Axiologik has appointed Andy Roberts and Tim Lewis to its senior leadership team as demand for AI projects rises.

AI-related enquiries have increased roughly tenfold over the past nine months. The Leeds technology consultancy is also recruiting for 15 more AI-focused roles as it expands work for clients trying to move AI projects from pilot stages into operational use.

Roberts joins as Principal Consultant after 25 years working across consulting, technology, sport and media. His recent work has focused on helping organisations make AI projects deliver commercial results.

Lewis also joins as Principal Consultant. Named Prolific North Tech Leader of the Year in 2025, he has worked on technology teams and systems in logistics, health technology and gaming.

The recruitment drive reflects a wider pattern among organisations that have experimented with AI but struggled to deploy it at scale. Clients are contending with issues including data readiness, legacy systems and governance as they try to put AI into live environments.

Axiologik works with clients ranging from banks to government departments, helping them move beyond proof-of-concept work to systems that can operate within regulatory and operational constraints.

Demand shift

The growth in AI work comes as businesses reassess how to turn investment in generative AI and related tools into practical outcomes. Axiologik cited MIT research finding that 95% of generative AI pilots do not reach production, and said many organisations are still facing the same deployment problems identified in that research.

That has created an opening for consultancies that can combine engineering, software delivery and governance with AI projects. Axiologik said it differs from firms that place AI in standalone innovation units by spreading AI training across the business, with all staff AI-certified.

The business has also introduced AxioIntelligence, an AI readiness assessment designed to help executive teams identify where AI may produce a return and what governance work is needed first. It sits alongside Axiologik’s wider work in digital services, legacy modernisation and cyber security.

Roberts set out his view of the market challenge in a statement on his appointment.

“The appetite for AI certainly isn’t a problem; execution is. Most organisations can run training or a pilot. Far fewer can turn that into transformation at scale, the complex, business-wide change that delivers a return. That’s what Axiologik is built to do, and why I joined,” said Andy Roberts, Principal Consultant, Axiologik.

His appointment adds another senior figure to Yorkshire’s technology consulting sector at a time when firms are competing for specialists in data, software and AI delivery. Leeds and the wider region continue to build a reputation in digital services, with activity spanning financial services, public sector technology and health technology.

Lewis said clients were looking for practical support rather than broad claims about AI.

“Clients don’t need more noise about AI; there is plenty of that about. They need help managing risk and building the data architecture and software foundations to make this work in practice. Doing that inside a B Corp that takes governance seriously is exactly the right place to do it properly,” said Tim Lewis, Principal Consultant, Axiologik.

Axiologik was founded in Leeds in 2016 and works across public and private sector technology programmes. The latest expansion strengthens its work in secure and regulated digital change.

My signature summer dish reflects this beautifully: pan-seared wild seabass with wild garlic and cockle velouté, accompanied by crispy confit potato, asparagus, and a bright lemon gel. It offers a delicate balance of fresh coastal flavours, citrus lift, and refined textures, capturing both elegance and the essence of the season.

Who inspires you? 

I have two answers to this.

The first isn’t a “who,” but a “what.” For me, inspiration in the kitchen often comes from beyond it. I love exploring new places and drawing on the cultural differences, flavours, and ingredients found around the world.

The second is the people around me. I take great inspiration from my colleagues: both in the kitchen and across the hotel and restaurant at The Close. We’re all passionate individuals who share a genuine love for working in the beautiful world of hospitality.

Which three kitchen tools could you not do without?

The three kitchen tools I can’t live without are my razor-sharp chef’s knife, trusty cast-iron skillet, and instant-read meat thermometer – the essentials I reach for every single day.

How long did you train for? 

Honestly, I think we’re always training – always learning something new through life and every experience along the way.

What is your greatest achievement as a chef?

My greatest achievement as a chef is seeing the people I’ve trained go on to thrive and make their mark in the culinary world. Watching their passion, confidence, and talent grow is incredibly rewarding.

On a personal level, some of my proudest recent achievements include being named Chef of the Year and earning AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.

What challenges do you face in the kitchen? 

One of the ongoing challenges in the kitchen is balancing creativity with consistency — continually developing new ideas while ensuring every dish is delivered to the highest standard. It keeps us focused, motivated, and always learning as a team.

The Close

Long St, Tetbury GL8 8AQ
Tel: 01666 502272
Web: cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk/the-close-hotel

Cala Homes Chiltern visited St Edburg’s CE Primary School as part of its Stay Safe, Stay Away programme to raise awareness among children about the dangers of construction sites.

The visit formed part of the school’s Careers Week and included an interactive talk on jobs in the homebuilding industry, along with a strong warning about the hazards of unsupervised entry onto building sites.

Fiona Mowbray, customer services director at Cala Chiltern, said: “The Stay Safe, Stay Away programme is designed to spread the message to children that construction sites are not somewhere to play around.

“Although we ensure all Cala sites are secure, young people must be aware of the dangers of entering a construction area, so they don’t put themselves or their friends in harm’s way.”

Ms Mowbray also gave pupils an insight into how Cala works to keep its nearby Himley Village development safe, while children took part in practical activities and tried on protective clothing.

The programme, part of Cala Homes’ wider Community Pledge, also included classroom tasks such as designing safety posters and writing news articles.

Tina Woodgate, Year 5 teacher and computing lead at St Edburg’s, said: “We’re grateful to Cala Homes for coming into school and delivering a really interesting session on site safety and careers in construction as part of our Career’s Week.

“The children gained valuable insights into the various roles within the construction industry and they came away inspired.”