As the owner of independent retail business Pebble Cornwall, Zoe Groom wears many hats. Business owner, employer, mother and daughter, she balances competing demands daily while continually looking for ways to improve and grow.

Keen to develop new skills but short on time, Zoe enrolled on the AI for Workplace Productivity Skills Bootcamp delivered by Digital Peninsula Network. What began as a desire to better understand artificial intelligence quickly became a catalyst for transforming the way she works and runs her business.

"The Skills Bootcamp gave me something that is very difficult to find when you are running a small business: dedicated time, expert guidance and the confidence to learn something completely new."

Having previously completed a social media Skills Bootcamp in 2018, Zoe was already aware of the opportunities available through the Skills Bootcamp programme. The structured format, local delivery and funded training made it an accessible and practical way to explore a rapidly developing area that felt increasingly important for businesses.

During the course, Zoe learned how to use AI effectively and responsibly, covering topics such as prompting techniques, business communications, data analysis, automation, workflow design and responsible AI adoption. Most importantly, the learning was focused on real workplace applications rather than theoretical exercises.

"The Bootcamp model really worked for me because there was a set time, a commitment every week and a clear process to follow. It was interactive and there was accountability, so no making excuses because you were too busy."

Since completing the Skills Bootcamp, Zoe has implemented AI across multiple areas of Pebble Cornwall, including business planning, staff communications, HR processes, marketing, data analysis and operational problem-solving.

One of the most valuable outcomes has been the creation of a master margin calculator and pricing log using Google Sheets. The tool provides a consistent process for pricing products across both of Pebble's stores and has improved efficiency, accuracy and consistency throughout the business.

As someone who describes herself as largely self-taught in digital skills, the Bootcamp also helped Zoe overcome barriers that had previously limited her confidence.

"It has changed the way I approach problems. Instead of automatically thinking something is too technical or that I need to pay someone else to do it, I'm much more likely to investigate whether AI can help me understand it, build it or improve the process."

The learning journey did not stop with the Bootcamp. Inspired by her experience, Zoe has progressed onto an AI Automation Practitioner apprenticeship to further develop her skills and apply them to more complex business projects.

The impact has also extended beyond her own development. Having seen the value of structured training first-hand, Zoe has since supported two members of her team to complete Skills Bootcamps in AI Workplace Productivity and Digital Marketing.

"Their learning is already being applied within the business, so the impact has moved beyond my own development and is helping build digital confidence and capability across the wider team."

For Zoe, one of the most important outcomes has been the confidence to continue learning.

"More importantly, it made technology feel accessible. You don't have to be technical or come from a traditional academic background to learn these skills."

Looking ahead, Zoe hopes to continue growing her business while also supporting other women in the South West to develop their own skills and confidence through training and business development opportunities.

Her advice to anyone considering a Skills Bootcamp?

"Don't write off an opportunity for yourself. If you're interested but worried about anything, ask the questions before you decide."

For Zoe, the programme has been about far more than learning new technology.

"For me, that's the real value of the programme. It doesn't just teach you something new, it gives you the confidence to keep learning and to take other people with you."