Microsoft Unpacked: UK Tour | Durham | ANS & Microsoft
Microsoft Unpacked: UK Tour
Big Microsoft announcements. Real-world insight. No four-day conference required.
Microsoft Ignite is where Microsoft unveils its biggest innovations across AI, cloud, security, data and productivity. But for most organisations, finding the time to sift through hundreds of sessions and announcements isn’t realistic.
That’s why ANS and Microsoft are bringing Ignite Bitesize back.
Join us at one of our UK roadshow locations for a focused, practical breakdown of the most important announcements from Microsoft Ignite 2026. We’ll cut through the noise, highlight what matters most, and explain how the latest innovations could impact your organisation, technology strategy and day-to-day operations.
Whether you’re responsible for workplace productivity, security, data platforms, cloud infrastructure or AI adoption, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of what Microsoft announced and what it means for you.
Key Takeaways:
• The most important Microsoft Ignite announcements, distilled into practical business and technical insights
• The latest developments across Microsoft 365, Copilot, Azure, Security, AI and Data
• Guidance on how organisations are approaching secure AI adoption at scale
• Real-world demonstrations and expert commentary from Microsoft and ANS specialists
• An understanding of which innovations are likely to have the greatest impact over the next 12 months
• Opportunities to network with peers facing similar technology and transformation challenges
Agenda:
Morning Session: Modern Work, Copilot & Business Applications
10:30 – 10:50 |Welcome from ANS and Microsoft
10:50 – 11:50 | Modern Work & Copilot
Explore the latest innovations across Microsoft 365, Teams, Copilot and agent-driven productivity, and discover how organisations are transforming the employee experience with AI.
11:50 – 12:30 | Business Applications & Automation
See how Dynamics, low-code tools and intelligent automation are helping organisations streamline processes, improve experiences and unlock greater efficiency.
12:30 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch & Expert Demos
Connect with peers, Microsoft specialists and ANS experts while exploring hands-on demonstrations and practical use cases.
Afternoon Session: Security, Azure, AI & Data
14:00 – 14:20 | Welcome from ANS and Microsoft
14:20 – 15:00 | Security
Discover the latest advancements in Security Copilot, Microsoft Entra and Zero Trust, and learn how organisations can protect users, data and AI-powered environments.
15:00 – 16:00 | Azure, AI & Data
Explore the newest innovations across Azure, AI and Data, including the technologies helping organisations build intelligent, secure and scalable platforms for the future.
Why Attend?
Join ANS and Microsoft to explore the latest innovations across AI, security, data, cloud and Modern Work. Hear directly from the experts behind the technology, see practical demonstrations, and gain valuable insight into the trends shaping technology strategy over the next 12 months.
Meet the speakers...
Kyle Hill
CTO at ANS
Kyle Hill joined ANS in June 2023 as Technical Services Delivery Director, quickly transforming the Professional Services and Centre of Excellence teams into industry leaders. In 2024, Kyle was promoted to Chief Technology Officer to continue developing and scaling world-class cloud, security, and digital services. Kyle is an expert in complex, multi-technology offerings, making him a sought-after authority and speaker on AI readiness and digital transformation. Additionally, he is recognised by Microsoft for his contributions to the tech community as a Regional Director and Most Valuable Professional (MVP).
Steve Preece
Enterprise Account Executive - Government and Housing at ANS
Steve is a Enterprise Account Executive at ANS Group, following the acquisition and integration of Makutu into the organisation's Housing division. Steve is passionate about helping housing providers unlock the value of their data, with a particular focus on modern data platforms, analytics and AI-driven insights. Working closely with social housing organisations across the North East, he supports customers in using technology to improve services, drive operational efficiency and make better-informed decisions.
Simon Blewitt
Director of Data Delivery at ANS
Simon Blewitt is Director of Data Delivery at ANS, helping organisations turn complex data into actionable insights through modern data, analytics and AI solutions. With more than 30 years' experience across public and private sectors, he specialises in delivering intelligent data platforms that support better decision-making, operational efficiency and measurable business outcomes.
Francis Dauncey
Client CTO – Strategic Accounts | Public Safety & National Security
Francis Dauncey is customer focused and results-orientated technical sales leader with experience of building and sustaining high performance teams. Boundless enthusiasm to inspire and motivate people, nurture and grow a business and empower the team to deliver innovative new solutions to customer challenges.
Robert Mcmurdo
AI Workforce Specialist at Microsoft
Robert McMurdo is an AI Workforce Specialist at Microsoft, helping UK Central Government organisations embrace AI to transform how people work, boost productivity and drive better outcomes.
Jonny Bartrum
AI Specialist (Business Process) - Central Government at Microsoft
Jonny Bartrum is an AI Specialist at Microsoft, helping UK Central Government organisations explore how AI can transform business processes. He brings extensive public sector experience across policing, justice and defence, with a strong background in Microsoft technologies and digital transformation.
Dave Morgan
Senior Technical Specialist at Microsoft
With 20 years of UK public sector experience, David Morgan helps organisations strengthen their cyber security posture through Microsoft security and compliance solutions, balancing stronger protection with productivity and user experience.
Gavin Kemp
SR Solution Engineer at Microsoft
Gavin Kemp is a Microsoft-certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert with expertise in cloud architecture and DevOps, helping organisations make effective use of Microsoft Azure technologies.
Gary Lumsden
Senior Solution Engineer at Microsoft
Gary Lumsden is a Senior Solution Engineer at Microsoft, specialising in AI, cloud-native applications and Microsoft Azure, helping organisations drive transformation through innovative and scalable cloud solutions.
James Cooke
Account Director for Higher Education at Microsoft
James is an Account Director for Higher Education at Microsoft, he works with organisations across the sector, bringing extensive experience in business applications, technology and digital transformation.