Bedford-founded AI company Fliweel.tech has been named an OpenAI Select Partner as it looks to expand its work deploying artificial intelligence and automation for businesses across the South Midlands and wider UK.
The company, which was established in 2022, works with private and public sector organisations on AI adoption, workflow automation and deployment projects. Founder and chief executive Andy Paul is now based in London but retains links with the region through the South Midlands Growth Hub and his position on the South Midlands Business Board.
OpenAI launched its Partner Network in June to support organisations building, selling and delivering AI solutions using its technology. Select is one of three partner levels within the programme.
Fliweel said its OpenAI Select Partner status would strengthen its ability to help businesses move from early-stage AI experimentation towards practical deployment, while also supporting plans to invest further in AI engineering expertise.
Its clients and partners have included London Luton Airport, the South Midlands Growth Hub, local authorities, private equity-backed companies and growing businesses.
Andy said: “Fliweel began in Bedford, so being named an OpenAI Select Partner is not only an important milestone for our business but something I hope can contribute to the South Midlands’ growing technology economy.
“The region has ambitious businesses, strong institutions and a real opportunity to benefit from the next phase of AI. Through our work with the South Midlands Growth Hub and my role on the South Midlands Business Board, I see first-hand how much appetite there is among local organisations to use AI — but also how important practical guidance and delivery support are.
“This partnership strengthens our ability to help businesses across the region move beyond experimentation and deploy AI in ways that improve productivity, unlock capacity and support sustainable economic growth. It also gives us a stronger platform from which to invest in AI engineering talent and create further opportunities as Fliweel grows.”
Fliweel works across sectors including accounting, legal services, education, retail, automotive and the charity sector.
Its approach combines board-level work around AI adoption with practical deployment projects. These typically begin with a discovery process to identify high-volume or costly business processes before progressing to six-week implementation sprints with agreed performance measures.
The company said it plans to expand its OpenAI-based services, increase investment in AI engineering talent and scale its AI Adoption Programme as demand grows.
Its regional activity has included work with the South Midlands Growth Hub, while Andy’s role on the South Midlands Business Board involves supporting discussions around innovation and economic growth across the area.
