AI Consultancy for B2B Growth
Most B2B businesses know they need AI but do not know where to start. I help them figure out what is worth automating, build it, and make sure it actually works.
Who I Am
I am Josh Hellicar, and I run Ionis AI. It is an AI consulting and automation business based in London, helping B2B companies find more clients and run leaner operations. I work as an AI consultant, an AI strategy consultant, and an AI implementation consultant depending on what the client actually needs. Sometimes all three on the same project.
Before this, I spent five years in corporate consulting at BAE Systems. I worked in bid management and won over £100M in new revenue at a 70%+ win rate. The industry average was around 25%. That is 3x the norm. The skill I picked up there was translating technical solutions into language that non technical decision makers can actually understand and score. That is exactly what AI consulting requires.
I also have a first class degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Leeds. So I can go deep on the technical side when it matters. But I do not lead with that. I lead with the business problem. Most AI automation specialists build the technology and leave. I start with your problem, figure out whether AI is even the right solution, and only then build the system.
I have also built and run multiple businesses myself. I know what it feels like to run a business, not just consult on one. When I tell you something is not worth automating, it is because I have been on the other side of that decision. That practical experience is what separates an AI implementation consultant from someone who has only ever worked inside a large organisation.
What I Build
Five services, all built for B2B. If your team is doing something repeatedly by hand, there is a good chance I can automate it.
Cold Email Outreach
I build and run outbound campaigns that put qualified meetings in your calendar. Fresh domains, short copy, every contact verified as a real decision maker. AI lead generation that actually converts. 1.35% reply rate across 9,600+ emails sent.
Bespoke AI Automation
Custom business automation systems that replace manual tasks and connect your tools. Data pipelines, CRM workflows, anything with an API. I build it once, you own it forever. One client saved 10 to 20 hours a week on manual reporting alone.
AI Agents
Autonomous AI workers for lead qualification, customer support, and internal ops. They respond in under 5 minutes so your leads do not go cold. 35 to 50% of sales go to the first responder.
AI Dashboards
Bespoke dashboards built in your branding. Every data source in one live view. Not Power BI. Not Looker Studio. Built from scratch so it shows exactly what matters to you. One client discovered a 50 to 100x ROAS that was previously invisible.
SEO Audits
Technical SEO audit with keyword strategy, content gap analysis, and a prioritised implementation plan. Not a 100 page PDF you will never read. A roadmap you can actually follow, for a fraction of the cost of annual Ahrefs or SEMrush subscriptions.
How I Work
I am not a large agency with account managers and project coordinators between you and the person doing the work. When you work with Ionis AI, you work directly with me. Faster decisions, clearer communication, no briefing chain.
I start with the problem
Every engagement starts with a discovery call where I understand what you actually do, where the friction is, and what a successful outcome looks like. I do not pitch a service before I understand whether it is the right fit.
I build to your stack, not mine
I use Make.com, n8n, Zapier, direct API integrations, and custom code depending on what the problem requires. I work with the tools you already use rather than asking you to migrate to something new.
You own what I build
No proprietary systems. No ongoing licence fees to access your own automation. Everything is documented and handed over so your team understands how it works and you are never dependent on me to keep it running.
I tell you honestly if it is not worth building
Not every idea is a good candidate for automation. If the discovery call reveals that the build cost would not justify the time saved, I will tell you. I would rather lose a project than deliver something that does not deliver value.
My Approach to AI
I use AI where it adds genuine value, not because it is impressive.
AI is useful for processing natural language, extracting structured data from messy inputs, generating personalised content at scale, and making decisions based on patterns in data. If the task follows a predictable pattern and would take a human hours, it is a good candidate.
I do not automate decisions that require genuine human judgement. I do not remove people from processes where their involvement matters. The goal is to make your team more effective, not to replace them.
Systems that run in the background, handle the predictable, and surface what needs a person. Your team spends less time on work that follows a pattern and more time on work that actually requires them.
Where I Work
Ionis AI is based in London. If you are looking for an AI consultant in London or anywhere in the UK, this is where to start. But I work with B2B businesses globally. Most of my clients are in the UK, US, and Europe, though I have worked with businesses across the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and beyond.
Most of my clients are service businesses. Agencies, consultancies, professional services firms. If you sell to other businesses and your team is spending time on things that should be automated, I am likely the right fit regardless of your sector or location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an AI consultant do?
An AI consultant looks at how your business actually works and identifies where AI and automation can save time or generate revenue. I start with the business problem, not the technology. Sometimes the answer is a custom AI agent. Sometimes it is a simple automation. Sometimes it is not AI at all. I tell you which is which and only build what will actually move the needle.
How do I find the right AI consultant for my small business?
Look for someone who starts with your problem, not their solution. A good AI consultant for small business will ask you what is costing you time and money before they mention any technology. They should be able to explain what they are building in plain English. And they should be honest about what is not worth automating. Book a call and I will give you a straight answer about whether AI is the right move for your situation.
What is the difference between an AI consultant and an AI agency?
An AI agency typically has a team of people and a set menu of services. An AI consultant works directly with you to understand your specific situation and build something tailored. I run Ionis AI as a one person operation, which means you get me directly on every project. No account managers, no handoffs, no junior staff learning on your time.
Do you work with businesses outside the UK?
Yes. I am based in London but I work with B2B businesses globally. Most of my clients are in the UK, US, and Europe, but I have worked with businesses across the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and beyond. If the work is a good fit, location does not matter.
Let's Talk
Book a free discovery call. I will spend 30 minutes understanding your business and your biggest bottlenecks, and give you an honest view of what automation could do for you.
No obligation. No sales pitch. See my pricing or email me directly at josh@ionisai.com
Book a Discovery Call