-agent systems: Coordination between multiple AI agents to solve complex problems.

What makes modern AI agents exceptional is their ability to integrate these technologies and operate with minimal human oversight. For businesses, this means AI can take over routine, time-consuming tasks, delivering faster and more consistent results.

How AI is being used in Manchester businesses today

AI is already being actively deployed by businesses across Manchester and the UK. According to a recent report, 58% of businesses use AI tools at least weekly, with many finding them crucial for operational success.

Here are some key ways AI is transforming businesses today:

1. Automating client communication

AI agents with natural language capabilities can handle initial client interactions, answer questions, and provide information around the clock.

Example: An AI chatbot integrated into a company’s website can manage customer enquiries, provide product details, and schedule consultations.
Benefit: Reduces employee workload and improves customer service with faster response times.

2. Market analysis and forecasting

AI agents can analyse real-time market data to deliver insights, predictions, and trends tailored to a business’s needs.

Example: AI systems can pull data from industry reports and consumer behaviour, helping businesses anticipate trends and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Benefit: Offers businesses accurate forecasting, improving competitiveness and decision-making.

3. Lead qualification and follow-up

AI agents can score and categorise leads based on engagement patterns, demographics, and past interactions.

Example: AI systems can monitor website interactions and identify high-potential leads, automatically scheduling follow-ups through email or phone.
Benefit: Enables businesses to focus on high-value leads, improving conversion rates.

4. Personalised recommendations

AI agents can analyse customer behaviour and preferences to suggest products or services that match their needs.

Example: An AI-powered recommendation engine can suggest relevant services or products to a user based on their browsing history or past purchases.
Benefit: Improves customer satisfaction and increases sales potential.

5. Streamlining administrative tasks

AI can help businesses automate administrative processes, such as invoicing, contract creation, and customer feedback analysis.

Example: An AI agent can draft contracts or analyse customer feedback to identify areas for improvement.
Benefit: Saves time and reduces human error, allowing staff to focus on more strategic tasks.

6. Predicting market trends

Machine learning models can identify market shifts and predict future demand based on historical data and economic factors.

Example: AI systems can analyse competitor activity and market dynamics to forecast industry trends and identify opportunities.
Benefit: Gives businesses the ability to plan ahead and stay competitive in their respective sectors.

How AI agents improve business efficiency

AI agents are particularly effective at boosting operational efficiency:

Automated communication: Reduces time spent on routine enquiries and customer service tasks.
Data-driven insights: AI analyses large datasets to uncover trends and customer behaviour patterns.
Cost savings: Automating administrative functions can significantly reduce overhead costs.
Scalability: AI allows businesses to scale their operations without increasing headcount.

Why AI for businesses is more than a buzzword

AI isn't just about adopting the latest technology; it’s about giving businesses the tools to perform at a higher level. AI can support human teams, streamline operations, and unlock new growth opportunities. Like other web design agencies in Manchester, we are exploring and adopting AI in this way here at 22 Group, across web design, web development, project management, content creation, copywriting and marketing. By automating routine tasks, AI allows businesses to focus on what they do best—delivering excellent products and services, building customer relationships, and driving innovation.

AI also brings consistency to operations—something that human teams can struggle to deliver under pressure. Whether it's answering customer enquiries out of hours or automating follow-ups, AI ensures that no task falls through the cracks.

The future of AI in UK businesses

As AI technology continues to evolve, businesses can expect even more advanced, predictive capabilities. Some future trends include:

AI-powered virtual consultations: AI could create custom consultations based on user needs.
Sentiment analysis: AI could monitor social media and customer feedback to gauge brand sentiment.
Smart negotiations: AI agents could suggest optimal negotiation strategies based on market analysis.

While AI is transforming businesses, the human element remains essential. AI tools help businesses work smarter, not harder, by enabling staff to focus on higher-level strategic activities.

Challenges and ethical considerations

Like any emerging technology, AI comes with its challenges:

Data privacy: AI systems must comply with data protection regulations.
Ethical concerns: AI recommendations must be free from bias and designed to serve the best interests of customers.
Over-reliance on automation: Maintaining a balance between human expertise and AI is key.

A transparent, thoughtful approach ensures AI enhances business operations while preserving the human touch that remains vital to customer relationships.

Our conclusion

AI agents are no longer futuristic concepts—they are actively reshaping industries across the UK. From automating client communication to predicting market trends, AI is becoming a game-changer for modern businesses. As AI technology continues to evolve, companies that embrace these innovations will have a competitive edge, streamline operations, and deliver better outcomes for their clients.

At 22 Group, we’re excited about how AI can support our clients’ digital transformations. Whether it’s automating administrative tasks, improving customer interactions, or providing data-driven insights, we’re exploring how AI can work hand-in-hand with the brand strategy, website design and digital marketing services we offer. If you're curious about how AI can enhance your business, especially your website and online presence, get in touch with us today. Let’s discuss how we can leverage AI to drive your success.

Published by twentytwo in Tech and AI, Uncategorized, Website Design & Build

03/03/2025

Vacancy: Branding, Graphic & Web Designer

We're hiring! This is an exciting opportunity for a talented designer to join our team in Manchester.

⭐ Mid or Senior Level
📍 Location: Remote and Northern Quarter, Manchester (Office day: Thursdays)
💰 Salary: Up to £35,000 (DOE)

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a talented and enthusiastic Branding, Graphic & Web Designer to join our award-winning, friendly and straight-talking team to deliver high-quality work for our clients.

We operate under two brands:

22 Group Ltd: Working across multiple sectors (25% of our work).
PropertyStream: Specialising in the UK property sector, mainly estate agents (75% of our work).

We’re a close-knit team of branding, design, copywriting, web development, and marketing specialists dedicated to creating award-winning brands and websites that make a real impact. We primarily work remotely, with one day a week (Thursday) from our office in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

The Role

What You’ll Do

Design brand identities, websites, and marketing assets that stand out
Create social media graphics, ads, print materials, and other marketing collateral to promote our own brands and clients’ brands.
Work closely with developers and marketers to ensure designs work seamlessly.
Present concepts to clients and take on feedback efficiently.
Design and implement websites using WordPress CMS, including Divi Builder and Gutenberg.
Build and develop new WordPress modules based on design specifications.
Keep all designs on-brand and consistent.

What We’re Looking For

3-6 years' experience in branding, graphic, and web design.
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (XD, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
Experience designing websites in Figma and a strong grasp of UI/UX principles.
Comfortable working with WordPress CMS, Divi Builder, and Gutenberg.
Ability to think strategically about design and align it with business goals.
Confident in client communication and presenting ideas.
A problem-solver who can work independently and make decisions.

Why Join Us?

Work on award-winning branding and websites with a talented, passionate team.
Be part of high-profile projects in the property sector.
Ongoing development and exposure to cutting-edge design techniques.
Flexible remote work, with minimum one day a week in our Manchester office.
Make an impact. Be part of a friendly, straight-talking team who value commitment and talent.
Quarterly Manchester social events to keep the team connected.

How to Apply

Send your CV and portfolio. We’re looking for great work, not just a great CV.

Please send CV and portfolio to: designers@22group.co.uk

Published by twentytwo in Company updates, Uncategorized

03/02/2021

Do I need a business website?

Wondering if you need a business website? Did you start your own business during the pandemic? Or have a business but never got round to creating a website?

The answer to your questions about needing a website for your business is a straight up: yes. Not just any website that you think will just do the job, a good one that’s been professionally designed and developed to drive your business forward, generate leads and future-proof your online profile.

Does it generate sales? Does it organically attract customers? Is it user friendly and intuitive?

You also want the website to make a splash and look great!

COVID-19 has ensured that every industry needs to be digitally capable. It’s more important than ever to have a website.

three drawings of a website design layout plan in blue, purple and green watercolour

Reasons why you need a website:

1. Improves credibility

Having a website to a lot of customers proves to them that your business is legit. A lot of consumers tend to look for a website when they are thinking of buying from you and check that what you are offering is actually authentic.

2. It’s advertising

It’s a no brainer that having a website is 24/7 advertising. No employee will do that for you! New customers may find your business online while they’re shopping around and may not have come across you otherwise.

3. One stop shop

Having a website means you can collate and have all your business information in one place, whether it’s information on all the services you provide or products you sell. This helps to focus your business objectives and makes it a better experience for customers to know what you have available and they can see everything in one place.

4. Customer connection

Your website can allow customers to connect with you. This can be via a booking or reservation system where your customers come to make an appointment. Or simply if a customer is trying to get in contact they can fill out a form or get your business details in order to do this. We are form-obsessed at 22 Group and our clients’ websites include the latest and best forms to capture leads.

5. Sells itself

If your website is made well with a professional look, it’ll sell itself and attract customers that are browsing online. You want the website to be a valuable asset to your business and it should be a tool to help you stand out from the crowd.

6. You shouldn’t rely on social media

With the social media platform algorithms constantly changing, it has meant that reaching and engaging with your audience or potential customers has been getting harder and harder. So many other businesses are on all the platforms as well which may mean less people are seeing your posts. It’s frustrating for businesses who are trying to build themselves.

22 group team sitting discussing building a new website and the website design for clients.

We’re a leading, award-winning company based in Manchester for website design, website build, branding and marketing. Since we are a Manchester website design agency it means we have an understanding of young, booming businesses to already accomplished organisations. Manchester has been recognised as the ‘entrepreneur capital’ (Business Live, 2020) and is known to be a digital and tech hot-spot.

Now is the time to get your website designed and developed. We know this is an important investment into your business and can accommodate websites to suit a range of budgets.

If you know the time is right for a website or a design refresh to your existing site, we’d love to hear from you and show you what we do.

Get in touch here or give us a call on 0161 672 7822.

Published by twentytwo in Uncategorized, Website Design & Build

Tags: websitebuild, websitedesign

02/12/2020

22 days of Christmas

Welcome to our digital A-Z jargon-buster as we count down the days to Christmas. 22 is our take on 25 in our Advent Calendar 2020.

Check in every day on our website or across our social media to learn a new word or refresh your vocabulary for websites, branding and marketing - in alphabetical order.

‘Tis the season to share, learn and be merry and we would love you get involved in our Advent Calendar so please share, like and comment!

If your business needs help in unravelling the constantly changing digital world, let us know. Our expert team can help to future-proof your online presence and make a splash through awesome websites, branding and marketing campaign.

We hope you enjoy following our #22daysofchristmas countdown.

Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.

A is for Algorithm: Complex programs used by search engines (e.g. Google) to find, rank and return the most relevant pages for search queries.

B is for Breadcrumb: A text path featured at the top of a web page showing where you are on a site. Thanks to Hansel & Gretel for helping us back home.

C is for Canonical tag: Way of telling search engines that a specific URL (Uniform Resource Locator) represents the master copy of a page. Prevents problems caused by duplicate content appearing on multiple URL’s.

D is for Domain: Name used to identify a website’s unique online space e.g. 22group.co.uk Domains are purchased and registered.

E is for Email marketing: Don’t just email your clients – capture, nurture, convert, retain. Do it right and it can be very powerful.

F is for Favicon: A tiny custom icon displayed to the left of your web address in your browser to help give brand or service identity. We have 22 in a circle. What’s yours?

G is for Goal: A measure of how well your web site fulfils your target objective and represents a completed activity, called a conversion. Do you have your goals set up in Google Analytics?

H is for HTML: Hyper Text Mark-up Language, widely known as the language of the web. HTML are tags or commands informing the web-browser how to present a webpage.

I is for Infographic: A graphical representation of data or information. A great way of creating and sharing interesting content in marketing campaigns and on social media.

J is for JavaScript: Scripting language used to create and control dynamic website content - anything that moves, changes or refreshes on your screen.

K is for Keywords: Specific words or phrases which describe your content. It’s what your customers or potential customers would enter into a search engine.

L is for Landing Page: A specific website page which will show up when a particular link is clicked. Just like the one in our caption!

M is for Meta Description: The small amount of text which is seen on search engines before a site is clicked on. It gives a summary of the web page content.

N is for Newsfeed: Where updates from people or brands you follow are shown. Typically on social media, it will show profile changes, new photos uploaded, etc.

O is for Organic Marketing: When your customers are coming to you naturally without using any paid advertisements to attract them.

P is for Plug-in: An add-on software which brings new functionality to a program or website. It allows customisation, enhancing its capabilities.

Q is for QR Code: A quick response (QR) code is a type of barcode that can be read by a smartphone. Once read, this leads you to a specific website or content page.

R is for Responsive Layout: This is when a website is able to adjust its screen size depending on the digital device that is accessing it.

S is for SEO: Search engine optimisation is the technique of improving your website and its content so that it appears higher in search engine rankings.

T is for Traffic: In relation to a website this refers to the amount of visitors, also known as “sessions”. This is a great way to measure online success.

U is for UX: User experience (UX) refers to the overall experience of the user’s interaction with a product, system or service.

V if for vlog: Instead of a traditional written blog, a vlog is a video blog. Involving filming experiences, thoughts and opinions to share with a wider audience.

W is for Wireframes: Like a blueprint, a wireframe shows the plan for a web page. It is typically not coloured and more to see the layout, features and spacing.

X is for X-Post: Short for cross-post this refers to posting content on multiple platforms, expanding the audience reach.

Y is for Yak Shaving: In programming this is the need to complete a task, to be able to proceed with the next. Like pulling your Christmas cracker before eating.

Z is for Zip File: A computer file that is compressed. By reducing the size it means it takes up less space and is easier to transport.

Published by twentytwo in Brand & Strategy, Campaigns & Creative, Company updates, Marketing & Analytics, Uncategorized, Website Design & Build