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Custom Generative AI Development UK

Practical AI that delivers real business value

Generative AI is transforming how organisations operate, but cutting through the hype to deliver real value requires experience and pragmatism. Our custom generative AI development services build solutions that integrate into your existing workflows, using proven architectures and enterprise-grade security.

Our custom generative AI capabilities

We build custom generative AI where it delivers proven value: connected to your data, integrated with your systems, and built to enterprise security standards.

An example of the kind of AI assistant we build: it searches your own documents, drafts an answer and shows where each part came from. Illustrative design and content, not client work.

Microsoft Copilot Customisation

Extend Copilot with your own data sources, custom actions, and tailored workflows, so it works the way your business works, not the other way around.

RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)

Connect AI to your enterprise knowledge base for accurate, context-aware responses grounded in your own data, not just general model knowledge.

Azure OpenAI Integration

Build bespoke AI features using GPT models with enterprise compliance and data sovereignty. Your data stays within your security boundary at all times.

AI Agents and Multi-Agent Orchestration

Design and deploy autonomous agents that reason, plan, and execute multi-step tasks across your enterprise systems. For complex workflows, we build multi-agent orchestrations where specialised agents collaborate: one retrieves data, another analyses it, a third takes action. Built on Semantic Kernel with tool-calling, MCP integration, and human-in-the-loop safety controls.

AI assistants over thousands of technical documents

We build AI assistants that answer questions across large libraries of manuals, specifications, inspection reports, and procedures. They run on Azure OpenAI and Azure AI Search, with governance and token cost tracking built in from the start.

We often see teams start with a general-purpose tool such as Microsoft Copilot over SharePoint, then find the answers vague on dense technical content. In our experience the cause is usually how the documents were split for search, not the model. Our guide to RAG accuracy for technical documents explains the ingestion and evaluation approach we use.

Usage tracking is part of the design rather than something added after the first invoice. Our guide to AI usage governance and token tracking on Azure covers the audit trail, model routing, and when Azure API Management is worth adding. Where documents must stay on-premise, our AI Search Accelerator for RAG over on-premise files indexes file shares and databases while the raw files stay behind your firewall.

Structure-aware ingestion

Documents are parsed by their own headings, sections, and tables, then split into coherent sections that can each answer a question on their own. We use Azure Document Intelligence, custom parsing code, or both, depending on how consistent your document templates are.

Hybrid search with source citations

Azure AI Search runs keyword and vector search together, so exact part numbers, equipment tags, and standards references are found alongside passages with similar meaning. Metadata filters narrow results by document type, site, or customer, and every answer cites the document and section it came from.

Accuracy measured against your experts

Your subject matter experts agree a set of realistic questions and the sections a correct answer should draw on. We run that evaluation set on every change to chunking, embedding, or ranking, so accuracy is measured rather than assumed.

Governance and token cost tracking

Every model call is recorded in the application's audit trail with the user, the action, the business context, the model deployment, and its token counts. Reports show cost per user and per action alongside what those actions achieved, and simpler tasks are routed to a cheaper model.

The generative AI stack

A layered architecture from client applications through orchestration and AI models to your enterprise data.

A custom generative AI stack in four tiers: client apps, agent orchestration, AI models such as Azure OpenAI, and data
A four-tier generative AI stack, from client applications down to enterprise data. The client tier (user-facing apps) holds a web app built as a React SPA, a mobile app in React Native, Microsoft 365 (Teams and Outlook), and Copilot extensions (custom plugins). The highlighted orchestration tier (agent framework) holds Semantic Kernel for AI orchestration, Copilot Studio for low-code agents, Agent Framework for multi-agent systems, and tool calling for function execution. The AI models tier (inference) holds Azure OpenAI with GPT models, the Azure AI Foundry model catalogue, and domain-specific fine-tuned models. The data tier (retrieval and storage) holds Azure AI Search for retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) retrieval, Document Intelligence for PDF and image processing, Blob Storage for files and media, and SQL or Cosmos DB for structured data.

Enterprise-ready AI

Our AI solutions are built with the same rigorous security and compliance standards as all our software, whether you're in the public sector, financial services, or education.

Pragmatic over hype

We cut through the noise. Every AI capability we recommend has a clear business case and a measurable outcome. If AI isn't the right tool for a given problem, we'll tell you.

Model-agnostic architecture

We future-proof your AI investment by avoiding lock-in to any single model provider. Swap or upgrade models as the landscape evolves without rebuilding your entire solution.

Enterprise-grade security

AI solutions are built with the same rigorous security and compliance standards as all our software. Data stays within your security boundary, access controls enforced at every layer.

Responsible by design

We follow a structured approach to AI adoption that balances innovation with responsibility, including bias evaluation, audit trails, and human-in-the-loop controls where needed.

Bespoke AI development in the UK

Talk Think Do provides bespoke AI development in the UK from a permanent, onshore team. Every engagement starts with an AI Opportunity Assessment that scopes the use case, the data it needs, and the measurable outcome it must deliver.

Data residency is designed in from the start. We build on Azure OpenAI inside your own Azure tenancy, so your data stays within your security boundary and is never used to train public models. Delivery runs under our ISO 27001-certified information security framework and Cyber Essentials Plus certification.

Hand-over is part of the plan, not an afterthought. You own the source code, and the model-agnostic architecture means swapping to a newer model later is a configuration change, not a rebuild. If you want ongoing help after launch, the same team provides managed application support.

Book a free consultation to scope your first use case.

Our 4-step AI delivery process

From identifying the right opportunities to building production-ready solutions, we follow a structured approach that balances speed with rigour.

1-2 weeks

AI Opportunity Assessment

We start by understanding your business workflows, data assets, and strategic goals. Using a task-based evaluation framework, we identify where AI will deliver the greatest impact, and where it won't. You'll receive a prioritised roadmap of AI opportunities with effort and value estimates.

Solution Design & Proof of Concept

We design the target-state AI architecture, selecting the right models, retrieval strategies, and integration patterns for your context. A focused proof of concept validates the approach and gives you tangible evidence of value before committing to full delivery.

Build & Integration

We build the production AI solution in agile sprints, integrating with your existing systems and data sources. Security, compliance, and responsible AI controls are embedded throughout, not bolted on at the end. Regular demos keep stakeholders aligned and informed.

Launch & Continuous Improvement

After user acceptance testing and sign-off, we deploy your AI solution to production. Post-launch, we monitor performance, gather feedback, and iterate. AI capabilities evolve quickly. Our model-agnostic approach means you can benefit from new developments without a full rebuild.

Your extended team of experts

Our permanent, onshore team takes the time to understand your business, data, and goals. Here's who will help bring your AI vision to life.

S

Solution Architect

Designs the overall AI architecture, selects appropriate models and retrieval strategies, and ensures the solution meets your security and compliance requirements.

S

Senior Software Engineers

Implement the AI pipeline, from data ingestion and embedding to model integration, prompt engineering, and response evaluation. They also build the APIs, services, and integrations that connect your AI capabilities to your existing applications and data sources.

D

Delivery Manager

Your main point of contact throughout the project. Manages scope, timeline, and stakeholder communication to keep delivery on track.

B

Business Analyst

Translates your business requirements into technical specifications, ensuring the AI solution solves the right problems in the right way.

Q

QA Analyst

Oversees testing of AI outputs for accuracy, reliability, and safety, including adversarial testing and evaluation against agreed acceptance criteria.

Seen enough? Let's talk through your requirements.

Book a free consultation

Frequently asked questions

What is custom generative AI?

Custom generative AI is a solution built around your data, workflows, and security requirements, rather than a generic chatbot. It connects large language models to your own systems using techniques such as retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), tool-calling, and AI agents.

We build custom generative AI on Azure OpenAI and Semantic Kernel, so the model reasons over your enterprise knowledge while your data stays inside your security boundary.

Can you build an AI assistant over thousands of technical documents, with governance and cost tracking?

Yes. We build document assistants on Azure OpenAI and Azure AI Search that answer questions across large libraries of manuals, specifications, reports, and procedures, citing the source section for every answer. Accuracy comes mainly from structure-aware chunking, hybrid keyword and vector search, and an evaluation set agreed with your experts.

Governance is designed in from the start. Each model call is recorded with the user, the action, the model used, and its token counts, so you can report cost per user and per action. Our guides to RAG accuracy for technical documents and AI usage governance and token tracking on Azure explain both in detail.

What's the difference between using off-the-shelf AI and a custom solution?

Off-the-shelf AI tools (like standard Copilot or ChatGPT) work with general knowledge. Custom solutions connect AI to your data, processes, and systems, giving you context-aware, accurate outputs that generic tools can't produce. They're also built to your security and compliance requirements.

How do you ensure our data stays secure?

We build on Azure OpenAI Service, which means your data never leaves your Azure tenancy and is never used to train public models. We enforce role-based access controls, apply encryption in transit and at rest, and conduct security reviews as part of every delivery.

Do I need to have all my data in order before starting?

Not necessarily. The AI Opportunity Assessment helps us understand the current state of your data and what's needed to make each use case viable. We can help you identify gaps and pragmatic approaches to address them as part of the project.

What if a better AI model is released after we've built?

Our model-agnostic architecture is designed precisely for this. We abstract the model layer so that swapping to a new or better model is a configuration change, not a rebuild. Your business logic, data pipelines, and integrations remain intact.

Can you work with our existing Microsoft 365 / Copilot licences?

Yes. We're experienced in extending and customising Microsoft Copilot using Microsoft 365 Copilot extensibility features, Copilot Studio, and Azure OpenAI, so we can build on top of licences you already have and maximise your existing investment.

Do you provide bespoke AI development in the UK?

Yes. We are a UK-based consultancy providing bespoke AI development for organisations across the United Kingdom. Engagements are scoped through an AI Opportunity Assessment, built on Azure OpenAI so your data stays within your security boundary, and handed over with full source code ownership. Book a consultation to discuss your use case.

What is multi-agent orchestration?

Multi-agent orchestration uses several specialised AI agents that work together to complete complex tasks. Instead of one general-purpose agent doing everything, each agent has a focused role: one might retrieve data, another might analyse it, and a third might take action or generate a report. The agents coordinate through a defined workflow with tool-calling and safety controls. We build these on Semantic Kernel and Azure OpenAI with full observability and human-in-the-loop approval where needed.

Can public sector organisations buy RAG and Copilot work through G-Cloud?

Yes. Our AI Copilot Accelerator is listed on G-Cloud 15. It grounds Microsoft 365 Copilot in your internal knowledge using retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) over SharePoint, Teams, and other sources, with configuration, retrieval setup, and governance included. Bespoke generative AI development can also be procured through Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 (DOS 7); see our Government Commercial Agency supplier page.

See how AI is changing how we build software

Our quarterly AI Velocity Report tracks real delivery metrics from live projects: how much of our code is AI-authored, how delivery timelines compare to baseline, and which tools are making a measurable difference. No marketing spin, just honest data from a team that builds software every day.

Read the latest AI Velocity Report

Ready to put AI to work in your organisation?

We help you identify the right AI opportunities, validate them quickly, and build production-ready solutions that integrate with your existing systems, without the risk of going it alone.

Book a free consultation

or call 01202 006729