AI Gives Us the Opportunity to Modernise and Simplify Core Systems

Image: Jamie Banks, enterprise product manager, EDF

The Significance of the UK IT Industry Awards

As November rolls in, so too does the excitement surrounding the UK IT Industry Awards, a hallmark of recognition in the tech sector. These awards serve not just as a celebration, but also as a benchmark for excellence across the IT landscape. Organized by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, and Computing, this prestigious event shines a spotlight on industry advancements and the individuals and organizations that drive them.

This year, the awards will be announced during a live ceremony in London on November 12th, acknowledging significant contributions across various tech sectors. EDF Energy emerges as a finalist in the Corporate Social Responsibility Award category, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices.

Insights from Jamie Banks of EDF

In an interview, Jamie Banks, an enterprise product manager at EDF, highlighted the company’s challenges and achievements over the past year. He emphasized that these awards not only recognize hard work but also motivate teams. By showcasing best practices, the awards inspire organizations to reach for higher standards.

The Value of Recognition

Banks articulated that awards like the UK IT Industry Awards provide a public benchmark of best practices within the industry. Recognizing achievements reinforces the sense of community and motivation among team members, helping everyone stay enthusiastic about their contributions.

The Meaning of Winning an Award

For EDF, winning an award would be a significant milestone. It would validate the extraordinary efforts the team has made toward achieving sustainable IT solutions—ultimately demonstrating that tangible carbon reductions are possible in their operations.

Proudest Achievements

Reflecting on the past year, Banks expressed pride in EDF’s commitment to its Net Zero mission. Despite challenges posed by a growing cloud estate, the company has managed to reverse its emissions trend while onboarding new services—showing that sustainability can coexist with innovation. From 431 to 422 tons of emissions reduced, alongside 21 new services added, the focus remains on maintaining a smaller environmental footprint.

Overcoming Challenges

Each year brings its share of hurdles, and 2025 is no exception. Banks identified three primary challenges that EDF has faced:

1. AI Sprawl vs. Value: The proliferation of AI tools has outpaced the establishment of governance measures. To address this, EDF has formed an AI governance team aimed at providing expert guidance across the organization, ensuring approved tools, use cases, and data rules are adhered to.

2. Security and Resilience Pressures: The increasing security risks present a formidable challenge. Banks emphasized the importance of focusing on foundational practices, such as compliance with certifications like Cyber Essentials+, while also investing in immutable backups and rehearsed recovery techniques.

3. Cost Management: Cloud costs are intrinsically linked to sustainability efforts. By prioritizing environmental sustainability within their cloud operations, EDF has also found avenues for financial savings. The message is clear: teams should view cost, carbon, and performance as interconnected elements.

Industry Changes and Future Opportunities

Reflecting on the broader industry, Banks noted a marked shift over the past year. The rapid normalization of cloud technology and the embedding of AI into organizational workflows necessitate a swift adaptation by teams. The future lies in maturing these technologies while maintaining robust governance and data hygiene practices.

Emerging Opportunities

Looking ahead, Banks identified significant opportunities rooted in AI. It presents a chance for organizations to modernize and streamline their core systems, all while focusing on sustainability and embedding engineering best practices into every team. This aligns perfectly with EDF’s overarching objectives for the coming years.

As the UK IT Industry Awards near, the conversations surrounding these topics continue to expand, prompting organizations to think critically about their practices and aspirations.