About Simon Steggles
Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, UK
Simon Steggles brings 35 years of board-level technology leadership to SMEs and growth-stage organisations. He has served as Finance Director, Non-Executive Director, and Chairman across multiple sectors. For the past five years, he has translated that strategic experience into hands-on AI implementation, building working prototypes and delivering measurable results.
He does not present theory. He codes. He implements. He stays through delivery.
Professional Background
35 Years of Board-Level Leadership
Served as Finance Director, Non-Executive Director, and Chairman across technology, manufacturing, and professional services sectors. Built and scaled organisations. Managed P&L accountability at the highest level.
5+ Years Hands-On AI Implementation
Moved beyond strategy to build, test, and deploy AI solutions in production environments. Works directly with clients to solve real business problems, not hypothetical use cases.
Active Coder and Technical Implementer
Builds working prototypes in client meetings. Evaluates AI tools and platforms hands-on. Does not rely on others to assess technical feasibility or solution fit.
Delivery-Focused Approach
Stays through implementation. Does not hand off a strategy deck and disappear. Accountable for results, not just recommendations.
What Makes Simon Different
Board Experience
Speaks the language of CEOs, CFOs, and boards. Understands governance, risk, regulatory compliance, and P&L accountability. Presents options with commercial clarity, not technical jargon. You get advice you can act on immediately.
Technical Depth
Codes AI solutions personally. Evaluates tools hands-on. Assesses feasibility directly, not through second-hand opinions. Knows what works, what does not, and why. Can spot vendor claims that do not stack up.
Implementation Focus
Stays through delivery. Does not hand off strategy and leave. Works with your team to translate recommendations into working systems. Accountable for results. Adapts approach when real-world conditions demand it.
Sector Breadth
Experience across manufacturing, legal, healthcare, financial services, local government, and public sector organisations. Understands industry-specific constraints, compliance requirements, and risk profiles. Applies lessons from one sector to solve problems in another.
The Fractional Model
Fractional AI Director means part-time, board-level leadership on a retained basis. You get executive-grade expertise without the salary commitment of £150,000 to £300,000 per year.
Why It Works for SMEs
You need AI strategy and hands-on implementation. You do not need, or cannot afford, a full-time Chief AI Officer. A fractional model gives you both: strategic direction and technical delivery, scaled to your actual needs and budget.
How Engagement Works
Monthly retainer model with clear deliverables. No long lock-in contracts. Typically 1 to 2 days per week, adjusted based on project phase. You know what you pay. You know what you get. Payment stops if value stops flowing.
What You Get
- AI strategy aligned to business goals and commercial reality
- Technical assessment of tools, platforms, and build-vs-buy decisions
- Implementation oversight and delivery accountability
- Governance and compliance guidance (data protection, regulatory fit)
- Team training and knowledge transfer so you build internal capability
- Access to board-level judgment on risk, investment, and timing
Credentials and Expertise
ISO 42001 AI Management
Knowledge and implementation of AI Management Systems standards for responsible AI deployment and governance.
UK GDPR and Data Protection
Expert guidance on data handling, privacy-by-design, and compliance obligations under UK and EU data protection law.
EU AI Act Compliance
Understanding of emerging AI regulation, risk classification, and compliance pathway for organisations using AI across borders.
Public Sector Governance
Experience with Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), Freedom of Information (FOI) obligations, and council-level governance structures.
Board-Level Reporting
Proven ability to communicate technical AI concepts to non-technical executives and boards. Translates risk and opportunity into business language.
Implementation Delivery
Track record of moving from strategy to live AI systems. Team management, vendor selection, and delivery oversight.
Let’s Talk
Whether you need fractional AI leadership, strategic guidance, or hands-on implementation, the first conversation is free. Tell us what you are trying to solve.
Get in Touch