AI Retreat
About the retreat
Stop guessing. Start deciding.
A two-day, in-person retreat where Oxfordshire business leaders build a real AI strategy that can deliver business benefits quickly. Not a wish list. No fluff. No vendor pitches. Just clarity.
Duration: 2 Days | Location: Oxfordshire | Format: In-Person, Private | Places: Limited
Be honest with yourself
This retreat is built around you. Not everyone.
✓ You're the one who decides. You sign off on where the money goes. You set the direction. You're the person who needs to feel confident — not just informed — about what AI can actually do for your business.
✓ You've tried things. They didn't stick. Maybe you subscribed to a tool. Maybe you asked someone to "have a look at AI." It hasn't added up to anything yet. That's not failure — it's a signal that you need a structured approach, not another experiment.
✕ You want an "AI for beginners" session. We'll skip the basics. You already know AI is a thing. What you need is a clear-eyed view of what it means for your specific business — and a plan that actually fits your budget and team.
What you take home
Not theory. An actual plan
A clear-eyed view of where AI fits
A prioritised, honest map of what's worth pursuing and what's just noise — specific to your business.
A framework to evaluate any AI proposal
A vendor calls next week. An employee sends you a LinkedIn article about a shiny new tool. You'll know exactly how to stress-test it — without needing a technical degree.
A written AI business plan
Walk out with something you can hand to your team on Monday morning. Priorities. Timelines. Budget boundaries. Ownership. Real stuff.
Confidence to say yes — or no
Saying no to the wrong AI investment is just as valuable as saying yes to the right one. You'll leave knowing the difference.
Why two days, in person?
Because the decisions you're making aren't small, but they are specific to your business. They're expensive if you get them wrong, and they compound if you get them right.
Day one, we strip things back. We get honest about where your business actually is. Day two, we build forward — together, with expert guidance, and with real accountability in the room.
It's the difference between reading about swimming and getting in the water. We get you in the water.
The two days - What actually happens
Day 01 — Get Clear
Strip back. Be honest. Set the foundation.
In the morning, we cut through the noise. No hype, no buzzwords — just a grounded, practical look at what's working for businesses like yours right now. By midday, you're mapping your own operations, your costs, your bottlenecks — and you start to see where AI could genuinely shift the needle. The afternoon is peer discussion. Small groups, other owners, candid conversation. You'll be surprised how much you learn from someone in a completely different sector facing the exact same dilemma.
Day 02 — Build Forward
Plan. Prioritise. Leave with something real.
The morning is about picking your battles. Not every AI opportunity is worth chasing. We help you prioritise ruthlessly — what to do first, what to park, and what to ignore entirely. By lunch, you'll have a draft AI business plan — facilitated, structured, and tailored to your business. The afternoon is about sharpening it. Your plan gets challenged, kindly, by people who know what they're talking about. You leave with something bulletproof. Not just hopeful.
A few things people ask
Do I need any technical background?
Not even slightly. This retreat is built for decision-makers, not developers. If you can run a business, you can get value from this. We translate everything into plain language and business outcomes.
Will we talk about ChatGPT?
Only where it's genuinely relevant to a business decision. We won't spend the retreat showing you how to write better prompts. That's not the point. The point is knowing when and why to use it — and when not to.
Is what we discuss kept confidential?
Yes. Everything shared in peer discussions stays in the room. You'll be working alongside other business owners, and that only works if everyone can be candid. Confidentiality is a ground rule, not an afterthought.
My business is still pretty early stage. Is this right for me?
This works best for businesses that are past the "should we even bother?" stage. If you're already generating revenue and thinking about where to invest next, you'll get a lot from this. If you're still pre-revenue, it might be a bit ahead of where you are right now.
What's the difference for B4 members?
B4 members get priority access to places and a reduced rate. Given how limited the spots are, that's not a small thing. Register your interest and we'll send you the details.
Our Expert
Oxford expertise, business sleeves rolled up. Ajit Jaokar, CEO of Erdos Research
Course Director Ajit Jaokar—AI expert from the University of Oxford—supported by the B4 business network you already trust.
Ajit is a researcher and teacher of Applied Artificial intelligence at the University of Oxford.
He is also a senior applied AI consultant / researcher at the UK Ministry of Justice. has advised the UN, WEF and UK Ministry of Justice on AI strategy. He is now focused on practical AI for Oxfordshire business leaders.
Erdos Research is an applied AI research community where you gain AI experience alongside experts.
About our Venue
The Holiday Inn Oxford
The Holiday Inn Oxford is the ideal venue for our two-day course, combining an excellent location with outstanding facilities. Easily accessible from Oxford and the surrounding region, the hotel offers modern, well-equipped meeting spaces, comfortable bedrooms for those staying overnight, and superb hospitality throughout. Delegates can expect a professional, welcoming environment designed to support focus, learning and connection.
AI Retreat (Oxford)
Rosie Djurovic Head of AI, Brabners
Anne- Marie Verdin-Mulot Senior Director Of Digital Marketing & Communication, Value Retail
Anne- Marie Verdin-Mulot Senior Director Of Digital Marketing & Communication, Value Retail
“Erdos has given me a big-picture view of AI’s impact through inspiring mentorship and a diverse, supportive community.”
Anne- Marie Verdin-Mulot Senior Director Of Digital Marketing & Communication, Value Retail
Anne- Marie Verdin-Mulot Senior Director Of Digital Marketing & Communication, Value Retail
Anne- Marie Verdin-Mulot Senior Director Of Digital Marketing & Communication, Value Retail
“Coming from the creative industries, Erdos gave me the tools and insight to navigate and shape the future of AI.”
Joe Ward Account Director, Snowflake
Anne- Marie Verdin-Mulot Senior Director Of Digital Marketing & Communication, Value Retail
Joe Ward Account Director, Snowflake
“Erdos offers a practical, community-driven path to mastering AI through rapid prototyping and deep collaboration.”