We’re a finalist at the British Data Awards 2026

We’re proud to share that ICS.AI has been named a Finalist at the British Data Awards 2026 - shortlisted in two categories: Generative AI Initiative of the Year and AI Company of the Year.

The British Data Awards celebrate the UK’s most impactful data success stories, spanning startups, major enterprises, public sector organisations, and everything in between. With over 450 entries submitted this year, competition was exceptionally strong, making this recognition particularly meaningful.

Our CEO, Martin Neale, commented:

“When I started ICS.AI, the goal was simple: show that AI could make a real difference in public services. These nominations are a sign that ambition is meeting impact. AI is not about perpetual pilots - it has to deliver measurable operational, financial, and ethical outcomes, embedded across entire organisations. Being recognised in these two categories show this approach is starting to take hold. The real challenge now is making it a standard part of how public services operate.”

From pilots to real-world impact

This recognition reflects something we’ve been focused on for a long time: moving beyond AI experimentation to delivering measurable, real-world outcomes at scale.

Across the UK public sector, organisations are facing rising demand, constrained budgets, and increasing complexity. In that context, AI has to do more than demonstrate potential - it has to work in practice, safely, and at scale.

At ICS.AI, we’ve built a unified AI platform and operating model designed specifically for high-trust public services - bringing together:

• Front Door AI for 24/7 resident access

• AI for All Staff Copilot to support the workforce

• Agentic back-office automation with human oversight

Rather than treating data as a by-product, we use it as a strategic asset - continuously improving performance, governance, and value through real-world interaction data. To date, our platform has processed over 11 million AI transactions, providing deep insight into how people access public services and where demand truly sits.

Recognising a landmark GenAI initiative

Our nomination for Generative AI Initiative of the Year reflects our work with councils like Derby City Council - widely recognised as the UK’s first organisation-wide GenAI operating model in local government.

This wasn’t a pilot or a point solution. It was a full transformation, grounded in data and delivered across the entire organisation.

The results speak for themselves:

• £12 million in identified annual savings

• 1.4 million enquiries handled

• 56% call deflection rate

• Customer waiting times halved

• 24/7 access to essential services

Crucially, this was achieved while embedding governance, inclusivity, and human oversight by design - from multilingual access to real-time escalation for vulnerable residents.

AI Company of the Year

Being shortlisted for AI Company of the Year recognises a broader shift - not just what we deliver, but how we operate.

ICS.AI was founded on a simple belief: AI should amplify human capability, not replace it.

Over the past year, we’ve seen that belief translate into real momentum - with growing adoption across the public sector, and millions of real-world interactions flowing through the platform. Today, that belief is reflected in:

• A unified platform approach, avoiding fragmented tools

• Governance as configuration, built directly into the technology

• A data-led operating model, grounded in real service interaction

• A focus on measurable value, not theoretical ROI

We’re not building isolated AI tools. We’re helping organisations become AI-native, with data and AI embedded into how they operate every day.

Looking ahead

Finalists will be celebrated - and winners announced - at the awards ceremony on 20th May at The Brewery in London.

Whatever the outcome, being recognised alongside so many outstanding organisations is something we’re incredibly proud of.

More importantly, it’s a reflection of the progress being made across the public sector - and what’s possible when AI is implemented with the right combination of data, governance, and purpose.

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