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I’m In Podcast Episode 48 | AI & Efficiency in Small Business: Friend, Foe, or Force for Growth?

28 August 2025

I’m In Podcast Episode 48 | AI & Efficiency in Small Business: Friend, Foe, or Force for Growth? | Institute of HospitalityEpisode 48 of our monthly I’m In podcast, sponsored by Leonardo Hotels is available for our members to listen to today!

AI is everywhere, but what does it really mean for small business owners in hospitality? In this episode, Phil is joined by Professor Peter Jones FIH, Professor Roya Rahimi MIH, and Bradley Dorrington AIH to unpack the role of AI in making small businesses more efficient, agile, and competitive.

From practical “quick wins” to the bigger ethical questions, this conversation explores how AI is already transforming the industry and how small businesses can adopt it without fear or overwhelm.

Whether you’re excited, cautious, or somewhere in between, this discussion will give you clarity on where to start and what to watch out for.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • How AI can free up time by automating repetitive tasks
  • The real opportunities for small businesses in data analysis and decision making
  • Why adopting AI doesn’t mean replacing staff
  • Practical starting points for small operators curious about AI
  • How marketing and customer engagement are being reshaped by AI
  • The misconceptions (and fears) that hold small businesses back
  • Why AI should be seen as a supportive tool, not a threat

Why Our Guests Said, “I’m In!”

Peter Jones: A Fellow for over 30 years, Peter values the Institute as a supportive, evolving professional body that grows alongside the industry.

Roya Rahimi: Passionate about bridging academia and industry, Roya sees the IoH as a vital community that reflects her lifelong commitment to service and hospitality.

Bradley Dorrington: As a small business owner and now Chair of the Youth Council, Bradley values the IoH for its network, support, and commitment to showcasing hospitality as a vibrant career path.

Members can follow the link below to listen to this episode now! And for everyone else, it will drop wherever you get your podcasts on Thursday 11 September.

If you have any feedback about the show or would like to be a future guest, please contact Phil Street at phil.street@instituteofhospitality.org

Listening to this podcast counts toward your CPD hours.

Members can listen to Episode 48 now

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