AI, Automation & Agents: A Hands-On Guide to Building Smarter Workflows

Ready to work smarter, not harder?

Join Digital Pathfinders for a hands-on workshop where you'll discover how AI, automation, and intelligent agents can transform your business operations, without the technical jargon or overwhelming complexity.

This intensive 3-hour session combines practical theory with real-world application. You will learn the fundamentals of AI and automation, then get your hands dirty building workflows using industry-leading tools like Zapier, Make, and n8n. By the end, you will leave with your own working automation and the confidence to create more.

Led by Digital Adoption Specialists Ben Mushen and Nathan Rowland, this workshop is designed specifically for SMEs, charities, and social enterprises who want to harness the power of AI and automation but don't know where to start.

This fully funded workshop is designed to give you practical skills, clarity, and confidence with AI and automation, no technical background needed. You will walk away with:

Clarity, not jargon: Understand AI, automation, and agents in plain English, with no technical background required.

Hands-on experience: Build your own automations with step-by-step expert support.

Smart, affordable tools: Discover free and low-cost solutions that can make a big difference to your operations.

Better decision-making: Learn when automation adds value, and when it doesn’t.

Real-world inspiration: See live demos and examples tailored to organisations like yours.

Proven expertise: Get guidance from specialists who’ve supported 250+ organisations in adopting digital solutions.

Quick wins: Leave with working automations you can use immediately and the confidence to keep building.

Morning Theory & Demos (90 minutes):

• AI vs Automation: Understanding the difference and how they work together
• When to automate: Cost-benefit analysis frameworks you can apply immediately
• Live demonstrations of AI agents solving real business problems
• Introduction to no-code automation tools (Zapier, Make, n8n)

Hands-On Building Session (90 minutes):

• Build your first automation workflow with step-by-step guidance
• Experiment with AI-powered agents under expert supervision
• Create something you can actually use in your business
• Troubleshoot and refine your automations with peer and facilitator support

This workshop is perfect for business owners, operations managers, and team leaders who are curious about AI and automation but want practical, actionable insights rather than just theoretical discussions. Whether you're completely new to these technologies or have some experience but want hands-on guidance, you'll find value in this session.

This session is open to SMEs, social enterprises, and charities registered in County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, or Sunderland.

Please bring a laptop for the hands-on portion. If you don't have access to one, please contact us at [email protected] and we will arrange one for you.

This fully funded workshop is part of the Digital Pathfinders programme, supported by the North East Combined Authority. Attendance is exclusive to SMEs, charities, and social enterprises registered or trading in County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, or Sunderland.

To attend, you'll need to register with the Digital Pathfinders programme, which provides access to additional workshops, events, and one-to-one support. If you haven’t yet registered with the programme, you’ll be prompted to do so after signing up. Registration details can be found at digitalpathfinders.uk.

Spaces are limited and attendance is exclusive to eligible organisations.

Register now to secure your spot and take the first step towards smarter, more efficient working. For questions, accessibility, or dietary requirements, please email: [email protected]

Host or Publisher Digital Pathfinders