Behind the Scenes: Why We Launched CBAi

As leaders and marketing professionals across cleaning, FM, and environmental sectors, you’ve no doubt noticed the same thing we have. Everyone is talking about AI… but very few organisations are using it in a meaningful, practical and strategic way.

And honestly, it isn’t because people don’t want to. It’s because essential industries have been left out of most of the AI conversation entirely. The sectors that keep society moving – the ones that keep buildings running, environments safe, and public spaces clean – rarely get tools or training built for their reality. Most providers offer generic advice that doesn’t apply to essential industries, where compliance, tenders, and reputation management are critical.

Why Our Sectors Risk Being Left Behind

The reality is that artificial intelligence is moving faster than our industries are. The companies that realise this first will set the standards everyone else ends up following. Companies know they need to move on AI.  They just aren’t sure where to start and frightened they’ll get it expensively wrong

The Purpose Behind CBAi

The jump between “we know we should be doing something” and “we know exactly how to use AI strategically” has been enormous.

To help bridge that gap, we’ve created CBAi – a dedicated AI training and consultancy arm tailored for the cleaning, FM, and environmental sectors. No jargon, no gimmicks. Just practical support, clear strategy, and tailored programmes designed around the way these sectors operate.

After nearly two decades working exclusively with these sectors, we know exactly where the real pain points are. We hear the same concerns:
“We don’t know where to start.”
“We’re worried about risks.”
“We don’t have time to experiment.”

And you’re absolutely right, you don’t need hype. You need structure, direction, and real-world application. That’s the gap CBAi was built to close, to help essential industries confidently apply AI in practical, ethical, and measurable ways.

Introducing the AI Strategy Accelerator

The first major programme under CBAi, launching in 2026, is the AI Strategy Accelerator – a six-week, hands-on, highly practical pathway. It’s designed to help companies move beyond “AI talk” to develop clear, company-wide roadmaps for adoption. We’ll be revealing more details about our 2026 consultancy and training services in our next blog.

Shaping the Future With Our Founding Partners

To mark the launch, CBAi is inviting two forward-thinking companies in these markets to join as Founding Partners in the first cohort of the Accelerator. These partners will benefit from a 50% discounted pilot rate and will work directly with Ceris to co-develop the first case studies showcasing AI success in essential industries. The Founding Partners will help set the benchmark for how essential industries adopt AI responsibly and effectively.

Additionally, CBAi will expand in 2026 with the launch of the AI Marketing Roadmap course. This self-paced training programme helps marketing professionals in essential industries apply AI tools effectively to campaigns, tenders, and communications.

Why This Matters Now

AI is moving fast. Customers, clients, employees, and competitors are all raising expectations. Organisations that take a wait-and-see approach risk falling behind – not because they lack ambition, but because the world simply isn’t slowing down.

CBAi exists to make sure essential industries don’t have to figure this out alone. We want cleaning, FM, and environmental organisations to get the clarity, confidence and support they deserve as they take their next steps.

For more information, visit www.cbai.co.uk or contact ceris@cbai.co.uk / +44 (0)7847 642543