York Business Festival: Digital transformation and using lego

The presentation from Rebecca d’Orazi Flavoni called Transformation in a Digital World formed part of the festival’s ‘Innovation Wednesday’.

Emma, who partnered with IBM on key projects, focussed in particular on how organisations can effectively manage and embrace change in today’s digital driven world, to improve efficiency, enhance customer experience and optimise operations.

Emma said: “The session highlighted key success factors, including robust processes, empowered teams, and cultivating the right organisational culture.”

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The session was held in partnership with York Learning, who are themselves undergoing a Digital Transformation. From January 2026, they will begin rolling out new digital offerings, starting with a digital career pathway programme for adult learners to help build much in demand digital skills.

Emma continued: “The session attracted a diverse and engaged audience, ranging from small business owners and academics to medium-sized tech and distribution companies in York.

“The agenda encouraged active participation, and the setting provided a safe space for an open discussion around real world business challenges.”

Emma added: “Digital is now embedded in nearly every aspect of modern business, meaning all organisations will feel its impact sooner or later.

“Whether it’s customer-driven shifts such as mobile-optimised experiences and the integration of AI, or internal improvements like process automation and better cloud adoption, the message is clear: success requires comfort with continuous change.

“By embracing change into the core of an organisation, companies can thrive in the digital age rather than merely survive it.”

Earlier, Terry McStea of consultancy RTC North staged a workshop on encouraging innovation through using Lego.

The workshop used the Lego Serious Play methodology, which is an internationally renowned facilitated process used by organisations of all sizes to generate innovative ideas for business improvement.

Terry said afterwards he had received good feedback in his session, with some calling it ‘thought-provoking’ and ‘a very different training session’.

He explained: “It was a workshop. They were looking at how to uncover the real value in their business, what their customers come to them for and how to do more of that and give more value and how to overcome any issues.”

Attendees worked on their own business and also supported others in groups, using Lego in the session.

Terry continued: “Hopefully, they went away with a better idea of the real value of what they do and what their customers want and gain ideas on how to give them more.

“They were using Lego to help them think more creatively and visualise ideas.”

“They all seemed to enjoy it and I enjoyed being part of it. I enjoy seeing people come up with new ideas and thinking about their business.”

Innovation Wednesday also included the Department of Business and Trade presenting on “Exporting Made Easy”.

There was also a Social Media Showcase on Men’s Health Matters and a showing of the film Women of York, followed by a panel discussion, featuring staff and students from York St John University.