Hosted by LOCALiQ, Newsquest’s digital marketing agency, the evening brought together organisations from across Essex and Suffolk to discover how changes such as Google’s AI Overview, AI Mode and GA4 are reshaping how customers search for and engage with businesses online.
Among those attending were representatives from Dunmow Crematorium, run by the Walsh family through Michael J Walsh Funeral Directors. David J Walsh and his wife Liz attended alongside two of their children and described the evening as both informative and enjoyable.
They said they had a lovely time at the venue and found the tips shared during the presentations helpful for a family-run business navigating an increasingly digital landscape.
Jordan Kluth, a solicitor at John Fowlers Solicitors, also attended the event and said the seminar was useful, offering valuable insight into how AI is changing marketing and visibility online.
Seena Shah, director at OWR Strategy, who works with multiple clients across different sectors, highlighted the importance of businesses engaging with AI now.
She said: “I think if you’re not concerned about AI as a business, then you are mistaken.
“I am a marketing strategist for our business and I think tonight was wonderful.
“It’s a beautiful venue and we had a great time tonight learning about Google AI overview and AI mode.”
Chris Pollard, managing director at Dupliq, said the event helped demystify some of the challenges businesses face when approaching AI.
He said: “The evening was definitely helpful. The biggest challenge for us, especially in marketing, is understanding what’s achievable and having the skillset when it comes to AI.
“We know AI is such a big thing but we don’t know how to utilise it to our advantage. We’ve got the business nailed in terms of infrastructure and everything else, so tonight was great.”
Josh Mitchell, director at Protech Electrical, described the evening as a positive experience.
He said: “It was a good experience tonight. The presentation was useful.”
Lee Callaghan, of Brand Elect and Marketing Elect, said the event highlighted how embedded AI has already become in everyday consumer behaviour.
He said: “Most people don’t even realise they’re using Google’s AI now — it’s become the default.
“That’s why tonight is so important – helping businesses recognise what’s already changed, understand how it affects visibility, and adapt with confidence in an AI-first world.”
The event also provided an opportunity for networking, with business leaders sharing experiences and discussing how they can adapt their strategies in an increasingly AI-led digital environment.
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