Duncan Collins: Turning the AI Wave into a Business Liftoff
Meet Duncan Collins—former adviser to Thatcher and Blair, now the mastermind behind Runagood. He’s on a mission: to get small‑and‑medium firms riding the AI wave rather than being left on the sand dunes.
Why Small Biz Panels Are the Compass
Collins argues that a “small business panel” should steer SMEs toward AI investments that solve the everyday headaches: gaining customers, keeping them, boosting efficiency, and turning profits into a steady cash flow. If you’re a micro‑business, he says the first question you should ask your advisor is:
- Where does my business stand today?
- Where do I want it to be?
- How will AI help me get there—plain, quick, and doable?
If the answer is a wall of jargon, it’s time to run.
What’s Stopping SMEs?
According to Collins, the slowdown isn’t because of a lack of technology—it’s a mix of widespread cluelessness and a tech sector that talks in riddles. “It’s like a high‑end fashion brand tried to explain their new jeans in a language no one understands,” he muses.
He’s not shy about pointing out that big players love to throw around buzzwords, but the small shops need real‑world solutions. “Think of this like big tech pretending to be the big cheese while tiny retailers are stuck in the pantry.”
AI: The Real‑World Fixer
Collins’s own AI‑driven adviser platform pulls in proven, legacy strategies from the likes of F.W. Taylor and Peter Drucker. “Nothing new here—just faster, more efficient,” he says with a grin. The twist? Runagood automates the tedious bits so that even the busiest accountant can snag a quick win for their clients.
He’s even invested £1 million of his own pocket change to demonstrate faith in the idea.
A Touch of Chess Genius
Speaking of strategy, Collins nods to former chess grandmaster Gary Kasparov, who predicted similar AI evolution. “The grind of routine work—business consultancy is 90% manual—gets the AI punch. The creative 10% remains human. That’s a game‑changer,” Collins claims, using Kasparov’s 1997 Deep Blue milestone as a bookmark.
Runagood’s “Barefoot Doctor” Approach
Collins believes the real dynamo is a “Barefoot Doctor” vibe—young, flexible, tech‑confident minds that can tip the scale. He’s determined to dismantle the risk‑averse, stale mindset of a lot of accountants and consultants.
Takeaway for Tiny Biz Owners
Less about “we’re getting cutting edge because of AI” and more about how new tech makes life easier, saves money, and keeps business alive. Copy that: smart, simple, and steeped in everyday usefulness.
So if you’re looking for a consultant, keep an eye out for that simple, honest roadmap from today to tomorrow powered by AI. If they can’t spell it out clearly, you might want to keep walking.
