Google partners with Screwfix to help tradespeople across UK grow their businesses using AI
Google is teaming up with Screwfix to show tradespeople across the UK how AI can help them reclaim their time and unlock business growth.
“We’re joining forces to help the nation’s builders, plumbers, and sparkies hammer through paperwork and boost their productivity,” says Kate Alessi, Vice President, Google and Managing Director, Google UK & Ireland. “We’ll be sharing practical ways AI can: Turn sketches into 3D renderings in a flash; Transform on the go voice notes into prioritised to do lists; Convert handwritten notes into professional client proposals seamlessly.”
She adds: “AI has the potential to increase the average UK SMB’s productivity by 20% - the equivalent of getting an extra day's work done each week. But, that only happens if people know how to use these tools effectively. That’s why we’re bringing these tips directly to Screwfix stores nationwide, starting in Newcastle. This is all part of our AI Works for Britain upskilling initiative, which aims to help everyone extract real value from AI to drive economic growth. We're proud to support the UK government’s ambitious goal to train ten million people in AI skills by 2030.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
AI will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
