AI, Automation, and the Human Touch: Zoholics UK 2025 highlights

 

Introduction

On September 8–9, 2025 – Paula, Sue, Jack and Mel – from the Creative Analysis team headed to Birmingham’s ICC for Zoholics UK 2025.

As a Zoho Partner of more than 11 years, we’ve been part of this community for a long time. And as a remote-first company, it’s always something special to meet people in person; reconnecting with clients and friends, sharing ideas with fellow partners, and hearing directly from the Zoho product teams.

Here are some of the highlights we’re bringing back with us.

Major Announcements & Product Moves

• Zia Agents → AI-driven workflows that don’t just respond to prompts, but act when conditions are met.

• “Ask Zia” improvements → More natural-language automation and intuitive querying across apps.

• AI Bridge → Framework to connect different LLMs (OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, Meta, etc.) into Zoho’s system.

• Ulaa browser → Privacy-first business browser with admin controls and security features.

• Central Domain Management → Simplified setup and authentication across Zoho apps.

• Centralised Customer Portal → One branded hub for CRM, Projects, Books, Desk and more — improving customer transparency.

Themes & Strategy Highlights

• AI & Automation → A clear push to make Zoho tools more proactive and embedded in everyday workflows.

• Simplification & Integration → Reducing complexity across apps, domains, and portals.

• Resilience & Flexibility → Zoho’s focus on trust, efficiency, adaptability, and customer experience.

• Hands-on Learning → Workshops, clinics, and direct access to product teams that helped users ask real questions and get practical answers.

• Customer Transparency → Stronger privacy controls and more seamless experiences for businesses and their customers.

Reflections from the CA Team

Here’s what stood out for each of us during Zoholics UK 2025:

Mel “The new Zoho Campaigns features are really exciting. I can’t share the details just yet – but watch this space, we’ll have a dedicated blog on it soon.”

Sue “The unified customer portal really stood out for me. For external customers, having a single sign-on into one interface makes their experience feel much simpler and more joined-up; creating a more transparent relationship between businesses and their customers.”

Jack “For me, the biggest step forward is AI Agents and AI Bridge. Giving users proactive workflows, and the flexibility to choose the right large language model for the job feels like a real game-changer.”

Paula “What I loved most was how customers were woven into the event. The new customer awards brought stories to life, gave networking a real focus, and created a sense of shared celebration across the whole Zoholics community.”

The CA Team (L-R): Paula, Sue, Richard Fletcher (Grain Connect), Jack, Mel

What This Means for Our Clients

Being at Zoholics UK 2025 added depth to what we already track day to day – especially around AI, automation, and integration. Conversations with product teams, hearing real use-cases, and seeing early demos gave us the context to move beyond the headlines.

For our clients, that means thoughtful advice on what to adopt now, what to hold back on, and how to make new tools work in practice; whether that’s streamlining workflows, reducing admin, or creating smoother experiences for your own customers.

What mattered just as much was the chance to meet people face-to-face and share stories. Those conversations with clients, partners, and peers are what turn announcements into understanding, and understanding into action. That’s the real value we’ll carry forward into our work with you.

If you want to talk to us about what Zoho can do for your teams and you, please get in touch! Book a free consultation.

Photo credit: Paula Atherill