Laois businesses shown how to take the complexity out of AI at chamber gathering

BUSINESSES from across Laois gathered at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise for The Future of Work: Demystify AI.

The event was organised by Laois Chamber Alliance and sponsored by Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) and the Midlands Regional Skills Forum.

The idea behind the gathering was designed to take some of the complexity out of AI and the changing world of work, giving businesses practical information on where AI can help, the risks they need to consider and the training and supports available to them.

Attendees heard from Ramy Ebeid of CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for Applied AI, on practical applications of AI for business, while Janet Xiu Shi explored cybersecurity and the steps businesses should take to protect themselves in an increasingly AI-driven environment.

Laois Local Enterprise Office also outlined the practical supports available to businesses, before a Future of Work panel chaired by John Costelloe, regional skills manager for the midlands, brought together Ramy Ebeid, Janet Xiu Shi, Tony Woods of Midland Steel and Caroline Spollen of LOETB to discuss technology, skills and what these changes mean for employers and their staff.

Speaking following the event, Jackie Carroll, CEO of Laois Chamber Alliance, said the morning reflected the practical role the Chamber wants to play for businesses across the county.

“There is no shortage of information coming at businesses at the moment. The challenge is knowing what is relevant, who to speak to and where to start.

“That is a really important part of the Chamber’s role. We bring businesses together with the people, expertise and supports that can help them, while also creating opportunities for businesses to learn from and connect with each other.

“Membership is about much more than attending events. It is having a network around your business, a collective voice and somewhere to turn when you need an introduction, information or support. The stronger that network becomes, the more we can do for business across Laois.” John Costelloe, regional skills manager for the midlands, said collaboration between employers and skills providers will become increasingly important as workplaces evolve.

“The future of work is not only about new technology; it is about ensuring businesses and their people have the skills and confidence to adapt. Bringing employers and support organisations together like this helps turn that conversation into practical action.” Jolene Hall, FET manager (skills) with LOETB, said: “LOETB is delighted to support an event that gives employers practical access to information, skills and training opportunities. As workplaces change, continuing to invest in people and upskilling will be essential to helping businesses remain competitive and resilient.” An opportunity wall at the event also encouraged businesses to share vacancies, training and skills needs, supplier requirements and collaboration opportunities, helping participants turn networking conversations into useful business connections.

Jackie Carroll added that the Chamber would continue to build its programme around the issues businesses are identifying.

“We want Laois Chamber Alliance to be the first call a business makes when it has a question, a challenge or an opportunity. That might mean making an introduction, finding a support, raising an issue or simply connecting one member with another.

“Our message is Stronger Together for Laois. The more businesses that are part of the Chamber, the stronger our network and our collective voice for Laois becomes.” Laois Chamber Alliance will continue to deliver business events, networking, advocacy, member promotion and connections to supports throughout the remainder of 2026.

Businesses interested in joining Laois Chamber Alliance or learning more about membership can contact the Chamber at info@laoischamber.ie.