A COMMUNICATIONS company touted as the UK’s first to be based on the “partnership between people and AI” has expanded into Somerset.

10 Years Ahead, co-founded by former MP Ruth Edwards and Owen Edwards, a politics, planning and data-led technology communications expert, is working with clients in the county as it continues to grow.

The founders said 10 Years Ahead is “built on a new model: combining the power of long-standing relationships, political experience and local understanding with advanced AI tools”.

The firm’s AI tools are used to find patterns, read millions of public conversations and provide real-time clarity for clients, with companies in the housing, infrastructure, energy, technology and regulated industries in Somerset among those signing up.

Founders Ruth and Owen live on the Somerset-Devon border and the company recently joined the Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

“Strong relationships increasingly matter more than anything – but they work best when they’re backed by real insight,” said Ruth.

“Our model brings those two things together for organisations in Somerset and across the south west.”
Before founding 10 Years Ahead, Ruth was the Conservative MP for Rushcliffe, in Nottinghamshire, and worked in cyber security before being elected.

She lost her seat at the 2024 General Election to Labour’s James Naish.

For more information on 10 Years Ahead, visit www.10yearsahead.co.uk.

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