Harnessing Data to Drive Innovation in Energy: Cokebusters at the BCC Annual Conference

On 26 June 2025, Cokebusters Managing Director, James Phipps, was honoured to take part in a panel discussion at the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) Annual Conference, held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London.

James joined fellow panellists Ciaran Quilty (Intuit) and Christoph Brem (LevelPlane) in a session moderated by Baroness Martha Lane Fox CBE, President of the BCC. The panel explored a timely and vital topic: ‘How can businesses accelerate growth in an era of data and AI?’

For energy and industrial businesses facing increasing complexity and regulation, the answer lies in how effectively data is harnessed – not just collected, but analysed and applied in meaningful ways.

Digital Innovation in Action

Cokebusters has long recognised the transformative potential of digital technology in mechanical decoking and in-line inspection. In October 2024, the company was proud to receive the British Chamber of Commerce National Award for Digital Revolution, sponsored by Hewlett Packard, in recognition of its pioneering work in digitising inspection data and delivering real-time integrity insights to clients.

During the panel, James used this story to ground the conversation in a real-world application. He spoke to the challenge – and opportunity – of capturing millions of ultrasonic wall thickness measurements across extensive process networks and converting that data into a meaningful ‘integrity digital twin’.

“In today’s environment, it’s not just about collecting more data,” James explained. “It’s about applying logic, automation, and ultimately AI to extract actionable insights quickly – enabling faster, better-informed decisions around equipment integrity, maintenance and risk.”

From Data Science to Practical AI

For many in the industry, the pace of change in data science, machine learning and AI can feel overwhelming – especially in sectors built on physical infrastructure and complex processes. But as James pointed out, integrating digital solutions doesn’t mean replacing expertise; it means enhancing human capability.

“As technology continues to evolve, the volume and variety of data we can generate will outpace the ability of individuals to interpret it unaided,” James said. “Rather than fear this, we should view it as a chance to augment what we do – to go further, do more and do it better.”

Building a Future-Ready Energy Industry

The energy sector is under increasing pressure to improve performance, manage ageing assets, and demonstrate operational transparency. Cokebusters’ approach to digital innovation – blending advanced inspection with powerful analytics – offers a blueprint for how the industry can meet these demands head-on.

Whether through the use of smart pigs, C-scan visualisation, or automated integrity assessments, the end goal remains the same: delivering safe, reliable, and efficient outcomes for operators.

As the panel discussion concluded, one theme resonated clearly: in a data-driven world, those who adapt will lead and ultimately survive.