Currys launches AI powered ideas platform built into Microsoft Teams and powered by Sideways 6

Currys has launched a new colleague led ideas platform, the Pitch, powered by AI.

Since its launch across the retailer's supply chain and services teams, over 450 ideas have been submitted. More than 100 of these are already in progress with 41% delivering measurable results, saving over 3,000 hours and unlocking six-figure cost efficiencies. Colleague engagement is strong too, with adoption rates tracking 3% above the market average.

As a result, Currys has set plans to expand the platform, which is fully embedded in Microsoft Teams, to an additional 9,000 colleagues, bringing the total number of users to 14,000 by the end of this financial year. The investment spans stores, support functions, digital operations, contact centres and extends to Currys’ third-party partner, Concentrix.

The system is powered by AI, which streamlines the ideas by automatically grouping similar suggestions and surfacing trends. This approach helps teams save time, spot patterns faster and collect the best ideas from the outset.

Built on Sideways 6’s Microsoft integrated platform, the Pitch aims to make it easy for colleagues to suggest improvements, flag inefficiencies and solve everyday problems.

“We’re very pleased with the early results. Our colleagues are our greatest asset; close to our customers, they are full of ideas, insights and practical suggestions. We’ve always believed in the value of colleague ideas but struggled to consistently capture, assess, action and track them. This is where ‘the Pitch’ has been a game changer for us. I’m excited to see it roll-out and to watch the difference it makes for our colleagues, our customers and our bottom line," says Lindsay Haselhurst, Chief Operating Officer at Currys

“This is a great example of cost optimisation done right. Currys has built a culture where people on the ground drive real value and feel a part of the company’s most important aims. The fact that they’re seeing results this fast is a credit to their leadership and their people," says Will Read, Founder at Sideways 6.

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.