The Full Story
About Us
What is Mercia AI?
Mercia AI is an independent AI consultancy based in Coventry, UK — but serving clients across the country through Zoom. We help individuals, small businesses, and communities understand, adopt, and benefit from artificial intelligence in practical, jargon-free ways.​ Unlike big-brand academies or one-size-fits-all consultancies, Mercia AI is vendor-neutral — you get honest, unbiased advice across the full spectrum of AI tools, not just one company’s ecosystem.
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Intentionally lean and personally run, Mercia AI delivers focused, high-quality services without the overhead or middle layers. Whether you want to streamline your business operations, explore AI for a creative project, or design a long-term AI strategy, we’ll help you make sense of what’s possible — and what’s worth your time.
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How Mercia AI Can Help You?
Whether you're a small business owner, a jobseeker, or simply curious about AI, Mercia AI offers clear, friendly guidance that fits your goals — and your schedule — wherever you are in the UK.
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Not sure which service is right for you? Start Here – Who Are You?
Or explore services based on your needs:
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Not sure where to begin with AI? Book a Free AI Discovery Call.
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Looking to grow your business or save time? Check out our AI Planning & Strategy Services.
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Interested in our community AI events in Coventry and Mercia? Learn more about Mercia Minds.​​
Meet The Founder
My name is Christopher Howell
Hi, I’m Christopher Howell, Software Developer, AI Consultant, and Founder of Mercia AI.
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With nearly 30 years of commercial 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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I’m a Microsoft Certified Professional and a BCS Professional Member, with recognised expertise in AI, Data, Cloud, and Software Development, but my learning never stops. I stay ahead of AI advancements, so you don’t have to.
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Born and raised in Coventry, I aspire to make people aware of how AI can improve their lives.
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?
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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.
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Real Business Applications
AI isn’t just for chatbots. I help clients use it for automation, data analysis, strategic planning, creativity, and more.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Local Commitment
Mercia AI is proud to be a member of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, reinforcing our commitment to supporting local businesses, freelancers, and community organisations. Through this partnership, we stay connected to the needs of our region—and play an active role in helping it harness the benefits of responsible AI.
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.
Mission
To empower individuals, organisations, and communities to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively
Vision
To help create a world where artificial intelligence is a trusted, accessible, and transformative tool, driving innovation, education, and ethical progress for all
