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Brian Izzard Chairman MVA |
Artificial Intelligence in the UK ...
The recent US State Visit heralded a ‘Tech Prosperity Deal’ which envisions an investment of over £30 billion in the UK led by Google, Microsoft and the chip maker Nvidia. The UK government claim that AI is being integrated across various UK sectors, such as healthcare, finance, and public services which should drive economic growth and enhance productivity – although ethical and societal concerns remain important considerations, not to mention the huge energy needs. One of the developments is the creation of a supercomputer to be built in Loughton, Essex. The UK is said to be the third largest AI market in the world after the US and China.
I have read about the following examples of AI in practice:-
- Healthcare: The NHS AI Lab is developing AI tools for analysing X-rays and supporting diagnosis, as well as for remote patient monitoring.
- Public Services: The Food Standards Agency uses AI to predict food hygiene risks, while various departments use AI to combat fraud and improve efficiency.
- Education:The government has deployed an AI teaching assistant to help teachers with tasks such as lesson preparation, saving them significant time.
I am sure that many early investors in AI companies are sitting on significant paper profits but wonder whether another dot.com crash is just around the corner.
But what about the impacts on employment? Some HR professionals believe AI could create more higher-level roles for graduates and allow them to focus on more strategic work rather than taking away opportunities. Conversely, others fear AI will drastically reduce graduate-level roles, potentially leading to long-term unemployment and underemployment for the current generation. PwC is cutting 200 entry-level positions as artificial intelligence reshapes the workplace, leaving many Gen Z graduates facing greater challenges in launching their careers. The firm’s U.K. chief admitted that graduate hiring is “under pressure” due to advancing technology and global economic headwinds.
However, public attitudes towards AI vary. UK adults are more inclined to view AI as a risk for the economy (39 per cent) than an opportunity (20 per cent), according to a new poll conducted by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) and Ipsos. Moreover, 38 per cent of respondents in the same survey cite lack of trust in AI as a barrier to adoption.
I personally have no fear that AI will take over the world from a ‘control’ perspective because no computer ever did anything it was not taught to do by a human but I do fear it will drive the relentless march to prevent live human contact which seems to get progressively worse – have you ever called a so-called help line that is not experiencing ‘high volumes of calls today’ or continually imploring you to go online. I ordered a prescription from my surgery today where there was a free field to add comments if needed. I noted that the lead-in said that my comments ‘… may not be responded to or even read …’. They cannot be serious!
Then there are the relentless requests to complete a survey every time you buy something or use a service. I did complete a survey on my purchase of a pack of AA batteries, praising the perfect dimensions of each battery and its voltage – I don’t think it was published!
Essex Shire Hall Trust (ESHT) ...
In May 2025, I met up with Malcolm Noble, Chair of the ESHT to discuss progress on plans for the Shire Hall.
The lease with Essex County Council is now signed and there is a 3-year window for the necessary action to be taken including outstanding matters with Chelmsford City Council (CCC) – such as risk assessments, disabled access, boiler replacement etc. The top floor and two former court areas on the ground floor are reserved for commercial exploitation by CCC (subject to ESHT approval) which it is hoped will meet ongoing running costs. The middle floor and remaining areas on the ground floor are community areas which will be used to showcase Essex heritage/culture exhibition/displays which will of course include a significant Marconi presence. It is anticipated that Marconi items currently in the Chelmsford Museum at Oaklands Park will eventually move to the Shire Hall.
Malcolm asked for MVA support for various applications for Lottery funding to meet the estimated £8.7m costs of preparing the Shire Hall for its new role. A letter of support was duly sent to Malcolm which noted the time and expertise freely provided by Veterans in previous exhibition scenarios.
I will try and provide an update at our 2026 Reunion.
Broadcast Engineering Conservation Group (BECG)
In September 2025, I visited the Broadcast Engineering Museum located in the Sergeant’s mess of the former RAF Hemswell near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire. One of its claims to fame is that it was used for the ground filming of the 1954 war film, The Dambusters. The occasion was BECG Heritage Open Day weekend, and I was amazed to see so much television studio and transmission equipment in one location all professionally presented and described.
Amazingly, a number of the displays were in full operation including vintage Marconi TV cameras, videotape editing equipment and Telecine (film to tape) equipment. The live displays were manned and maintained by dedicated former Marconi engineers.
Outdoors, there was a former Tyne Tees outside broadcast van and a working uplink van which would have been used to beam live transmissions from remote locations such as racecourses. The uplink van was staffed by a current BBC engineer. There was even an old TV Detector van, but I wasn’t asked for my TV licence!
Overall, a great day and my lasting impression was the sheer enthusiasm of all the volunteer staff. If you are ever in the area, then the museum is well worth a visit.
Found in a flea market ...
During the summer, I found myself in the Pantiles district of Tonbridge Wells and wandered into a flea market.
Amongst all the antiques, I found this Marconi Instruments Wide Range R-C Oscillator TF 1370A looking in excellent condition. I also found a very detailed operation and maintenance manual online which was dated 1965. I didn’t ask the price …!
Reunion news ...
2025 saw our first Annual Reunion at our new venue – the County Hotel in Chelmsford. The logistics seemed to work well for all our attendees, and I think the quality of the meal and the service was very acceptable – I didn’t hear any complaints! I was conscious that the available space was somewhat more cramped than our previous venue at Pontlands so we will look to see if we can make some improvements by moving the display items to another location. The rather ancient PA system was a bit of a challenge but thanks to Mark, we eventually got it working and it seemed to function as intended. Many thanks to our President, Chris Axcell and guest speaker, Adam Wood for their insight into the latest technology – it was good to remind ourselves that things have moved on since we struggled with the ubiquitous crystal set. Guess what – you can still buy one from Amazon for £18.50!
Moving on to the 2026 Annual Reunion – we are celebrating the centenary of the formal establishment of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) which actually happened on 1 January 1927 although the first broadcast was back in 1922 of course. I am pleased to welcome Veteran Dr. Paul Marshall (Chair of BECG – see above) as our President for 2026 and Associate Robin Stevens as our guest speaker. Both have a history in Marconi’s long association with the Broadcasting industry. My thanks to our Patron Peter Turrall for sorting out the invitations to our speakers. I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday 18 April. More details will be included in the usual invitation which will be mailed to all our current members in addition to full details being posted on our website.
And finally ...
have been contacted by the trustees of the Marconi Companies Charitable Fund who are seeking to enhance public awareness of the existence of the fund and to work with the Essex Community Foundation from an administrative viewpoint. I envisage there will be a link on our website so if you know of any former Marconi employees (or their dependants) who need financial support then please direct them to our website.
Once again, my thanks to Leonardo UK for assistance with our newsletter printing and postage costs. This ongoing support is invaluable and very much appreciated.
I could not fulfil my role without the support of the Management Committee and particularly Colin for all his hard work as Secretary and to Mark for his diligence in editing this Newsletter and keeping our website up to date.
See you all at our next Reunion on 18 April 2026.