Mercia AI Turns One: Reflections on a Year of Practical AI
- Chris Howell
- 25 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Mercia AI was founded on 4 February 2025. This week, it turns one year old.
And there’s no better time to look back at what’s happened in the last twelve months — what worked, what surprised me, and what I’m taking into Year 2.
Setting up the business was hard, but absolutely worthwhile. Running it part-time alongside full-time work brings its own challenges, but I enjoy it — and I’m committed to doing it sustainably.
What I’ve learned in Year One
The biggest lesson? Building a community takes time.
Mercia Minds wasn’t the instant hit I imagined it might be. But that’s not a failure — it’s feedback. I’ve learned from what didn’t land, what people actually respond to, and what needs to be done differently next time. The next Mercia Minds event is already in the works, and it’ll be stronger because of those early lessons.
Another surprise: networking is genuinely fun.
It’s been great meeting people who are curious about how AI could help them — not in some vague “future of everything” way, but in practical terms for their business, their job search, their projects, or their day-to-day work. Since starting full-time employment, my networking has taken a bit of a hit, but I plan to double down again as my routine settles.
The bigger idea behind Mercia AI
Over the year, one belief has only grown stronger: AI should be treated like a utility.
Like electricity, the benefits shouldn’t be reserved for the biggest companies or the most technical people. The value should be available to everyone — and so should the knowledge of how to use it responsibly and effectively.
That’s how I use AI myself: as a force-multiplier. Not to replace good judgement, but to extend what’s possible with the time and resources I actually have. I’m still learning, still experimenting, and still finding better ways to apply it in the real world.
Mercia AI’s mission — to empower individuals, organisations, and communities to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively — continues into Year 2.
Armed with more experience… and a new coffee machine.
If you’ve taken the time to read, comment, share, attend an event, or have a conversation about AI over the past year — thank you. Mercia AI is built on those exchanges, not hype or headlines, and I’m genuinely grateful to everyone who’s been part of the journey so far.
