How I use AI in client work, and where I draw the line.
I use AI tools like Claude in most of my automation work. They make me faster, which keeps your quote lower. Here's exactly what they do, what they never see, and who is answerable for the result.
Last reviewed . Updated whenever my tools or process change.
See exactly what the AI sees
A typical customer sheet. Switch views to see what stays with you, and what an AI tool is actually given.
| Customer | Invoice | Amount | Due | Status |
|---|
Five promises I work to
These apply to every job, from a £60 formula fix to a month-long build.
Your data stays yours
AI tools only ever see practice data: made-up rows in the same layout as your files. Never the people in your records.
Nothing ships untested
AI-drafted code is a first draft. It's run against realistic, awkward cases before it reaches you.
You'll always know
Every handover note says where AI helped. No pretending, and no hiding it either.
AI never gets the keys
AI tools don't get logins to your live systems. Changes to anything you run on are made by me, deliberately.
I'm answerable for all of it
A carpenter doesn't blame the saw. Whatever AI contributed, the result is my work, covered by my fix period, and mine to put right.
Who does what, honestly
"I use AI" doesn't tell you much. This is roughly how a typical automation job splits.
Follow a job from start to finish
Tap a stage to see what happens, and where AI is and isn't involved.
The tools, by name
No vague "AI-powered". The actual tools and what each is for.
Claude (Anthropic)
Code, formulas, explanations
My main assistant for drafting VBA, formulas and scripts, and for making sense of old workbooks before I change them.
Practice data
What AI actually works on
Made-up rows in the same layout as your files. The formulas behave exactly like the real thing, without anyone's real details. How I handle your data
Excel, Power Automate & co
Where the work runs
The finished automation runs in your normal tools. You aren't left depending on an AI service to keep it working.
What AI is bad at
This is why you're hiring a person, not a chatbot.
Your business
It doesn't know the Tuesday report goes to finance first, or why that column is empty in December.
Being sure
It sounds equally confident when it's right and when it's wrong. Everything gets checked.
Testing
It can't open your file on your laptop and see what actually happens. That's my job.
Your people
A new process only works if the team uses it. Handover and patience don't come from a tool.
Choose per project
Pick what suits your business at the scope check. Nothing is assumed.
Standard
AI helps with drafting, working only on practice data. Never on anyone's personal details.
Default · lowest quoteShow first, then send
We start on a call. Any files you send, I handle as your data processor, and they never go into AI tools.
How every job startsNo AI
Everything done by hand. Fine if your policy requires it. It may take a little longer, and the quote reflects that.
On requestQuestions people ask
If AI does some of the work, why am I paying you?
Because the valuable part was never the typing. It's understanding what your process needs, spotting what will break, testing properly and making sure your team can use it. AI makes the typing faster, which keeps quotes low.
Will my business data be sent to an AI tool?
Not your customers' or staff's personal details, no. AI tools only ever see made-up practice data in the same layout as your files.
Can I ask for no AI on my project?
Yes. Say so at the scope check. The work will be done by hand, and the quote adjusted if it takes longer.
What if AI-written code has a mistake in it?
It's treated like any other bug: my responsibility, fixed within the included fix period at no charge.
My company has its own AI policy. Will you follow it?
Yes. Send it before we start. Where your policy is stricter than mine, yours wins.
Questions about any of this? Be technical and ask.
Ask me directly. If something here doesn't fit how your business works, we'll agree a way that does.
Get in touch