Midlothian Business Psychologist Celebrates Top Five Finish in Prestigious UK AI People’s Choice Award
Penicuik entrepreneur Julie Begbie has been named among the top five in the People’s Choice Award at the Foundever AI100 UK 2026, celebrating the individuals making a difference in artificial intelligence across Britain.
Julie, founder of The Happy AI Company and The Happy AI Club, secured fifth place in the national public vote, with the results announced at a prestigious celebration at the House of Lords in London on Friday 16 October.
The recognition is particularly special for Julie, a Happiness and Business Psychologist who has made it her mission to help everyday small business owners overcome their fear of technology and discover how AI can make their working lives easier.
The Foundever AI100 UK brings together influential figures from across business, government, education, technology and the public sector, recognising 100 individuals helping shape how artificial intelligence is used across the country.
Julie found herself alongside AI leaders from major organisations, including individuals working in government, education and large technology businesses.
And while many nominees could draw on the support of substantial professional networks and large organisations, Julie’s success was powered by something much closer to home: an extraordinary community of small business owners, entrepreneurs, friends and supporters.
Julie said:
“I’m absolutely over the moon. When I looked at the incredible people on that list, I genuinely couldn’t believe I was there alongside them, never mind finishing fifth in the People’s Choice Award!
“There were people representing huge organisations, government departments and major technology businesses, many with thousands of colleagues they could call on for support.
“And then there was wee me, running my business from Penicuik!
“But what this has shown me is just how powerful a community can be when people genuinely believe in each other and take the time to show their support.
“I’m so incredibly grateful to every single person who voted for me. I know people are busy, and the fact that so many took a moment out of their day to support me means more than I can possibly put into words.”
A former learning and development specialist with almost three decades of experience in psychology, learning and business, Julie has taken a very different approach to artificial intelligence.
Rather than focusing on coding, complicated systems or technical jargon, she concentrates on the human side of AI, helping people develop the confidence to use it.
Through The Happy AI Club, she supports small business owners, coaches, creatives, educators and entrepreneurs across the UK, many of whom previously believed AI was too complicated or simply wasn’t for them.
Julie added:
“I’m a psychologist first, and what interests me most is what stops people from trying something new.
“There’s so much conversation about what AI can do, but far less about the people who are frightened of being left behind by it.
“I work with brilliant business owners who are incredibly good at what they do, but who don’t see themselves as technical. My job is to help them realise they don’t have to be.
“AI should make running a business easier, not become another thing to feel overwhelmed by.
“And I think that’s why this recognition means so much. It’s a reminder that making technology accessible to ordinary people matters too.”
Julie, who was also a finalist for AI Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in 2025, hopes her achievement will encourage more small business owners, particularly women and those who don’t come from technology backgrounds, to recognise the opportunities AI can create.
The Foundever AI100 UK 2026 is organised by Digital Leaders AI, with the awards recognising individuals making a positive contribution to the development, adoption and understanding of artificial intelligence across the UK.