In this article...
Last week, RedSky welcomed customers to the Cotswolds for an inspiring day of networking, expert insights, and a glimpse into the future of our construction software.
Last Thursday, we were thrilled to welcome our customers to the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel for the RedSky CONNECT 2026 Customer Conference. The event provided a fantastic opportunity to step away from the daily routine, network with industry peers, and connect directly with the experts behind your software.
The AI Implementation Gap
Phil Kent, RedSky’s Managing Director, opened the event by highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation and sharing how RedSky is integrating AI across our business. Our aim is to enhance our work, better serve our customers, and build smarter products. We are using four high-level principles to help achieve this goal, and the work includes integrating AI Assistants directly into our RedSky platform for our customers.
Keynote speaker Bruno Oliveira, Senior Lecturer at the University of Bath, cut through the hype to address the “AI Implementation Gap”. The aim is to shift the conversation from “should we adopt AI” to “how do we adopt AI well?” Bruno gave a simple, practical framework that can be applied in your business. Emphasising that not all AI is created equal and that Context is everything. Contextual AI has context about your data, your rules, and your workflows — whereas Generic AI does not.
Next, Gary Marshall, our Presales Consultant, led a session on Unlocking the RedSky platform’s full capabilities. The Roadmap session by Head of Product Brendan Magill included an exclusive look at RedSky One and e-Invoicing. We also demonstrated how we are implementing Contextual AI across our platform with AI Assistants. By automating workflows and reducing administrative noise, we aim to let your teams focus on high-value tasks and protect project margins. We demonstrated AI Matching in automated accounts payable invoice processing. This process can cut processing times by 80 per cent and provide a three-way match.
Global Vision and Sustainable Growth
The afternoon featured an important update from the JDM Technology Group. We were delighted to be joined by Kathleen McFarlane, Chief Marketing Officer, alongside Mark Liss, Executive Advisor. They expanded on their vision for building strategic strength, global alignment and sustainable growth, highlighting that JDM now operates on all continents, with 35 companies, 18,000+ customers and 600+ employees. We were also pleased to welcome Mike Aspinwall, the group’s Chief Operating Officer, who travelled from Dubai to be with us.
Deep Dives and Direct Support
Throughout the day, customers attended a variety of breakout sessions tailored to their specific needs. Topics ranged from navigating HMRC’s recent changes to the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) to building better margins through digitised accounts payable.
When attendees were not in sessions, our Learning Lab and Discovery Hub were buzzing with activity. Staffed by experienced analysts and consultants, they offered personalised, one-on-one instruction, Q&A, and on-demand software demonstrations.
The Power of Connection
Reflecting on the event, Managing Director Phil Kent shared his thoughts:
“It was fantastic to see the energy and enthusiasm for our software and what it can do for our customers’. But beyond the technology, what truly stood out was the power of connection. There is simply no substitute for coming together in person, sharing ideas, and building the future side by side. Thank you for being part of our 50-year story. Here’s to an exciting road ahead!”
Simon Hague, Head of Account Management, added:
“The networking opportunities were fantastic. Having so many of our team members accessible in the Learning Lab meant customers could drop in, ask specific questions, and get immediate answers. It was brilliant to see everyone collaborating in person.”
All conference sessions and presentations will be available to the attendees very soon. Thank you once again for making RedSky Connect 2026 a resounding success!
For those who were unable to attend, we will be scheduling an online conference to give you an opportunity to get involved. Stay up to date with our latest news by signing up for our monthly newsletter.
