The Institute of Clever Stuff

Formed 8 years ago on the back of a napkin at Somerset House, we’ve come a long way. Our highlights reel for 2024… #datascience #ai #futuremakers

And just like that, February has come to an end! A few memorable moments this month, we:  👋 Welcomed 6 new faces to the team 📈 Kicked off 3 exciting projects 🍽️ Took time to explore some new lunch spots together Goodbye February, hello March. Let’s see what’s in store! #february2025highlights #futuremakers

The final layer in our three layered shared services model is The Incubator. Most shared service models optimise the present. But what about future proofing? That’s where The Incubator comes in an experimental space to test, refine, and scale cutting edge ideas, such as: - AI & automation - ESG innovations - Data science led transformation This is how shared services can become a competitive advantage, rather than just a support function. Is your shared services model embracing the future of work? #sharedservices #theincubator #futuremakers

Layer 2 of our three-layer model is Managed Accessible Services. What if your shared services could be as flexible as your business needs? That’s where Managed Accessible Services come in. Think of it as a hybrid approach, leveraging what’s already working inside your business while incorporating external best practices. - Pay as you go services for scalability - Business unit driven flexibility, so teams get what they need - Combining internal expertise with leading external capabilities This approach ensures that shared services aren’t a bottleneck but a value enabler. How are you ensuring your shared services model supports business agility? #sharedservices #managedaccessibleservices #futuremakers

Retailers today have more data than ever before, but here’s the problem: it’s often in the wrong hands. AI-powered insights are trapped in dashboards, buried in reports, or reserved for top level management. Meanwhile, store teams and frontline staff, the people making the daily decisions rarely have access to real time, actionable insights. When AI is deployed the right way, it: - Empowers teams - Increases sales - Bridges the gap between strategy and execution The best AI solutions don’t just process data, they put it in the hands of decision makers. How can retailers fix this? Who do you think should have access to AI-driven insights? Let’s discuss. #retailtransformation #AI #retailtech

Last week we shared our shared services three-layer model. Layer 1 is all about Core Shared Services. At the heart of any great shared services model is operational excellence. Core Services are the backbone, providing: - Standardisation – Creating consistency across processes - Efficiency – Streamlining operations for cost savings - Reliability – Ensuring high-quality, predictable outcomes But here’s the challenge, many organisations stop here. They optimise, but don’t evolve. The best shared services models build on this foundation, ensuring that efficiency is not the end goal, but the starting point. Are your core services driving or blocking future innovation? #sharedservices #coreservices #futuremakers

Are you a Rebel Change Creator looking to push boundaries of what's possible and make a difference? If so, we'd love you to be part of our team! Reach out to us at beafuturemaker@the-ics.com to get in touch! #rebelchangecreator #rebelconsultants #futuremakers

❤️ Love & Data: A Match Made in Analytics ❤️ Roses are red, Violets are blue, Data makes decisions, And so should you! Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance, it’s a perfect reminder that data and love have a lot in common. Think about it: 👫 Finding the perfect partner? That’s just predictive analytics for relationships! ⬅️ ➡️ Swipe right or left? That’s machine learning in action, optimising preferences over time. 🍽️ Choosing the perfect restaurant? Sounds like a recommendation algorithm at work. 💌 Crafting the perfect message? A little sentiment analysis never hurt! But just like love, data only works when you truly understand it. 🚩 Ignoring insights? That’s like ignoring red flags.  🫶 Making gut decisions? Sometimes it works, but data-driven love lasts longer! 📊 Measuring everything? Great! But don’t forget to trust your instincts, too. So, whether you're optimising customer engagement or planning the best Valentine’s Day ever, remember, data and love thrive when insights meet intuition. What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done… using data? Drop your fun stories below! #datadrivenlove #valentinesday #AIandromance

For years, shared services have been built around cost cutting and efficiency. But in today’s fast changing world, that’s simply not enough. Rigid, one-size-fits-all models no longer support agility and business growth Many shared service models struggle to integrate innovation and emerging tech Standardisation is key, but it must be balanced with flexibility The future of shared services isn’t just about saving costs, it’s about efficiency, adaptability, and innovation. At the Institute of Clever Stuff, we’ve developed a three-layer model that does exactly that. Over the next few posts, we’ll break it down. Is your shared services model keeping up with the pace of change? #sharedservices #futuremakers

Technology has evolved to the point where AI can make better decisions than humans in many cases. Yet in retail, where AI should conceptually thrive, progress has been slower than expected. Why? The same issues keep cropping up: - Overly complex solutions - Slow implementation - Data stuck in management silos Retailers can’t afford to let AI potential go to waste. The key isn’t just having the technology, it’s ensuring the right people can use it at the right time. What’s holding retail back from fully embracing AI? Drop your thoughts in the comments! #retailAI #datadriven #retailtransformation