Transforming High Streets, Local Authorities and Local Businesses with AI
By Polly Barnfield OBE. Maybe* CEO
Our collaboration in AI-driven local business support opens a new chapter in fostering growth and innovation. This is a pivotal moment not just for Maybe*, but for placemakers, local authorities, and the entire landscape of local business support and AI technology innovation.
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By signing up you agree to our terms and conditions and can opt out of future communications at any timeLooking at the Objective:
Our mission is clear: to harness the power of AI in analysing social media data from over 3.5 million UK businesses, providing nuanced insights into consumer sentiment across diverse locations. This endeavour is not just about data analysis; it's about breathing new life into local businesses by using the pulse of public opinion as our guide.
The Methodology:
We delve into the complex world of social media, extracting and interpreting vast amounts of data. Our AI algorithms, developed by our visionary engineers and data scientists, accurately capture and analyse public sentiment, providing insights into the heartbeat of communities.
The Outcome:
Our insights and webinars have become key resources for placemakers and local authorities, offering new ways to understand and respond to the vibrancy and challenges of urban centres. Over the past five years, our use of AI has been vital in delivering these outcomes.
The Objective of using AI:
Sentiment Analysis for Benchmarking: Employ AI to interpret social media data from over 3.5 million UK businesses, assessing consumer sentiment in 3,600 UK locations.
Support and Training for Local Authorities: Provide a dashboard, powered by Maybe*'s API, to guide local authorities in understanding and responding to consumer sentiment trends.
Educational Outreach: Conduct frequent webinars focused on high street data evaluation, empowering stakeholders with insights and actionable strategies.
Methodology:
Data Collection: Maybe* gathers extensive social media data from various platforms, centring on content shared by UK businesses.
AI-Powered Analysis: The AI algorithm processes this data, discerning and interpreting sentiments in posts, comments, and interactions using sophisticated natural language processing (NLP) techniques.
API Integration: Sentiment analysis outputs are channelled through an API, feeding into a dashboard utilised by the HSTF and local authorities for instantaneous insights.
Dashboard Functionality: The dashboard presents sentiment trends in a comprehensible and actionable format, offering clear insights into consumer attitudes across different high street locations.
Webinars and Training: Regular webinars educate users on data interpretation, trend analysis, and the application of these insights in high street revitalisation plans.
Results:
Improved Decision-Making: Local authorities and the HSTF use these insights for informed decision-making on high street development and rejuvenation strategies.
Effective Benchmarking: The sentiment analysis provides benchmarks to gauge consumer sentiment, enabling comparisons across locations and timeframes.
Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: The webinars and training sessions have markedly increased engagement and comprehension among stakeholders, leading to more effectively implemented strategies.
Challenges:
Complex Data Management: Handling and interpreting vast volumes of unstructured social media data is intricate, necessitating continuous AI algorithm refinement.
Accuracy and Consistency: Maintaining the accuracy of sentiment analysis across diverse contexts and social media platforms remains a persistent challenge.
“Maybe* has a proven solution that can be used as a central pillar of the recovery of town centres across the UK. ”
Recent Projects: AI-Powered Business Support
We're excited to highlight our recent projects that deliver AI-powered business support across several key regions:
North Kesteven: Delivering AI-powered solutions to enhance business success through strategic AI insights.
Buckinghamshire: Implementing AI solutions to promote growth and efficiency within the local business ecosystem.
Birmingham: Driving culture and tourism projects by integrating AI-powered analytics for business support.
London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham: Supporting the local economy with AI-driven strategies aimed at improving business outcomes.
St Helens: Utilising AI insights to foster economic development and support markets and social enterprises.
Through these initiatives, Maybe* is reshaping local economies, supporting communities, and paving the way for sustained business success.
The Future Vision:
AI Revolution for High Streets. Our partnership with the High Streets Task Force has started us down an exciting new path. We're now using AI not only to understand consumer sentiment but to fundamentally redefine the relationship between high street rejuvenation and local business success.
Action, Not Just Words:
We've learned something vital: the heart of high street revival beats through the success of local businesses. It's a symbiotic relationship where one fuels the other. That's where our AI comes in - not as a mere tool, but as a game-changer.
New Grounds, Bold Moves:
Our momentum is gaining, we have now worked with over 25,000 local businesses and have recently started new projects with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, Buckinghamshire County Council, and North Kesteven District Council. These aren't just projects; they're partnerships that will reshape local economies and communities.
Clarity of Vision
Our goal? To be the torchbearers of AI-driven urban transformation. We're crafting solutions that don't just track trends but set them. We're about connecting the dots between thriving local businesses and vibrant high streets.
The New Chapter
This is more than a journey; it's a revolution. With our new collaborations, we're not just entering new territories; we're creating them. Join us as we redefine the landscape of urban revitalisation, one algorithm at a time with Maybe* AI.
Join our next Webinar where we explore how you can “Unlock the power of AI” for your Local Areas. We aim to help you and your team do your best work faster. Discover more about our approach and the immediate positive impact that it can have on your businesses.
Sign up above to secure your seat on the monthly Transforming High Streets webinar.
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Thanks for reading the Maybe* blog…
Nice to meet you. I’m Polly Barnfield, OBE, CEO of Maybe* - an AI-powered platform transforming how ambitious businesses communicate. I'm at the helm of an extraordinary team empowering clients ranging from SMEs to PLCs and the UK Government.
