About Us

What is Mercia AI?

Mercia AI is an independent AI consultancy that helps individuals, businesses, and communities understand, adopt, and benefit from artificial intelligence. Unlike big-brand academies or one-size-fits-all consultancies, Mercia AI is vendor-neutral — meaning you get honest, unbiased advice across the full spectrum of AI tools, not just one company’s ecosystem.

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Run part-time by design, Mercia AI provides a focused, personal, and high-quality approach. Whether you want to streamline your business operations, explore AI for a creative project, or design a long-term AI strategy, Mercia AI helps make artificial intelligence accessible, practical, and effective — without the jargon, bias, or hype.

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About Us

Hi, I’m Christopher Howell, Software Developer, AI Consultant, and Founder of Mercia AI.

 

With nearly 30 years of experience in software development, I’ve always been driven by technology’s potential to make life easier, fairer, and more interesting. For me, AI isn’t just another tool — it’s a game-changer. But far too often, people are shown surface-level tricks instead of real, strategic ways to make AI work for them.

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The Origins of Mercia AI

Mercia AI started as a side project. I was analysing football and Formula 1 data, building predictive models for Coventry City matches and F1 races — mostly for fun. I shared my work online and offered analysis services, but the real lesson came later:

People were curious about AI… they just didn’t know how to start using it.

 

That insight led me to launch Mercia AI — a consultancy designed to bridge the gap between curiosity and capability, offering practical support to those who want to harness AI but don’t want to be sold a cookie-cutter solution.

 

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At Mercia AI, my mission is simple

 

"To empower individuals, organisations, and communities to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively."

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What Makes Mercia AI Different?
 

• Unbiased AI Advice
  Mercia AI is tool-agnostic. I don’t just push ChatGPT or any one platform. I help you explore and choose from the full range of AI tools — from OpenAI to Claude, Gemini, open-source models, and beyond — based on your goals.
   

• Real Business Applications
  AI isn’t just for chatbots. I help clients use it for automation, data analysis, strategic planning, creativity, and more.
   

• No-Code and Beyond
  Whether you're a beginner or technically confident, I provide AI solutions that suit your skill level — from intuitive no-code tools to advanced integrations.
   

• Data-Driven Thinking
  With my background in databases and software, I help you prepare your data for better AI decision-making — not just plug something in and hope for the best.

 

I am a BCS Member and a Microsoft Certified Professional in AI and Data, but my learning never stops. I stay ahead of AI advancements so you don’t have to.

 

Through consulting, training, and AI-driven solutions, I help clients make informed, strategic, and practical use of AI—whether for business growth, personal development, or even something fun. (Yes, including automating dancing cat videos—because why not?)

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What is Mercia Minds?

Mercia Minds is our community-focused sub-brand. It’s how we bring artificial intelligence to life—offline and in person. Through free talks, Q&A sessions and future workshops, we help people in Coventry and the wider Mercia region explore AI in a jargon-free, practical way.

 

Whether you’re a freelancer curious about ChatGPT or a local shop owner wondering how AI can save you time, Mercia Minds is here to help—face to face, and on your level.

 

The AI Revolution is Here—Let’s Unlock It Together

Whether you’re a small business owner, a curious professional, or a jobseeker trying to stay ahead, Mercia AI is here to help you use AI in meaningful, sustainable, and fun ways.

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Let’s talk — and discover how AI can work for you today.