ICS.AI CEO Wins Public Sector Entrepreneur of the Year at The Enterprise Awards

ICS AI
Jun 19
3 min read

We're thrilled to announce that Martin Neale, CEO at ICS.AI, has won Public Sector Entrepreneur of the Year at the prestigious Enterprise Awards, recognising our remarkable journey from start-up to market leadership in public sector AI transformation.

A Vision Born from Bold Decisions

Eight years ago, at age 55, our CEO, Martin Neale, made the bold decision to cash in his pension and launch an AI business, with an unwavering belief in AI's potential to transform public services.

"This award validates that innovation knows no age limits,"

says Martin Neale

"When I started ICS.AI, AI was in its infancy, and failure was a real possibility. Today, we're proving that bold vision combined with relentless execution can deliver transformational results for the public sector."

Real Results, Real Savings

Our journey from those early, uncertain days to market leadership tells a story of resilience, innovation, and genuine impact.

Our success isn't measured just in revenue growth; it's in the tangible impact we're delivering for public services across the UK. Derby City Council's £7.5 million in documented savings represents just the beginning. With our newly announced £5 million annual savings guarantee for qualifying councils, we're enabling the entire sector to benefit from AI transformation without the risks.

This guarantee is the first of its kind in the public sector space, demonstrating our confidence in proven methodology and giving organisations the assurance they need to embrace transformational change.

Leading Through Disruption

The emergence of generative AI brought seismic changes to our industry, requiring a complete strategic pivot. Rather than being overwhelmed by this disruption, we embraced it, successfully managing the transition while maintaining profitability and accelerating growth. This agility and strategic vision exemplify the leadership qualities that drive successful transformation.

The Future of Public Service

Our vision extends far beyond cost savings. We're creating a future where AI amplifies human potential, enabling 24/7 access to essential services while preserving meaningful human connections. By working with leading institutions including Derby City Council, Hillingdon Council, King's College London, and the Information Commissioner's Office, we're proving that AI can make public services more effective, efficient, and accessible.

Recognition and Momentum

This win at the Enterprise Awards joins our growing list of recent industry recognitions:

Each recognition reinforces our position as the trusted partner for public sector AI transformation.

A Message of Inspiration

Our story proves that entrepreneurial success isn't limited by age, background, or conventional wisdom. Moving to the UK from Jamaica at age 12, adapting to new environments, and eventually taking the bold step to launch an AI company at 55, this journey demonstrates that with vision, determination, and the right support, transformational impact is possible at any stage of life.

A Message of Personal Thanks

"I hope our story inspires others that you're never too old to make an impact,"

reflects Martin

"With my wife's unwavering support and an incredible team sharing our passion for transforming public services, we've built something truly remarkable."

Martin shared his reflections on what makes an entrepreneur, pinning it on four things:

Your team - Both at home and at work. Nothing happens without their support and dedication
Your customers - Who show real leadership by embracing new approaches and taking measured risks to improve public services
Your advocates - Those who've supported the journey, offered guidance, and believed in what we're building at ICS.AI
Showing up - Consistently believing in what's possible, even when the path forward isn't always clear”

“This is very much a shared achievement. Thank you to everyone who's contributed to this journey, to my fellow finalists who are doing brilliant work, and to the Enterprise Awards team”.

What's Next?

As we prepare for further continuous innovations in AI we're positioned to scale our impact even further. With the UK Government's AI Opportunities Action Plan identifying AI as mission-critical, ICS.AI stands ready to deliver on this national vision.

Ready to discover what AI transformation could mean for your organisation? Contact ICS.AI to learn more about our proven approach and guaranteed savings programmes.