Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cognitive Learning
About The Business: OUBAS Knitwear is an independent knitwear brand and micro-factory based in Cumbria, designing, manufacturing and selling premium knitwear from its own mill using natural fibres and traditional British craftsmanship. Alongside the OUBAS collection, the business also develops and manufactures knitwear for a growing portfolio of private-label and consultancy clients, creating a dynamic and varied production environment.
Overview: This internship will help OUBAS explore how digital technologies and practical AI solutions can streamline workflows, reduce manual administration and support better decision-making across the business. Working closely with the founder, the intern will use creative problem-solving to identify opportunities for automation, improve access to business data and develop scalable systems that support both the OUBAS brand and its growing manufacturing and consultancy services. The outcome will be a more efficient, connected and resilient business, with digital processes that support sustainable growth while protecting the craftsmanship at the heart of British manufacturing.
Desirable Skills: - Studying Fashion Business, Digital Marketing, Retail Management or similar - Strong interest in digital transformation, AI and sustainability - Ability to analyse data and identify trends or inefficiencies - Problem-solving and critical thinking skills - Confident communication and ability to present ideas clearly - Organised and capable of managing a project independently - Basic understanding of e‑commerce platforms and digital tools
Job Description:
This project is primarily focused on the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cognitive Learning, alongside supporting digital tools.
The intern will explore AI applications for content generation, workflow automation, and data insights, enabling smarter decision-making and improved operational efficiency.
Project Goals and Objectives
SMART
1. Complete a digital workflow audit
Map existing processes across product development, manufacturing and e‑commerce within the first 8 weeks, identifying at least 5 inefficiencies or improvement opportunities.
2. Develop a central digital product library
Design and implement a structured system (e.g. Airtable or Notion) containing 100% of current product lines, including specifications, materials and sustainability information, by the end of the internship.
3. Test and implement AI tools
Trial a minimum of 2–3 AI tools for product descriptions, knowledge management or workflow automation, and successfully embed at least 1–2 solutions into business operations.
4. Build business performance dashboards
Develop at least 2 dashboards to track key metrics such as sales performance and production capacity, enabling regular business insights.
5. Improve the digital customer journey
Review existing Shopify, CRM and email marketing workflows, providing a prioritised list of 5–10 improvements and implementing or testing at least 2 changes.
6. Produce a Digital Innovation Roadmap
Deliver a clear, practical 12–18 month roadmap outlining future digital opportunities, including recommended tools, priorities and indicative costs.
Scope of Work, Methods, and Tools
The intern will take a hands-on approach, working closely with the Founder to assess, design and implement improvements across the business.
Scope of work includes:
- Mapping current workflows and identifying inefficiencies
- Designing and building a centralised product information system
- Researching and trialling AI tools for automation and content generation
- Developing simple dashboards using available data sources
- Reviewing and improving the online customer journey
- Producing a structured digital roadmap for future development
Methods and tools may include:
- Digital workflow mapping techniques
- Product information management tools (e.g. Airtable, Notion)
- AI tools for content creation and knowledge management (e.g. generative AI platforms)
- Dashboard tools (e.g. Excel, Google Data Studio or equivalent)
- Shopify analytics, CRM systems and email marketing platforms
All solutions will be selected with a focus on simplicity, cost-effectiveness and ease of use within a small business environment.
Timeline with Milestones
Weeks 1–4 (Discovery & Audit)
- Conduct digital workflow audit
- Engage with stakeholders to understand processes
- Identify key inefficiencies and opportunities
Weeks 5–8 (Build Phase 1)
- Design and develop central product library
- Begin AI tool research and initial trials
Weeks 9–10 (Build Phase 2)
- Develop dashboards for sales and production metrics
- Continue AI testing and begin implementation of selected tools
Weeks 11–12 (Optimisation & Testing)
- Review customer journey across Shopify and CRM
- Implement or test priority improvements
- Embed digital tools into workflows
Final Phase (Handover & Outputs)
- Complete Digital Innovation Roadmap
- Document systems and provide user guidance
- Deliver final presentation to the Founder
Intern Roles and Responsibilities
- Lead the digital innovation project from audit through to implementation
- Analyse current business processes and identify improvement opportunities
- Design and build digital systems and tools suitable for SME use
- Research, trial and evaluate AI tools for practical application
- Develop dashboards to support business decision-making
- Review and improve the customer journey across digital channels
- Communicate progress and findings clearly to the Founder
- Produce a final roadmap and ensure all outputs are documented and usable
Intern Skills Required
- Studying Fashion Business, Digital Marketing, Retail Management or similar
- Strong interest in digital transformation, AI and sustainability
- Ability to analyse data and identify trends or inefficiencies
- Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Confident communication and ability to present ideas clearly
- Organised and capable of managing a project independently
- Basic understanding of e‑commerce platforms and digital tools
Expected Outcomes and Success Metrics
Expected Outcomes:
- Improved efficiency and visibility across key business processes
- A fully functional digital product library supporting product management
- Adoption of practical AI tools within daily operations
- Enhanced understanding of sales, production and customer data
- A clear, actionable roadmap for ongoing digital transformation
Success Metrics:
- Completion and active use of the product library across the business
- At least 2 processes improved or streamlined
- Demonstrable time savings in areas such as product content creation or data management
- Development and regular use of business dashboards
- Positive feedback from the Founder on usability and the impact of implemented solutions
- Delivery of a clear and actionable Digital Innovation Roadmap