Restaurants see stronger reservation activity when marketing efforts work together instead of operating independently”
— Brett Thomas
NEW ORLEANS, LA, UNITED STATES, January 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Restaurants operate in one of the most competitive business environments, particularly in markets with dense dining options and strong tourism activity. Visibility, timing, and consistent messaging all influence whether a potential customer chooses one restaurant over another. Marketing strategies that align digital presence with local behavior patterns play an increasingly important role in driving reservation activity.
Local restaurant marketing extends beyond advertising promotions or posting on social media. It involves shaping how a restaurant appears across search platforms, local listings, media outlets, and digital channels that influence discovery and decision-making. When these elements work together, restaurants are better positioned to capture attention during key moments of intent.
One of the most influential factors in reservation growth is local search visibility. Many diners begin their decision process by searching for nearby restaurants based on cuisine, location, or occasion. Accurate business listings, consistent naming conventions, and location-based content help ensure that restaurants appear during these searches. Search engines rely on signals such as relevance, consistency, and credibility to determine which businesses are shown most prominently.
Content also plays a central role in shaping perception. Articles, announcements, and local media placements help establish context around a restaurant’s concept, history, and offerings. When structured properly, this content supports search discovery while also reinforcing brand familiarity. Restaurants that maintain a steady presence across multiple content formats tend to remain top of mind for both locals and visitors.
Reservation behavior is often influenced by timing. Events, seasonal trends, and local happenings create spikes in dining demand. Marketing strategies that align messaging with these patterns help restaurants reach audiences at moments when dining decisions are actively being made. Publishing timely content related to events, menu changes, or special occasions supports this alignment without relying on short-term promotional tactics.
Press coverage and local storytelling further contribute to visibility. Media placements that highlight a restaurant’s background, community ties, or culinary focus help create recognition beyond traditional advertising. These placements also generate authoritative signals that support search engine trust, reinforcing the restaurant’s digital footprint.
According to Brett Thomas, owner of Jambalaya Marketing in New Orleans, restaurant marketing succeeds when strategy focuses on consistency rather than isolated campaigns.
“Restaurants see stronger reservation activity when marketing efforts work together instead of operating independently,” said Thomas. “Search visibility, local media presence, and clear messaging all reinforce one another. When those signals align, discovery becomes more predictable.”
Thomas noted that many restaurants struggle not due to lack of interest, but due to fragmented digital presence. Inconsistent listings, outdated information, and disconnected messaging can create friction during the decision process. Addressing these issues improves clarity and reduces drop-off between discovery and reservation.
Local relevance remains a defining factor in restaurant marketing. Search platforms increasingly prioritize proximity, authenticity, and community connection. Content that reflects local culture, neighborhood identity, and regional dining habits helps restaurants resonate with audiences seeking meaningful experiences rather than generic options.
Online reputation also influences reservation behavior. Reviews, ratings, and third-party mentions contribute to credibility signals that search engines and consumers evaluate simultaneously. Monitoring and maintaining accurate information across platforms helps preserve trust and reduces confusion.
Another contributing factor is ease of access. Reservation systems, menus, and contact information must be clearly accessible across devices. Mobile usability plays a particularly important role, as many dining decisions occur while users are already on the move. Technical performance and page clarity directly affect whether a reservation is completed or abandoned.
Restaurants that apply a structured marketing framework often experience more consistent reservation flow over time. Rather than relying on short-term attention, this approach supports ongoing discovery and repeat engagement. Content remains discoverable, listings stay accurate, and visibility compounds gradually.
The restaurant industry continues to evolve alongside digital search behavior. As platforms place greater emphasis on local authority and relevance, marketing strategies that prioritize structure, accuracy, and consistency are positioned to support sustainable growth.
By approaching restaurant marketing as a coordinated system rather than a collection of individual tactics, businesses can strengthen visibility, reduce friction, and support increased reservation activity across local and visiting audiences.
Morgan Thomas
Rhino Digital, LLC
+1 504-875-5036 email us here
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Meat-based pet food has created an epidemic of obesity and other diet-related illnesses among our dogs and cats”
— Prof. Andrew Knight
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, January 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — As the world awoke on January 1, millions emerged from New Year’s Eve hangovers with a renewed desire to embrace healthier lifestyles. In 2025 more than 25 million people embraced that fresh start through Veganuary, a global movement inviting people to explore plant-based diets for the benefit of both personal health and the planet. Until very recently, however, our pets were forgotten. Now, a leading veterinary professor is urging that Veganuary go further—by including dogs and cats too.
Dogs and cats are widely regarded as beloved family members, yet their diets are rarely scrutinized with the same care. According to veterinary professor Andrew Knight at Murdoch University School in Australia, this oversight has contributed to an “epidemic of obesity and other diet-related illnesses” among companion animals. By late 2025, evidence had mounted from 11 studies in dogs and three in cats showing that animals can thrive on modern vegan or vegetarian diets when these are carefully designed. “Certain health benefits appear consistent,” Knight explains, including lower rates of obesity and improvements in allergy-related conditions such as itchy skin, ear problems, and digestive issues. He stresses, however, that vegan pet foods must come from reputable manufacturers that add essential nutrients to ensure nutritional completeness.
Surprisingly, perhaps, given their carnivorous ancestries, dogs and cats frequently appear to enjoy such diets. The largest study to date, involving more than 2,300 dogs and 1,100 cats, compared behavioural signs of enjoyment between animals fed vegan and meat-based foods. The result: no significant difference overall. “Pets have their own personalities and preferences,” Knight notes, “but on average, they seem to enjoy commercial vegan pet foods just as much as conventional ones.”
The implications go well beyond individual pet health and happiness. While awareness of the environmental costs of animal agriculture is growing, few people realize the scale of pet food’s impact. Knight’s research shows that in countries with high pet ownership, such as the United States, pet food accounts for around 20% of all land animals killed for food, alongside billions of fish and other marine animals. Globally, the figure is close to 9%, even after accounting for the use of by-products from human food production. In 2018, this translated to at least six billion land animals killed each year to feed the world’s roughly 470 million dogs—a number that has only increased since.
Transitioning dogs to nutritionally complete vegan diets could unlock dramatic environmental benefits, freeing up land and freshwater for reforestation, biodiversity recovery, and carbon capture. It would also avoid around 0.57 gigatonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions every year—around one and a half times the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2024.
Efficiency is another key factor. Most of the plant calories fed to farmed animals are lost during conversion into meat, milk, or eggs. Feeding pets plant-based ingredients directly is far more efficient, and a global shift to vegan dog food could save enough food energy annually to feed around 450 million people—equivalent to the entire population of the European Union.
Even when the world’s estimated 370 million cats (in 2018) are considered, the sustainability gains are striking. A global transition to nutritionally complete vegan cat food could save enough food energy each year to feed around 70 million people—more than the population of the UK.
As Knight puts it, “An average-sized dog can consume as much meat as a human.” For those looking to make 2026 a year of better health and lower environmental impact, he suggests that Veganuary is a powerful place to start—and one that shouldn’t stop at the dinner bowls of our pets. Further guidance is available at www.SustainablePetFood.info.
A KNIGHT
Sustainable Pet Food Foundation
Andrew.Knight@murdoch.edu.au
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Technical SEO does not usually produce visible changes overnight, but it determines whether everything else on a website has the opportunity to work”
— Brett Thomas
NEW ORLEANS, LA, UNITED STATES, January 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Technical SEO plays a foundational role in how websites are discovered, indexed, and evaluated by search engines. While content and backlinks often receive the most attention, technical structure determines whether that content can be accessed, interpreted, and ranked effectively. As search algorithms become more sophisticated, maintaining strong site health and crawl efficiency has become an essential component of long-term search visibility.
Technical SEO refers to the behind-the-scenes elements that influence how search engines interact with a website. These elements affect crawling, indexing, page performance, and structural clarity. When technical issues exist, even well-written content can struggle to perform in search results due to accessibility or interpretability limitations.
One of the most critical factors in technical SEO is crawlability. Search engines rely on automated bots to navigate websites and gather information. If those bots encounter broken links, improper redirects, blocked resources, or confusing site architecture, indexing can become incomplete or inconsistent. Clear internal linking structures, properly configured robots.txt files, and accurate XML sitemaps all contribute to efficient crawling.
Site speed is another major consideration. Page load performance affects both user experience and search engine evaluation. Large image files, excessive scripts, outdated code libraries, and unoptimized hosting environments can slow page rendering. Search engines increasingly factor page speed into ranking considerations, particularly on mobile devices where performance constraints are more pronounced.
Mobile accessibility has also become a central technical requirement. With mobile-first indexing now standard, search engines evaluate the mobile version of a site as the primary source for ranking signals. Responsive design, readable text without zooming, properly spaced interactive elements, and consistent content parity between desktop and mobile versions all influence how a site is assessed.
Structured data plays an expanding role in technical SEO. Schema markup helps search engines understand the context of information presented on a website, such as business details, services, articles, and events. Properly implemented structured data can improve clarity in search results and support enhanced listings without altering visible page content.
Security is another technical signal that impacts site trust. HTTPS encryption protects data transmission and has become a baseline expectation for modern websites. Sites lacking proper security certificates may experience reduced trust signals or browser warnings, both of which can affect engagement and visibility.
Indexation control is often overlooked but remains critical. Duplicate content, parameter-based URLs, and improperly handled pagination can create confusion for search engines. Canonical tags, noindex directives, and clean URL structures help ensure that the correct pages are indexed and prioritized.
Regular technical audits help identify these issues before they compound. Monitoring tools can surface crawl errors, broken links, slow-loading pages, and indexing anomalies. Addressing these findings supports both search engine access and overall site stability.
According to Brett Thomas, owner of Rhino Web Studios in New Orleans, technical SEO is often misunderstood because its impact is indirect but substantial.
“Technical SEO does not usually produce visible changes overnight, but it determines whether everything else on a website has the opportunity to work,” said Thomas. “Search engines cannot evaluate content accurately if the underlying structure creates friction. Site health and crawl efficiency are about removing obstacles so information can be accessed and understood correctly.”
Thomas noted that many technical issues develop gradually as websites evolve. New pages are added, plugins are installed, and design updates occur over time. Without periodic technical reviews, small inconsistencies can accumulate and affect performance in subtle ways.
Search engine guidelines continue to emphasize clarity, accessibility, and reliability. Sites that maintain clean architecture, fast performance, and accurate indexing signals are better positioned to adapt to algorithm updates and changes in search behavior.
Technical SEO also supports broader digital strategies. Paid advertising, content marketing, and local search initiatives all rely on stable site infrastructure. When technical foundations are sound, those efforts tend to perform more predictably and efficiently.
As search environments continue to evolve, technical SEO remains a constant requirement rather than a one-time task. Ongoing attention to site health, crawlability, and performance ensures that digital assets remain accessible, interpretable, and competitive in organic search results.
By approaching technical SEO as an ongoing maintenance discipline rather than a corrective measure, businesses can reduce risk, improve consistency, and support long-term visibility across search platforms.
Morgan Thomas
Rhino Digital, LLC
+1 504-875-5036 email us here
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A unified digital guide simplifying coastal tourism procedures and providing clear pathways for yachting activities across the Saudi Red Sea.
The first series of the guide provides a clear, end-to-end pathway for yachting, from arrival to departure, through simplified and transparent procedures.”
— Saudi Red Sea Authority
RIYADH, RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, January 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has launched the Introductory Guide to Coastal Tourism Activities, marking the first of its kind digital gateway designed to eliminate information fragmentation and streamline multiple pathways into a single, centralized electronic reference. The guide provides tourists, investors, and practitioners with one comprehensive digital point of access to all relevant information, regulations, and procedures representing a qualitative leap in the SRSA’s efforts to enhance the coastal tourism sector, increase its attractiveness, and establish a clear, unified reference framework for coastal tourism activities.
The guide has been designed to serve as a centralized digital access point that addresses gaps in access to information. It enables beneficiaries whether tourists, investors, or practitioners to access all relevant details, including updated requirements, conditions, and procedures, in one place. This is complemented by a direct digital referral feature that seamlessly redirects users, through smart links, to the official implementation platforms of the competent authorities responsible for the requested service. This approach shortens processing timelines and transforms the information seeking journey into a smooth, reliable, and fully integrated digital experience. The guide also includes a comprehensive FAQ section, along with clear, advisory-based guidance outlining permitted and prohibited practices.
The SRSA has launched the first series of the guide, dedicated to yachting activities, offering a clear and practical end-to-end pathway for a yacht’s journey from arrival to departure. This includes procedures, documentation, licenses and permits, mechanisms for identifying and confirming the port of entry (port/marina) through a licensed agent, as well as directories of approved service providers (maritime tourism agents, yacht charter companies, and marinas).
The guide further incorporates safety and environmental sustainability guidelines, alongside periodic updates aligned with regulatory requirements, ensuring beneficiary protection and clarifying mechanisms for receiving feedback and handling complaints in accordance with the mandates of the relevant authorities.
The significance of the guide stems from its role as a foundational enabler for the coastal tourism activities sector, one of the key drivers of tourism growth. Its launch is the result of intensive coordination efforts led by the Authority in collaboration with relevant entities to ensure role integration, foster an attractive tourism and investment environment, support the sector’s accelerating growth, and align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The guide serves as a unified reference for various coastal tourism activities, contributing to a smoother beneficiary journey, facilitating service provider procedures, addressing the majority of tourist inquiries, and delivering direct, actionable information to investors.
The SRSA invites all interested parties to visit the guide’s dedicated webpage, which now stands as the official compass for anyone seeking to practice or invest in coastal tourism activities offering ease of access, procedural clarity, and regulatory accuracy through the designated link: Yacht Activity
Abdullah S. Alyabisi
Saudi Red Sea Authority email us here
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ProfileTree founder says businesses risk destroying years of search engine rankings by switching established websites to AI-powered website building platforms.
I’ve seen businesses lose tens of thousands in revenue because they were seduced by a cheap website builder. The rankings loss can be devastating.
”
— Ciaran Connolly, ProfileTree Founder
BELFAST, CO. ANTRIM, UNITED KINGDOM, January 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — A leading Northern Ireland web design expert is warning established businesses against migrating their existing websites to AI-powered website building platforms, cautioning that such moves can destroy years of accumulated search engine rankings and online visibility.
Ciaran Connolly, founder of Belfast-based digital agency ProfileTree, says the growing marketing push from AI website builder platforms is creating a dangerous temptation for small and medium-sized businesses that don’t fully understand the SEO implications of platform migration.
“AI website builders are being marketed as a quick, cheap way to modernise your online presence,” said Connolly. “And for brand new businesses starting from scratch, they can be a reasonable option. But for any business with an established website that’s been generating traffic and leads for years, migrating to an AI builder could be one of the most expensive mistakes you ever make.”
The warning comes as platforms including Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, and newer AI-focused builders aggressively market artificial intelligence features that promise to create professional websites in minutes. While these tools have genuine applications for certain users, ProfileTree’s experience suggests that many established businesses are being drawn into migrations without understanding the potential consequences.
The Hidden Cost of Website Migration
According to Connolly, the core problem with AI website builder migration lies in how search engines value and rank websites over time.
“When Google ranks your website, it’s not just looking at your content today,” he explained. “It’s considering your entire history: how long your site has existed, how many other websites link to your pages, how users have interacted with your content over years, and dozens of other factors that accumulate over time. This is called domain authority, and it takes years to build.”
When a business migrates from an established website to an AI builder platform, multiple factors can severely damage this accumulated authority.
URL structures typically change during migration, meaning that pages which have built up rankings and backlinks over years suddenly no longer exist at their original addresses. While redirects can theoretically preserve some of this value, ProfileTree’s experience suggests that migrations to AI builder platforms frequently result in incomplete or improperly configured redirects.
Technical SEO capabilities are often limited on AI builder platforms. Features that professional web developers use to optimise sites for search engines, including custom schema markup, server-side rendering, detailed robots.txt control, and Core Web Vitals optimisation, may be restricted or unavailable on builder platforms.
Page speed and performance can suffer on shared builder platforms, where websites compete for server resources and businesses have limited control over technical performance factors that Google increasingly weights in its ranking algorithms.
Content structure and internal linking, which professional web developers carefully optimise for search engines, are often constrained by AI builder templates that prioritise visual appeal over search performance.
Real-World Consequences for UK and Irish Businesses
ProfileTree has witnessed the consequences of poorly planned website migrations across its 14 years serving businesses in Belfast, Dublin, London, and throughout the UK and Ireland.
“We’ve had businesses come to us after migrating to AI builders and losing 70, 80, even 90 percent of their organic search traffic,” Connolly recalled. “These are businesses that were generating significant revenue from Google searches, and within weeks of migration, that traffic had virtually disappeared. Rebuilding takes years, and some of that authority can never be fully recovered.”
The impact is particularly severe for businesses that rely heavily on local search visibility. A restaurant in Belfast city centre, a solicitor’s practice in Dublin, a tradesperson serving customers across County Antrim, or a retailer in Manchester city centre may have spent years building local search rankings that drive a substantial portion of their customer enquiries.
For these businesses, the promise of a shiny new AI-designed website can seem attractive, but the cost of lost local visibility can far exceed any savings on web development fees.
“I’ve seen businesses lose tens of thousands of pounds in revenue because they were seduced by a £20 per month website builder,” said Connolly. “The AI builder marketing makes it look so easy, but they don’t mention what happens to your Google rankings when you make the switch.”
AI Builders: When They Work and When They Don’t
Connolly emphasised that his warning is specifically directed at established businesses considering migration, not at all uses of AI website building tools.
“If you’re starting a brand new business and you need a basic web presence quickly and cheaply, AI builders can serve that purpose,” he acknowledged. “If you’re a hobbyist or a community group that doesn’t depend on search traffic, they might be fine. But if your business has an established website that generates leads and revenue through search engines, you need to think very carefully before making any platform change.”
The distinction matters because AI builder platforms are genuinely innovative tools that serve legitimate needs. The problem arises when these tools are marketed to businesses for whom they’re inappropriate, or when businesses make migration decisions without understanding the SEO implications.
ProfileTree recommends that any business considering website migration undertake a thorough SEO audit before making any platform decisions. This audit should assess current search rankings, organic traffic value, backlink profile, and technical SEO factors that could be affected by migration.
“The decision to migrate platforms should be based on data, not marketing,” Connolly advised. “If your current website is generating £50,000 worth of organic traffic annually, you need to understand exactly what you’re risking before you move to any new platform, AI-powered or otherwise.”
The Technical Factors at Risk
For businesses considering website platform changes, ProfileTree has identified several specific technical factors that are frequently compromised during AI builder migrations.
URL structure preservation is perhaps the most critical factor. Search engines index and rank individual pages based on their specific URLs. When URLs change during migration, all the ranking value accumulated by those pages can be lost unless proper redirects are implemented. AI builder platforms often impose their own URL structures that differ from a business’s existing site architecture.
Backlink equity, the value passed to your website from links on other websites, can be severely damaged by migration. If other websites link to pages on your current site that no longer exist after migration, that link value is lost. Identifying all incoming links and ensuring proper redirects requires technical expertise that many businesses lack.
Schema markup and structured data, which help search engines understand and display your content in rich results, are often limited or unavailable on AI builder platforms. Businesses in sectors like local services, hospitality, events, and retail may lose valuable search features they’ve built up over time.
Core Web Vitals, Google’s metrics for measuring user experience, can suffer on builder platforms where businesses have limited control over page loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability. Google explicitly uses these factors in ranking decisions, and poor scores can affect search visibility.
Canonical tag control, which tells search engines which version of a page is the primary version, may be limited on builder platforms. Improper canonical implementation can lead to duplicate content issues that harm search rankings.
International and multilingual SEO features, important for businesses serving customers across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and Great Britain, may be restricted on builder platforms. Hreflang implementation for language and regional targeting often requires technical control that builders don’t provide.
The Belfast and Northern Ireland Context
The warning has particular relevance for businesses in Northern Ireland, where the SME sector forms the backbone of the local economy and many businesses depend on digital visibility to compete.
Belfast’s business community has embraced digital transformation in recent years, with local businesses increasingly sophisticated in their use of websites, search engine optimisation, and digital marketing to reach customers. This progress could be undermined if businesses make ill-informed migration decisions that sacrifice hard-won search visibility.
“Northern Ireland businesses have worked hard to build their online presence,” Connolly observed. “I’ve watched the Belfast digital economy grow over 14 years, and I’ve seen local businesses go from having no web presence to ranking on page one of Google for competitive terms. That progress represents real investment of time and money, and it shouldn’t be thrown away because of clever marketing from a website builder.”
The cross-border nature of many Northern Ireland businesses adds another layer of complexity. Businesses serving customers in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland need websites that perform well for searches in multiple jurisdictions, with appropriate local SEO signals for both markets. AI builder platforms may not provide the flexibility needed to optimise for this cross-border context.
Similarly, Northern Ireland businesses increasingly serve customers across Great Britain, competing with firms in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and other major UK cities. Search visibility is essential for this competition, and any platform that compromises SEO capability puts Northern Ireland businesses at a disadvantage.
Warning Signs and Red Flags
ProfileTree has identified several warning signs that businesses should watch for when evaluating AI website builder platforms or being approached by providers offering migration services.
Promises of improved rankings without SEO audit should raise immediate concerns. No platform can guarantee improved search rankings, and any provider making such promises without first auditing your current SEO performance is not being straightforward.
Lack of discussion about redirects and URL preservation is a significant red flag. Any responsible website migration must include comprehensive redirect planning, and providers who don’t raise this issue may not understand SEO implications.
Limited access to technical SEO features should prompt careful questioning. Businesses should ask specifically about schema markup capabilities, robots.txt access, sitemap control, canonical tag management, and Core Web Vitals optimisation before committing to any platform.
Pressure to make quick decisions is common in website builder sales but should be resisted. Website platform decisions have long-term consequences and deserve careful consideration, not rushed choices driven by limited-time offers or sales pressure.
Emphasis on design over performance is often a sign that a platform prioritises visual appeal over search engine optimisation. While design matters, businesses that depend on search traffic need to ensure that SEO is given equal or greater weight.
What Businesses Should Do Instead
For established businesses seeking to modernise their web presence, ProfileTree recommends several alternative approaches to AI builder migration.
Professional website redesign on existing platforms allows businesses to update their visual design and user experience while preserving the URL structure, technical SEO configuration, and accumulated authority of their current site. This approach costs more than an AI builder subscription but protects the business’s search investment.
Staged improvement programmes allow businesses to update their websites incrementally, addressing design issues, content gaps, and technical problems over time without the risks associated with wholesale platform migration.
Professional SEO audit before any platform decision ensures that businesses understand what they have to lose before making changes. An audit should quantify current organic traffic value, identify technical SEO strengths and weaknesses, and assess migration risks.
Consultation with independent experts who don’t have a financial interest in selling a particular platform can help businesses make informed decisions. Website builder platforms have sales teams incentivised to close deals, not to advise against migration when it’s not appropriate.
Pilot testing on subdomain or separate domain allows businesses to experiment with AI builder platforms without risking their primary web presence. This approach lets businesses evaluate platform capabilities before committing to migration.
ProfileTree’s Approach to Web Development
ProfileTree has built over 1,000 websites for businesses across Belfast, Dublin, London, and throughout the UK and Ireland during its 14 years of operation. The agency’s approach prioritises long-term search performance alongside visual design and user experience.
“We build websites that are designed to rank,” said Connolly. “That’s been our philosophy from day one. A beautiful website that nobody can find on Google isn’t serving your business. We make sure every site we build has the technical foundation for strong search performance.”
The agency primarily works with WordPress, the platform powering over 40 percent of websites worldwide, which provides the flexibility and technical control needed for serious SEO implementation. ProfileTree also works with Shopify for ecommerce clients and can advise on other platforms where appropriate.
ProfileTree, which has been featured in the Belfast Newsletter and the Irish News for its work supporting local businesses, has accumulated over 450 five-star client reviews from businesses that have experienced the results of professionally built, SEO-focused websites.
“The businesses that come to us after failed AI builder migrations are often our most grateful clients,” Connolly noted. “They’ve learned the hard way what happens when you prioritise cheap over effective. Our job is to rebuild what they’ve lost and make sure they never face that situation again.”
About ProfileTree
ProfileTree is a digital marketing and creative media agency headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded in 2011 by Ciaran Connolly, the agency provides web design, SEO, content marketing, video production, and AI training services to businesses across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the UK.
Over 14 years in operation, ProfileTree has built over 1,000 websites, accumulated more than 450 five-star client reviews, and developed a YouTube following of over 250,000 subscribers with business education content. The agency specialises in creating websites that are optimised for search engine performance, not just visual appeal.
ProfileTree has been featured in publications including the Belfast Newsletter and the Irish News, and has worked with clients including Tourism Northern Ireland, National Trust, and Derry Halloween, Europe’s largest Halloween festival.
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Lawyer and Capital Advisor Alejandro R. Hernandez Repositions ARH Global Advisors Around Probate, Real Estate Economics, and Family Wealth Strategy
LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, January 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Alejandro R. Hernandez, Certified Probate and Trust Specialist, and Lawyer, announced a strategic repositioning of ARH Global Advisors LLC to focus on probate and trust capital strategy, real estate economics, and family wealth advisory across California, New York, and Texas.
With more than 25 years of experience advising on probate, trust, and complex asset matters, Hernandez has worked with families, fiduciaries, trustees, and closely held businesses navigating estate transitions, inherited real estate, and multi-jurisdictional asset structures. His advisory model reflects increasing demand for integrated guidance that aligns legal understanding, asset strategy, and financial outcomes under a single advisory framework.
“Families and fiduciaries are increasingly looking for advisors who understand not only the legal framework of probate and trusts, but also the economic and strategic implications of real estate and capital decisions,” said Hernandez. “ARH Global Advisors was built to provide that integrated perspective, particularly in complex estate and transition scenarios.”
An Integrated Probate and Capital Advisory Model
ARH Global Advisors operates at the intersection of:
Probate and Trust Advisory
Real Estate Economics and Transaction Strategy
Business and Family Capital Planning
Rather than operating as a traditional brokerage or single-discipline professional practice, the firm focuses on advising how, when, and under what conditions assets should be preserved, repositioned, or monetized, particularly in probate and trust-driven situations involving real estate, operating businesses, and cross-border considerations.
This advisory approach has become increasingly relevant as estates face:
Heightened probate complexity
Multiple heirs and jurisdictions
Institutional fiduciary oversight
Time-sensitive real estate and liquidity decisions
Advisory Expansion in Key Markets
In 2026, ARH Global Advisors is expanding its advisory presence in Los Angeles, Manhattan, and Austin, serving:
Trustees and executors
Trust and estate professionals
Banks and private fiduciaries
Families managing inherited, distressed, or transitional assets
The firm also collaborates with real estate professionals, financial advisors, and professional service firms seeking specialized probate and trust-focused advisory support.
About Alejandro R. Hernandez
Alejandro R. Hernandez is a Doctor of Jurisprudence, Certified Probate and Trust Specialist, and Lawyer, with over 25 years of experience advising on probate, trust, real estate, and complex asset matters. He is the founder of ARH Global Advisors LLC, a multi-jurisdictional advisory firm focused on probate-driven real estate strategy, capital advisory, and family wealth planning.
Alejandro Hernandez
ARH Consulting LLC
+1 646-290-7380 email us here
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Probate Advisor Alejandro R. Hernandez Repositions ARH Global Advisors’ New York Practice Around Probate, Real Estate Economics, and Family Wealth Strategy
MANHATTAN, NY, UNITED STATES, January 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Alejandro R. Hernandez, Doctor of Jurisprudence, Certified Probate and Trust Specialist, and Lawyer, announced the strategic repositioning of ARH Global Advisors LLC’s New York advisory practice, focusing on probate and trust capital strategy, real estate economics, and family wealth advisory serving Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area.
With more than 25 years of experience advising on probate, trust, and complex asset matters, Hernandez works with families, fiduciaries, trustees, and closely held businesses navigating estate administration, inherited real estate, and multi-jurisdictional asset structures common to New York estates. His advisory approach addresses the growing need for coordinated guidance that integrates legal knowledge, asset strategy, and economic decision-making.
“New York estates often involve heightened complexity—multiple heirs, layered fiduciary oversight, and significant real estate considerations,” said Hernandez. “ARH Global Advisors provides trustees and families with an integrated advisory perspective that aligns probate realities with sound real estate and capital strategy.”
Probate and Capital Advisory for New York Estates
ARH Global Advisors’ New York practice focuses on advisory services at the intersection of:
Probate and Trust Advisory
Real Estate Economics and Transaction Strategy
Business and Family Capital Planning
Rather than operating as a traditional brokerage or single-discipline professional practice, the firm advises how and when estate-held assets should be preserved, repositioned, or monetized, particularly in probate and trust matters involving New York real estate, operating businesses, and cross-border or multi-state holdings.
This advisory model is particularly relevant in New York, where estates frequently face:
Complex probate and trust structures
High-value residential and commercial real estate
Institutional fiduciaries and court oversight
Time-sensitive liquidity and valuation decisions
Expanding Advisory Presence in Manhattan
In 2026, ARH Global Advisors is strengthening its advisory footprint in Manhattan, working closely with:
Trustees and executors
Trust and estate professionals
Banks and private fiduciaries
Families managing inherited, distressed, or transitional assets
The firm collaborates with real estate professionals, financial advisors, and professional service firms seeking specialized probate and trust-focused advisory support within the New York market.
About Alejandro R. Hernandez
Alejandro R. Hernandez is a Doctor of Jurisprudence, Certified Probate and Trust Specialist, and Lawyer, with over 25 years of experience advising on probate, trust, real estate, and complex asset matters. He is the founder of ARH Global Advisors LLC, a multi-jurisdictional advisory firm providing probate-driven real estate strategy and family capital advisory services in New York and nationally.
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ARH Consulting LLC
+ + 1 646-290-7380 email us here
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OM Botanical bridges the gap between Ayurvedic tradition and science, launching a line of food-grade, skincare that sets a new standard for ingredient purity.
We’re not choosing between ancient wisdom and modern science, we’re proving they were always meant to work together.”
— Sudhir Shah
RALEIGH, NC, UNITED STATES, January 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — OM Botanical, a leader in botanical biochemistry, announced today a significant expansion of its research-driven skincare line, setting a new benchmark for ingredient purity by achieving food-grade manufacturing standards. Under the direction of molecular biologist Sudhir Shah, the company is addressing the growing consumer and regulatory demand for clean beauty and non-toxic personal care through the integration of ancient Ayurvedic principles and modern biotechnology.
As the global beauty products market shifts toward microbiome-friendly skincare formulations, OM Botanical’s recent developments represent a move away from the synthetic isolates and harsh preservatives that dominate the conventional market. By prioritizing biocompatibility and transdermal delivery, the company is providing a scientific framework for natural skincare that rivals the efficacy of traditional pharmaceutical approaches.
“The industry is at a crossroads where consumers no longer accept the trade-off between safety and results,” stated Sudhir Shah, founder and lead researcher at OM Botanical. “Our focus is on bioavailability, ensuring that plant-derived compounds are not only pure enough to be food-grade but are also structurally capable of supporting the skin’s natural regenerative processes.”
Scientific Innovation: Beyond Synthetic Isolates
OM Botanical’s proprietary processes focus on natural synergy, a concept grounded in the belief that whole-plant extracts are safer and more effective than isolated active molecules. This “full-spectrum” approach ensures that secondary metabolites, which are often lost in high-heat chemical processing—remain intact to stabilize and enhance the primary active ingredients.
Key technical pillars of the OM Botanical formulation process include:
Microbiome Modulation: Formulations are specifically engineered to preserve the acid mantle and the skin’s delicate bacterial ecosystem, avoiding the use of phenoxyethanol and synthetic alcohols.
Phyto-Exosomal Technology: Utilizing plant-derived exosomes as natural signaling molecules to facilitate deep-tissue hydration and cellular repair.
Natural Retinol Alternatives: Integrating Bakuchiol and other botanical vitamins to provide anti-aging benefits without the inflammation or photosensitivity associated with synthetic retinoids.
Advanced Humectants: Replacing synthetic silicones with Tremella mushroom extract, a bio-polymer capable of holding significantly more moisture than hyaluronic acid.
Market Positioning and Consumer Safety
The transition to food-grade skincare is a direct response to the increasing body of research regarding the skin-gut axis and the systemic absorption of topical chemicals. By adhering to these standards, OM Botanical eliminates common industry irritants such as parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances, which are increasingly scrutinized for their roles as potential endocrine disruptors.
This scientific rigor has positioned the brand as a key player in the holistic wellness and professional skincare sectors, catering to a demographic that demands clinical-level results from unprocessed, plant-based sources.
Environmental Stewardship and ESG Goals
Integral to the company’s expansion is a reinforced commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. OM Botanical’s “one tree planted per product” initiative and its use of sustainable packaging reflect a circular business model. The brand’s focus on biodegradable skincare ensures that the lifecycle of the product—from extraction to water-system runoff—remains ecologically neutral.
About OM Botanical
Based in Apex, North Carolina, OM Botanical is a pioneer in the “Safe Enough to Eat” food-grade skincare movement. Founded by a molecular biologist, the company specializes in the convergence of Ayurvedic medicine and biochemical engineering. OM Botanical’s mission is to provide full-spectrum, microbiome-safe solutions that promote long-term skin health.
For more information on their latest research or to view the full ingredient transparency report, visit https://ombotanical.com.
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ProfileTree’s Future Business Academy offers no-cost AI masterclass to help small businesses across Ireland and the UK implement AI safely and strategically.
By removing the cost barrier, we’re giving every business the opportunity to develop essential AI skills. The skills gap affects everyone.”
— Ciaran Connolly, ProfileTree Founder
BELFAST, CO. ANTRIM, UNITED KINGDOM, January 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — A leading Northern Ireland digital agency has launched a free artificial intelligence training course designed to help small and medium-sized businesses across Ireland and the United Kingdom bridge the growing AI skills gap.
ProfileTree, the Belfast-based digital marketing and training provider, is offering its comprehensive AI masterclass at no cost through its Future Business Academy platform. The course, which would typically be valued at over £2,000, provides practical, implementation-focused AI training specifically designed for SME business owners and their teams.
Ciaran Connolly, founder of ProfileTree and director of Future Business Academy, said the decision to offer the training free of charge reflects the urgent need for accessible AI education among smaller businesses.
“There’s a growing divide between businesses that understand how to use AI effectively and those that don’t,” said Connolly. “We’ve trained over 1,000 businesses in AI implementation, and what we’ve learned is that most SMEs want to adopt AI but can’t justify expensive training programmes when they’re still uncertain about the return on investment. By removing the cost barrier, we’re giving every business the opportunity to develop essential AI skills.”
Addressing the AI Skills Crisis
The launch comes amid growing concern about AI readiness among UK and Irish businesses. Research consistently shows that while large enterprises are investing heavily in AI capabilities, small and medium-sized businesses are struggling to keep pace.
For many SMEs across Belfast, Dublin, London, and regional towns throughout Northern Ireland and Great Britain, the challenge is not lack of interest in AI but lack of access to relevant, practical training. Most available AI courses are designed for technical specialists or enterprise-level organisations, leaving smaller businesses without appropriate learning resources.
“When a business owner in Newry or Derry or Lisburn searches for AI training, they typically find courses that are either too technical, too expensive, or too theoretical,” Connolly explained. “They don’t need to understand how large language models work at a technical level. They need to know how to use ChatGPT to save time on customer emails, how to create content more efficiently, how to analyse their business data, and how to do all of this without putting their business at risk.”
Future Business Academy’s free AI course addresses this gap by focusing exclusively on practical implementation for non-technical business users. The curriculum covers real-world applications that SMEs can implement immediately, without requiring specialist technical knowledge or significant technology investment.
What the Free AI Course Covers
The Future Business Academy AI masterclass provides comprehensive training across multiple aspects of business AI adoption, structured specifically for SME needs and capabilities.
The course begins with foundational AI literacy, helping business owners and staff understand what AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can and cannot do. This section addresses common misconceptions about AI capabilities and sets realistic expectations for what businesses can achieve with current technology.
Participants then learn practical AI applications for everyday business tasks. This includes using AI for drafting and editing business communications, creating marketing content, analysing customer feedback, summarising documents, and automating repetitive administrative tasks. Each application is taught with step-by-step guidance and real-world examples relevant to small business contexts.
A significant portion of the course focuses on AI safety, governance, and risk management. Participants learn how to use AI tools without compromising sensitive business or customer data, how to verify AI-generated content for accuracy, and how to develop organisational policies that enable safe AI adoption. This section reflects ProfileTree’s experience that many businesses have made costly mistakes by adopting AI tools without proper safeguards.
The course also covers AI and digital marketing, teaching participants how AI is changing search engine optimisation, content marketing, and online visibility. Business owners learn about AI-powered search platforms, Generative Engine Optimisation, and how to ensure their business remains visible as customers increasingly use AI assistants to find products and services.
Finally, the programme addresses strategic AI planning, helping businesses develop roadmaps for ongoing AI adoption that align with their specific goals, resources, and risk tolerance. Participants complete the course with a personalised AI implementation plan they can begin executing immediately.
Why Belfast for AI Training
Belfast has emerged as an increasingly important hub for technology and digital services in recent years, with a growing ecosystem of technology companies, digital agencies, and training providers. ProfileTree has been part of this growth, operating from the city for over 14 years and building expertise in digital marketing, web development, and more recently, AI implementation.
“Belfast is uniquely positioned to lead on practical AI training for SMEs,” Connolly observed. “We have a strong technology sector that’s created local AI expertise, but we also have a deep understanding of the challenges facing smaller businesses. We’re not a London agency trying to adapt enterprise solutions for SMEs. We’re a Belfast business that’s worked with thousands of local companies and understands their real needs and constraints.”
The agency’s decision to make AI training freely accessible reflects a broader commitment to supporting the Northern Ireland business community. ProfileTree has previously offered free digital skills workshops, published extensive free educational content through its YouTube channel, and provided pro-bono support to community organisations and charities.
“We believe that when local businesses succeed, the whole community benefits,” said Connolly. “If we can help SMEs across Northern Ireland adopt AI effectively, that’s good for those businesses, good for their employees, good for their customers, and good for the local economy.”
Cross-Border and UK-Wide Access
While rooted in Belfast and Northern Ireland, Future Business Academy’s free AI course is available to businesses across the Republic of Ireland and throughout Great Britain. The online delivery format means that business owners in Dublin, Cork, Galway, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and anywhere else with internet access can participate fully.
ProfileTree has seen strong demand for AI training from businesses throughout the island of Ireland, reflecting the integrated nature of the Irish business economy. Many Northern Ireland businesses serve customers in both jurisdictions, and the AI skills they develop are equally applicable whether they’re working with clients in Belfast, Dublin, or further afield.
Similarly, the agency has delivered AI training to businesses across England, Scotland, and Wales, and the free course makes this expertise accessible regardless of location. The curriculum has been developed to be relevant across different UK and Irish business contexts, with examples and applications that translate across regions and sectors.
“The AI skills gap isn’t limited to Northern Ireland,” Connolly noted. “SMEs everywhere are facing the same challenges: how to adopt AI effectively, how to do it safely, and how to compete with larger businesses that have more resources for AI investment. Our free course is designed to level that playing field.”
Practical Training Over Theory
A core principle of Future Business Academy’s approach is prioritising practical skills over theoretical knowledge. This reflects ProfileTree’s experience that SME business owners have limited time for training and need to see immediate, tangible results from their learning investment.
“Business owners don’t have time to sit through hours of lectures about the history of artificial intelligence or the technical architecture of neural networks,” said Connolly. “They need to know how to use AI tools to solve real problems in their business, starting today. That’s exactly what our course delivers.”
The curriculum is structured around hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios. Participants don’t just learn about AI capabilities in abstract terms; they practice using AI tools to complete actual business tasks during the training. By the end of the course, participants have direct experience applying AI to their own business challenges.
This practical focus extends to the AI safety and governance modules. Rather than simply explaining data privacy risks in theoretical terms, the course walks participants through developing actual AI policies for their organisations, assessing their specific risk profiles, and implementing concrete safeguards.
ProfileTree’s training methodology has been refined through delivery of over 1,000 AI training sessions to businesses of varying sizes and across multiple sectors. The free course incorporates lessons learned from this extensive experience, focusing on the content and approaches that have proven most effective for SME learners.
Supporting Business Growth Across Sectors
Future Business Academy’s free AI course is designed to be relevant across the diverse range of sectors represented in the UK and Irish SME community.
Professional services firms, including accountants, solicitors, financial advisers, and consultants, can learn to use AI for client communication, document drafting, research, and data analysis. These applications can significantly improve efficiency in knowledge-intensive businesses where time is the primary constraint on growth.
Retail businesses, whether operating physical stores in Belfast city centre or selling online to customers across the UK and Ireland, can learn to apply AI to product descriptions, customer service, inventory management, and marketing. For smaller retailers competing against larger chains with dedicated technology teams, AI skills can be a significant competitive advantage.
Hospitality businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators across Northern Ireland and beyond, can learn to use AI for customer communication, review management, content creation, and operational planning. With tourism being a major industry in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, AI skills are increasingly relevant for businesses in this sector.
Manufacturing businesses can learn to apply AI to quality control documentation, supplier communication, customer service, and business analysis. While advanced AI applications in manufacturing may require specialist implementation, there are many practical AI applications that any manufacturing business can implement immediately.
Creative and media businesses, including marketing agencies, design studios, video production companies, and content creators, can learn to integrate AI into their workflows while maintaining quality standards and creative differentiation. ProfileTree’s own experience as a creative agency informs this section of the curriculum.
The Future Business Academy Platform
Future Business Academy represents ProfileTree’s dedicated training division, established to provide structured learning opportunities for businesses seeking to develop digital and AI capabilities.
The platform offers both free and paid training programmes, with the free AI course serving as an entry point for businesses beginning their AI journey. Businesses that complete the free programme can access more advanced training for specific applications, sector-focused modules, and one-to-one strategic consulting for AI implementation.
“Future Business Academy is about making professional-quality business training accessible to everyone,” Connolly explained. “We’ve seen too many businesses held back by lack of access to good training. By offering our foundational AI course for free, we’re removing that barrier and giving every business the opportunity to develop these essential skills.”
The platform reflects ProfileTree’s broader philosophy that business success should be determined by ideas, effort, and execution rather than by access to expensive resources. This approach has guided the agency’s development of its YouTube channel, which provides over 250,000 subscribers with free business education content, and its commitment to publishing free guides and resources on digital marketing, SEO, and web development.
How to Access the Free AI Course
Businesses interested in accessing Future Business Academy’s free AI masterclass can register through the ProfileTree website. The course is delivered online, allowing participants to complete training at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Registration is open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, though the curriculum is specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises. Participants receive full access to all course materials, practical exercises, and downloadable resources.
“We’ve made the registration process as simple as possible because we want to remove every barrier to access,” said Connolly. “If you’re a business owner who wants to understand AI better, you should be able to start learning today. That’s what this free course makes possible.”
ProfileTree also offers in-person AI training for businesses preferring face-to-face learning, delivered at the agency’s Belfast headquarters or at client premises across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the UK. These sessions can be tailored to specific organisational needs and are available alongside the free online course.
About ProfileTree and Future Business Academy
ProfileTree is a digital marketing and creative media agency headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded in 2011 by Ciaran Connolly, the agency provides web design, SEO, content marketing, video production, and AI training services to businesses across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the UK.
Future Business Academy is ProfileTree’s dedicated training division, offering structured learning programmes in AI, digital marketing, and business technology. The academy combines ProfileTree’s 14 years of practical agency experience with professional instructional design to deliver training that drives real business results.
Over its history, ProfileTree has accumulated more than 450 five-star client reviews and built a YouTube following of over 250,000 subscribers. The agency has delivered AI training to over 1,000 businesses and worked with clients including Tourism Northern Ireland, National Trust, and Derry Halloween, Europe’s largest Halloween festival.
ProfileTree has been featured in publications including the Belfast Newsletter and the Irish News for its work supporting local business growth and digital skills development across Northern Ireland.
For more information about the free AI course, Future Business Academy programmes, or ProfileTree’s digital marketing services, visit https://www.profiletree.com or contact the team directly.
Are AI Browsers the NEXT BIG THING in Web Navigation?
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ProfileTree analysis of 1,000 business AI training programmes reveals significant readiness gaps among small and medium enterprises across Ireland and the UK.
Most SMEs come to us with enthusiasm about AI but no practical plan for safe, strategic implementation. The readiness gap is significant.”
— Ciaran Connolly, ProfileTree Founder
BELFAST, CO. ANTRIM, UNITED KINGDOM, January 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — New analysis from one of Northern Ireland’s leading digital agencies has revealed that the majority of small and medium-sized enterprises across Ireland and the United Kingdom were significantly unprepared for AI adoption when they first engaged with structured AI training programmes.
ProfileTree, a Belfast-based digital marketing and training provider, has compiled findings from over 1,000 AI training sessions delivered to businesses across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and Great Britain over the past 18 months. The data paints a concerning picture of AI readiness among the SME sector, while also highlighting the rapid progress businesses can make once they engage with proper training and strategic guidance.
Ciaran Connolly, founder of ProfileTree, said the findings underscore an urgent need for practical, implementation-focused AI education tailored specifically to the needs of smaller businesses.
“What we’ve seen consistently across more than 1,000 training sessions is that most SMEs come to us with enthusiasm about AI but very little practical understanding of how to implement it safely and strategically,” said Connolly. “They’ve heard about ChatGPT, they know their competitors are using AI tools, but they don’t have a clear plan for how AI fits into their business operations, marketing, or customer service.”
Key Findings from 1,000 AI Training Sessions
ProfileTree’s analysis of its AI training programme participants revealed several consistent patterns among businesses across Belfast, Dublin, London, Manchester, and other major UK and Irish cities.
The majority of businesses attending AI training had no formal AI strategy or policy in place when they began. Most were using AI tools in an ad-hoc manner, with individual staff members experimenting with ChatGPT or similar tools without organisational oversight or guidelines.
A significant proportion of business owners expressed concerns about AI safety, data privacy, and the risk of AI-generated errors, but had not implemented any safeguards or review processes. Many businesses were unaware of the potential risks associated with inputting sensitive business or customer data into public AI tools.
Most SMEs had not considered how AI would affect their existing digital marketing, SEO, or content strategies. Businesses were largely unaware of concepts such as AI search optimisation or Generative Engine Optimisation, and had not assessed how AI-powered search platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews might affect their online visibility.
The majority of training participants reported that they had struggled to find AI training resources that were practical, implementation-focused, and relevant to smaller businesses. Many had encountered AI courses that were either too technical, too theoretical, or designed primarily for enterprise-level organisations with dedicated IT departments.
The AI Readiness Gap in Northern Ireland and Ireland
The findings suggest that businesses in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland face particular challenges in AI adoption, despite strong interest in the technology.
“Northern Ireland has a fantastic SME sector with innovative, adaptable businesses,” Connolly observed. “But we’re also seeing that many local businesses feel left behind by the AI conversation. The headlines are all about big tech companies and enterprise AI deployments. There’s been much less focus on how a 10-person business in Belfast or Newry or Derry can actually use AI to improve their operations and serve customers better.”
ProfileTree’s training data indicates that businesses in professional services, retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and creative industries are all seeking AI guidance, but with varying levels of baseline understanding. Professional services firms, including accountants, solicitors, and consultants, have shown particularly strong demand for AI training, driven by client expectations and competitive pressure.
Retail and hospitality businesses across Northern Ireland have expressed interest in using AI for customer service, inventory management, and marketing automation, but often lack the technical confidence to implement these solutions without external support.
Manufacturing businesses, including those in the Belfast and greater County Antrim area, have shown interest in AI applications for quality control, supply chain optimisation, and predictive maintenance, though implementation remains limited among smaller operators.
The Cost of AI Unpreparedness
According to Connolly, the cost of AI unpreparedness extends beyond missed efficiency gains. Businesses that fail to develop coherent AI strategies risk falling behind competitors, making costly mistakes with sensitive data, and losing visibility in an increasingly AI-mediated digital landscape.
“We’ve seen businesses come to us after making expensive mistakes,” he said. “They’ve had staff members paste confidential client information into ChatGPT without understanding the privacy implications. They’ve published AI-generated content full of errors because they didn’t have proper review processes. They’ve invested in AI tools that don’t integrate with their existing systems because they didn’t plan strategically.”
The financial impact of such mistakes can be significant for smaller businesses operating with limited margins. Beyond direct costs, there are reputational risks associated with AI errors, particularly for businesses in regulated industries or those handling sensitive customer information.
ProfileTree’s training programmes now include dedicated modules on AI governance, data privacy, and risk management, reflecting the growing awareness among business owners that AI adoption requires proper safeguards.
Bridging the AI Skills Gap
In response to the AI readiness gap identified through its training programmes, ProfileTree has developed a structured approach to AI education that prioritises practical implementation over theoretical knowledge.
The agency’s AI training methodology focuses on four key areas: understanding AI capabilities and limitations, developing organisational AI policies and governance frameworks, implementing AI tools for specific business applications, and integrating AI with existing digital marketing and SEO strategies.
“Our approach is fundamentally practical,” Connolly explained. “We’re not trying to turn business owners into AI engineers. We’re helping them understand what AI can and can’t do, how to use it safely, and how to get real business value from it without taking unnecessary risks.”
ProfileTree, which was recently featured in the Belfast Newsletter for making its comprehensive AI masterclass available free to Northern Ireland businesses, has delivered training to organisations ranging from sole traders to companies with over 100 employees. The agency’s YouTube channel, which has accumulated over 250,000 subscribers, also provides free AI guidance and business education content.
Regional Variations in AI Adoption
ProfileTree’s training data reveals interesting variations in AI readiness and adoption patterns across different regions of the UK and Ireland.
Businesses in Belfast and the greater Belfast area have shown strong engagement with AI training, reflecting the city’s growing reputation as a technology and digital services hub. The presence of major technology employers in Belfast, including international firms with AI expertise, appears to have created a positive spillover effect, with local SMEs more aware of AI potential and more willing to invest in training.
Dublin-based businesses participating in ProfileTree’s training programmes have demonstrated similar levels of AI awareness, though with particular focus on AI applications for financial services and professional services sectors that are well-represented in the Irish capital.
Businesses in regional towns across Northern Ireland, including Newry, Derry, Lisburn, Ballymena, and Coleraine, have shown strong interest in AI training but often face additional barriers including limited local access to AI expertise and smaller peer networks for sharing best practices.
English businesses participating in ProfileTree’s training, particularly those in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds, have shown varying levels of AI maturity, with some ahead of their Northern Irish counterparts and others facing similar readiness challenges.
The Role of Free AI Education
ProfileTree has made a strategic commitment to providing free AI education resources alongside its paid training programmes, reflecting Connolly’s belief that widespread AI literacy benefits the entire business community.
“When we made our AI masterclass available for free, the response was overwhelming,” he recalled. “It confirmed what we suspected: there’s massive demand for practical AI guidance, but many smaller businesses simply can’t justify spending thousands on training programmes when they’re not yet certain how AI fits into their business.”
The agency’s free AI course, delivered through its Future Business Academy platform, covers fundamental AI concepts, practical tool usage, and strategic implementation guidance. Businesses that complete the free programme can then access more advanced paid training for specific applications or deeper strategic work.
This approach has proven effective for reaching businesses that might otherwise delay AI adoption indefinitely. ProfileTree has found that businesses that engage with free AI education resources are significantly more likely to implement AI tools successfully and to seek additional training as their needs evolve.
Recommendations for UK and Irish SMEs
Based on its analysis of over 1,000 AI training sessions, ProfileTree has developed a set of recommendations for small and medium-sized enterprises across the UK and Ireland that are beginning their AI adoption journey.
First, businesses should start with a clear assessment of their current AI readiness. This includes evaluating existing staff AI knowledge, identifying current ad-hoc AI usage within the organisation, and assessing the business’s data governance practices.
Second, businesses should develop a formal AI policy before expanding AI usage. This policy should cover acceptable use of AI tools, data privacy requirements, quality control processes for AI-generated content, and staff training requirements.
Third, businesses should prioritise AI applications that address specific business challenges rather than adopting AI for its own sake. The most successful AI implementations ProfileTree has observed are those targeted at solving particular problems, such as improving customer response times, streamlining content creation, or enhancing data analysis capabilities.
Fourth, businesses should invest in ongoing AI education rather than treating training as a one-time event. AI tools and best practices are evolving rapidly, and businesses that establish continuous learning practices are better positioned to adapt as the technology develops.
Fifth, businesses should consider how AI affects their broader digital strategy, including their website, SEO, and online visibility. AI-powered search platforms are changing how customers discover businesses, and organisations that fail to adapt their digital presence accordingly risk losing visibility to more AI-savvy competitors.
The Future of AI Training for SMEs
Looking ahead, Connolly predicts that demand for SME-focused AI training will continue to grow throughout 2025 and 2026, driven by accelerating AI capabilities and increasing competitive pressure.
“AI is not going away, and it’s not slowing down,” he said. “Every month, there are new tools, new capabilities, and new applications that businesses need to understand. The skills gap we’re seeing today will only widen unless businesses commit to ongoing AI education.”
ProfileTree plans to expand its AI training offerings in 2026, with new programmes focused on sector-specific AI applications, advanced AI strategy for growing businesses, and AI implementation support for businesses ready to move beyond training into active deployment.
The agency also intends to publish further research on AI adoption patterns among UK and Irish SMEs, providing ongoing insights into how the business community is adapting to the AI transformation.
About ProfileTree
ProfileTree is a digital marketing and creative media agency headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded in 2011 by Ciaran Connolly, the agency provides web design, SEO, content marketing, video production, and AI training services to businesses across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the UK.
Over 14 years in operation, ProfileTree has accumulated more than 450 five-star client reviews and built a YouTube following of over 250,000 subscribers. The agency has delivered AI training to over 1,000 businesses and completed thousands of digital projects for clients ranging from local SMEs to major organisations including Tourism Northern Ireland, National Trust, and Derry Halloween.
ProfileTree has been featured in publications including the Belfast Newsletter and the Irish News for its work supporting local business growth and digital skills development.
For more information about AI training programmes, digital marketing services, or ProfileTree’s research on AI adoption among SMEs, visit https://www.profiletree.com or contact the team directly.
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