How Kier Group’s Louisa Finlay is using Copilot to drive safety and productivity in the construction industry
microsoft ·
Kier Group, a UK construction firm, adopted Microsoft's Copilot AI two years ago, initially facing some executive hesitation due to the new technology. COO Louisa Finlay encouraged experimentation through 'prompt-a-thons' and fun AI challenges that helped make leaders comfortable with asking questions and learning in small peer groups. With around 11,000 employees, about 40 percent now use Microsoft 365 Copilot, and Finlay herself uses it across Outlook, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint for daily tasks. Kier is developing AI agents for safety data analysis, job site monitoring via drone footage, and facilities management to predict equipment servicing needs. The company emphasizes a 'Human at the Helm' approach, ensuring people remain in control of AI systems. Training focuses on peer learning and sharing employee stories to build confidence, with one dyslexic site manager calling Copilot 'game changing.' Finlay believes curiosity and willingness to try new things are essential skills for all employees.
microsoft