Border Biscuits in Lanark welcomed Innovation Minister Ben Macpherson to their South Faulds Road factory, where he saw operations on the production line and marked the Scottish Government’s announcement of an additional £1.8 million in funding for the national AI Scotland programme.
AI adoption boosts productivity
The award-winning family business, founded in Lanark 42 years ago, has adopted AI tools to improve productivity through better data analysis and sales forecasting, and to strengthen production line monitoring systems.
Border Biscuits was among 1,000 small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Scotland to benefit from last year’s £1 million national AI adoption programme.
Minister praises SME support
Sales director Alex Sano-Davies said: “Since introducing AI, I’ve been really impressed by what it can do. It has been a great learning experience, and we continue to discover new ways to help us work smarter and more efficiently.”
“We’re very grateful to the Scottish Government for its support and for the ongoing training opportunities available. As an SME, this support has helped us embrace new technology, improve efficiencies and give our team the tools and confidence to work in new and innovative ways.”
New funding for AI Scotland
AI Scotland’s newly announced second year of funding will help businesses develop new products and services, grow market share and attract new investment through mentoring, workshops and grants to identify AI opportunities, plan implementation, and develop and test tailored solutions.
Speaking at the Lanark factory, Mr Macpherson MSP said: “Ensuring our businesses have the skills to identify appropriate AI opportunities and adopt new technologies safely and in line with fair work principles will help drive sustainable growth across the economy and futureproof Scotland’s businesses.”
“The vast majority of Scottish businesses are SMEs; the continuation of this programme means that even more of them will have access to the tools and expertise they need to help grow, innovate and flourish.”
Eligible businesses can now access support through the programme, with more information available on the AI Scotland website. The programme is delivered by enterprise agencies, Business Gateway and the Data Lab innovation centre. Border Biscuits is this year marking three decades at their South Faulds Road factory in Lanark.
