We were going to keep this newsletter short and to the point.
After all, if you were lucky enough to have time off over Christmas, you’re probably still wading through unread emails. And if you weren’t, well… you’re probably still wading through unread emails!
But some genuinely good stuff has landed over the past month and we thought you might enjoy a curated reset as you settle into 2026, reacquaint yourself with your inbox, and try to remember your passwords.
From potential to performance
Phil, our CEO, closed out the year reflecting on what actually changed in 2025 (4 mins). Then Stef, our CCO opened 2026 with a view on what needs to happen next (6 mins). TL:DR: AI usage in the supply chain is developing fast as the pressure ramps up to deliver value.
“Curating data flows between agents will define leadership”
This Harvard Business Review piece makes a strong case for a new class of supply chain professionals; someone who understands data, governance and prompt design as part of daily ops. A good read (if you’re a subscriber or have a free article left). (19 mins)
AI everywhere… but not always delivering value (yet)
This article in Forbes argues that whilst retailers know they need AI, too many are working with siloed data and systems that only advise and don’t act. A reminder that value lies in execution, not dashboards. (7 mins)
How we shop is shifting
The Guardian reports a quarter of UK shoppers are now using ChatGPT or Gemini to plan purchases. The search bar is starting to get nudged aside by something more conversational. (10 mins)
Big budgets, big ambitions
UK retailers are planning to automate 60% of tasks by 2035 and they’re putting their money where their mouth is. A third of digital budgets now go to AI. (5 mins)
But what about your team?
A sobering stat: according to research conducted on behalf of the British Chamber of Commerce, 72% of retail workers say they never use AI at work. And 89% say they’ve had no AI training. The digital gap isn’t just about tech, it’s about people. (4 mins)
Health is the killer app
Microsoft’s Copilot Usage Report found that on phones, AI use is dominated by one thing: health. Whether it’s sleep tracking, wellness tips or gym plans, mobile Copilot isn’t just answering questions, it’s becoming a daily companion. (8 mins)
If you’re in planning or ops, we know the past few months have been full on. Many of you have just come through peak – well done for surviving. We’d love to hear how it went:
- How did your labour plan hold up?
- Where did things go to plan?
- What would you change next year?
If you Fancy a 15-min chat? to compare notes, swap stories, or see what’s now possible with AI-led decision support, drop us a line.
We’ll keep it casual. No hard sell. Just good ideas, honestly shared.
Until next month,
Team Predyktable