Contributors
As the EU AI Act came into force on 1 August 2025, wholesale retailers are facing a pivotal moment. The sector is under pressure to adopt AI for efficiency while managing rising cyber risks and preparing for new compliance demands.
In a recent LinkedIn Live webinar with Hicomply, industry thought leaders unpacked what this means for businesses and how they can act now to protect themselves.
The session featured Katie Simmonds, Legal Director at Womble Bond Dickinson, who offered the legal perspective on the implications of the AI Act. She emphasised the importance of understanding the emerging responsibilities that come with AI adoption and the need for strong governance frameworks to stay ahead of regulation. Her insights were grounded in her experience advising clients on privacy and technology law, particularly in fast-moving areas like artificial intelligence.
Alongside Katie was Matthew K Biltaji, VP of Product at Hicomply; Rob Mannion, CEO of b2b.store; and Lucy Batley, Founder of Traction Industries. Together, they explored how AI is reshaping wholesale operations, the risks businesses must prepare for, and the role of ISO/IEC 42001, the new AI management system standard in building resilience and trust.
This timely and thought-provoking discussion is essential viewing for anyone in the wholesale space navigating the future of AI. Watch the session back to hear directly from the industry and learn how your business can stay compliant, secure and competitive. Click here to watch the full webinar.
This article is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice.
