INNOVATORS VS COVID 19
The Bot Forge – A boutique Conversational AI Software Company
We talked to Adrian John Whiteside Thompson of The Bot Forge, a boutique conversational AI software consultancy, and here is what he said about it.
First of all, how are you and your family doing in these COVID-19 times?
Adrian John Whiteside Thompson: We are all good, thanks; it’s been a crazy last year.
Tell us about you, your career, how you founded The Bot Forge.
Adrian John Whiteside Thompson: I founded the company back in 2018. We are a boutique conversational AI software consultancy. My last job was as a senior engineer at McAfee. I’ve been a developer for 20 years and have tended to be more involved in front-end work. I have an MSc in computing and information systems.
How does The Bot Forge innovate?
Adrian John Whiteside Thompson: I work closely with our clients to evaluate where chatbot or voice assistant technology can be leveraged to achieve maximum benefit for them. We then use best-of-breed AI technologies to implement these solutions.
How does the coronavirus pandemic affect your business finances?
Adrian John Whiteside Thompson: We had a number of projects put on hold in the initial lockdown in the UK. Since then, we have been busier as businesses have realized the value of leveraging chatbots and voice assistants. This has been particularly evident in customer support roles.
Did you benefit from any government grants, and did that help keep your business afloat?
Adrian John Whiteside Thompson: We have taken a government grant.
How do you deal with stress and anxiety?
Adrian John Whiteside Thompson: I hang out with my family and do a lot of running and cycling.
Your final thoughts?
Adrian John Whiteside Thompson: I’m looking forward to driving The Bot Forge forward and working on some exciting conversational AI projects, utilizing the latest technologies. We are also developing a chatbot analytics, reporting, and monitoring toolkit.
It’s going to be a busy year!
