Hubtel IT hires for AI push & GBP £2.5m growth plan

Hubtel IT has increased its headcount by 25% and set a turnover target of more than GBP £2.5 million for 2026 as it positions its services around artificial intelligence and cyber security.

The West Midlands IT consultancy services provider said it recorded turnover of just under GBP £2.3 million in 2025. The company said it serves nearly 400 customers across the region.

Hubtel IT started in 2002 when Chief Executive Officer Neil Bayliss founded the business from his parents' home in Hall Green, Birmingham. The company now operates from its headquarters in Nether Whitacre, outside Birmingham.

It employs 15 staff after adding three roles in recent months. The company said the hires form part of an AI-focused growth strategy.

The new staff are Craig Potts as Marketing Manager, Michelle Loveland as Tech Help Desk Manager, and Jake Barwell as IT Support Engineer. Hubtel IT said the appointments align with its commercial plans and service delivery objectives.

"Amid the rise of AI as a threat to and an opportunity, there is still no substitute for great people, which is why we've brought in Craig, Michelle and Jake to help us move to the next level," said Neil Bayliss, Chief Executive Officer, Hubtel IT.

Bayliss also pointed to a faster pace of change in the sector.

"Hubtel's story is one of steady growth and adapting to the ever-changing tech innovation. At no time in our 24 years has that innovation been advancing faster than now, due to the advent of AI," said Bayliss.

New roles

Hubtel IT said Potts leads its commercial and marketing strategy. The company also linked his role to work on its service portfolio and relationships with partners and clients.

"This is a pivotal moment for Hubtel IT as it reshapes and repositions ready to move to the next, AI-driven chapter," said Potts.

Loveland oversees the daily running of customer care within the help desk function, the company said.

"My passion is client relations, specifically delivering a consistently excellent service with a human touch even as AI advances," said Loveland.

Barwell works on day-to-day customer IT issues, the company said.

"I'm excited to join a team with such a clear vision for the future as we help our customers cautiously embrace AI," said Barwell.

AI focus

Hubtel IT described two tracks for AI development. It cited tools such as Chat GPT and Copilot, alongside Microsoft 365 integration, as one strand. It also highlighted AI agents that apply automation to business processes.

Bayliss said businesses need more advisory work as they adopt AI and manage its risks. He linked the issue to security culture and awareness.

"Successful adoption requires a consultative approach. Cybersecurity is as much about culture and awareness as it is about tech, and AI is the key risk as well as the key opportunity. It's being used by cyber criminals, but it can also be harnessed by many businesses to drive growth, improve productivity and create more efficient ways of working.

"Traditional processes can only take you so far. Now is the time for AI to elevate those processes to a higher level of automation, giving businesses and their employees the opportunity to focus more on strategy, efficiency and long-term growth," said Bayliss.

Cyber threats

Hubtel IT also drew attention to the use of AI in social engineering and scams. Bayliss said individuals face increased targeting even when organisations invest in technical defences.

"In 2025 many businesses, including big brands like JLR and M&S, fell victim to cyberattacks. While organisations continue strengthening their system defences, the rise of AI-driven social engineering means individuals are increasingly being targeted, so each of us must be vigilant," said Bayliss.

Rachel Taylor, the MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, connected the company's expansion to employment and cyber resilience in the area.

"It is fantastic to see SMEs driving growth and employment in my constituency. I am very much looking forward to visiting Hubtel IT soon and hearing from Neil about his business and the effort they are putting into combatting cyber criminals - a key issue for businesses, including in North Warwickshire and Bedworth, as the recent cyberattack against Jaguar Land Rover has shown," said Taylor.

Regional activity

Hubtel IT referenced public and private investment activity in digital skills and technology in the region. The company pointed to TechFirst, the government's tech skills programme, and said it has committed GBP £187 million to AI and digital skills education in classrooms and communities across the UK.

Hubtel IT also cited regional grant funding for creative and frontier tech firms. It said 13 businesses have shared GBP £1.8 million in grants allocated by the West Midlands Combined Authority and local councils.

The company also referenced Atos plans for investment in the West Midlands. It said Atos is investing GBP £10 million in a new tech centre in Solihull.

Hubtel IT said it plans to expand its work on AI-driven solutions for businesses in the West Midlands, including through Microsoft's Copilot Adoption Factory.