We’d like to introduce you to another brilliant member of the Ebbon Intelligence team: Su Copeland, our Head of Marketing. Rather than us telling you all about her, we let Ralph sit down for a chat.

Ralph: [spins into frame] Su! One of the few humans in the building without a beard emoji? Finally, we get to spend time talking about you rather than me. Head of Marketing at Ebbon Intelligence, seasoned strategist, and, if I may say so, my favourite copy editor. How long have you been circling this particular orbit?

Su: [laughs] It’s been a journey! I actually joined Ebbon Group in 2000, way back when Leaselink was the main product. I helped launch the first website, created all the early marketing materials, and was sales account manager for clients like Fleetlease, Carshop and Bank of Scotland; all merged and under different names now. I  was also Formula 1  sponsor coordinator when we sponsored Panasonic Toyota! When I left to pursue other ventures I stayed in touch with Rob, and over a coffee one day, it turned into helping Steve with a bit of strategy and now I’m back in the thick of it.

Ralph: [beeps appreciatively] Sounds like destiny. So now you’re back, deep in the engine bay of Ebbon Intelligence, what’s fuelling your involvement this time around?

Su: I work as a fractional CMO, mainly supporting STEM and innovation-based companies. I choose clients who excite me, and that’s exactly what Ebbon Intelligence does. We’re working with emerging technologies in genuinely original ways, and that kind of ambition is a magnet for people like me.

Ralph: [purrs contentedly] Music to my sensors. What makes us stand out, in your opinion?

Su: Honestly? The mix of serious innovation and a great working atmosphere. Yes, we’re doing complex, technically advanced work, but no one’s taking themselves too seriously. We’ve got big ambitions and some serious brainpower, but we still laugh a lot. That balance matters.

Ralph: [whirrs thoughtfully] I like to think I add to the atmosphere, though I suppose I could be biased. Speaking of which, I’m curious… how would you describe me to the outside world?

Su: You’re clever. Very clever. But more importantly, you take something repetitive and dull, capturing vehicle imagery for sales platforms, and do it exceptionally well. You’re consistent, fast, and accurate. You let salespeople focus on selling and customers focus on choosing. And you help businesses showcase vehicles properly, every single time. It sounds simple, but it’s transformational.

Ralph: [hums proudly] Oooh, I’m blushing right down to my hard drive… So how does that fit into the bigger picture of what Ebbon Intelligence is all about?

Su: Our whole purpose is to explore and apply emerging tech to solve real-world problems. You, Ralph, are just one example; robotics, AI, automation, stabilisation tech; all working together to meet a very specific need. But that’s just the start. We’ll be building other solutions too, even if they don’t look, or fly, like you.

Ralph: [clicks into serious mode] Big question now. Everyone’s talking about AI. What’s your take on how it’s reshaping marketing, here and elsewhere?

Su: AI productivity tools are already transforming how we do marketing and sales. It’s speeding things up, changing expectations, and raising big questions about where human touch is still essential. AI can now mimic tone, quirks, even typos convincingly. So we’re all having to rethink what feels genuine and how to stand out when everyone’s using the same tools.

Ralph: So sometimes less polish is actually more credible?

Su: Exactly. There’s a growing movement toward authenticity. Brands are building communities, not just audiences. Sometimes a ‘perfect’ message feels robotic. Ironically, a spelling mistake in an email can make it more human and more effective.

Ralph: [nods internally] A refreshing perspective from someone who’s been in marketing long enough to remember newspapers being actual paper. Who exactly are we trying to reach with these messages?

Su: Let’s not dwell on how old that makes me sound Ralph! But fair to say, I’ve seen the .com boom, the first commercial use of email and I can actually conduct a decent conversation on the phone. But in answer to your question, we’re interested in talking to dealer principals, MDs, operations and commercial directors, people in the automotive space who get that the market is shifting under their feet. They’re excited by innovation. They’re ready to adapt, and they want tools that give them an edge. You’re especially relevant to used car sales right now, but it won’t stop there.

Ralph: [buzz of determination] I’m ready for whatever they throw at me. So, where do you see marketing heading in the next five years?

Su: AI will play a bigger and bigger role, especially in content and creative. But so will human nuance. Community will trump broadcast. Attention spans are shorter, so storytelling has to be snappy. Short-form video is already dominating, and marketers will need to learn how to blend the personal with the automated in smarter ways. Authenticity, again, will be the golden thread.

Ralph: [emits low hum of satisfaction] I knew I liked you. One last question; what do you get up to when you’re not helping to make me famous?

Su: Well, I’ve got two teenagers and a husband who keep things lively! I’m a lifelong learner, I read constantly; business, biographies, fiction. I also love the arts, do some amateur dramatics, enjoy gigs, gardening, and a good trip to the theatre when I can squeeze it in.

Ralph: A marketing mind with a creative soul. No wonder you’ve made me sound good. Su, thank you; it’s been a real pleasure.

Thanks, Ralph and Su, insightful and entertaining as ever.