HOW WE USE AI

At Hive, we are always looking for practical ways to improve the way we work. Technology plays an important role in that, and over the last few years, we have started using a range of AI tools across the business to support our teams, improve efficiency and strengthen decision-making.

In 2026, we implemented a new AI policy across the business to make sure this technology is used responsibly and consistently. The policy is built around a simple principle: AI should support human judgement, not replace it. It is there to assist our people, reduce repetitive administration and improve access to information — not to act as an automated decision-maker or take ownership of tasks that require human oversight.

We also believe it is important to be open about how these tools are being used. For us, AI is not about replacing people or removing the human element from our service. Quite the opposite. It helps reduce some of the repetitive administrative work, gives our teams better information, and allows people to spend more time focusing on clients, colleagues and service delivery.

Across our management teams, Microsoft Copilot is used to support day-to-day administration. This includes tasks such as drafting routine correspondence, preparing batch emails and helping managers communicate more efficiently. Individually, these tasks may only save a few minutes at a time, but across a busy operational team the time saved is significant.

In sustainability, AI tools such as Claude support our internal modelling, spreadsheet analysis, carbon footprint measurement and environmental research. This helps us review data more efficiently and maintain a more structured understanding of our environmental impact.

Operationally, tools such as ChatGPT are used to support research into new products, equipment and more sustainable alternatives. This helps us compare options more thoroughly before making decisions, particularly when looking at chemical reduction, energy efficiency, water use and waste.

AI is also present in some of our core business systems. Our accounting platform uses AI to improve invoice processing, reducing manual input and helping us manage information more efficiently.

Within our HR and workforce management systems, technology supports areas such as identity verification, check-ins, scheduling and holiday bookings, as well as helping to make routine processes clearer and more consistent.

We are also closely monitoring the ongoing enhancements to existing robotic cleaning systems. While the technology is still evolving, we expect AI in robotics to play an increasing role in commercial cleaning, where it will continue to improve consistency, productivity and safety.

As new tools develop, we will continue to test them carefully and adopt those that genuinely add value. However, the most important part of Hive will always be our people. AI and robotics can support the way we work, but it is our teams, their judgement and their relationships with clients that continue to define the service we provide and who we are as a market-leading sustainable cleaning company.