The Evolution of Copilot

In just two years, Microsoft Copilot has transformed from a novel AI assistant into a cornerstone of productivity within Microsoft 365. What began as a tool for drafting documents and summarising emails has evolved into a comprehensive suite of intelligent features—now seamlessly integrated across Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint. With the latest updates, Copilot introduces AI-powered search, real-time collaboration tools, and personalised assistance, making it more intuitive and indispensable than ever before. But has this evolution delivered the promised value to businesses?

Training and Adoption

To facilitate user adoption, Microsoft provides comprehensive training resources:​

• Microsoft Learn: Offers self-paced modules to understand and utilise Copilot’s features.
• Copilot Academy: Integrated into Teams, it provides interactive guidance within the workspace.
• Third-Party Training: Specialist providers offer in-depth courses tailored to various business needs.​

Streamlining Workflows with Copilot

Copilot’s integration across Microsoft 365 applications streamlines workflows by automating repetitive tasks and providing contextual assistance. In Word, it can draft documents based on prompts, while in Excel, it analyses data trends. In Outlook and Teams, it summarises emails and meetings, enhancing communication efficiency.​

Enhancing Presentations with Copilot in PowerPoint

In PowerPoint, Copilot assists in creating and utilising branded templates, ensuring consistent presentation designs across the organisation. By designing a master template using Slide Master, defining layouts, fonts, and colours that reflect company branding, and saving it as a .potx file, users can leverage Copilot to generate new presentations adhering to these predefined styles. This functionality allows team members to focus on content, ensuring professional-quality decks on any subject with minimal effort.​

Is Copilot Worth It Today?

The value of Copilot depends on its implementation and alignment with business goals:​

• Efficiency Gains: Automating tasks and generating content on demand can significantly boost productivity.
• Customisation: Copilot can be tailored to specific business needs across various applications.
• Investment Considerations: Copilot for Microsoft 365 is available in the UK at £24.70 + VAT per user per month, based on a 12-month contract, with payment required upfront. ​

Ready to Transform Your Business with Microsoft Copilot?

Copilot has matured into a versatile tool that, when thoughtfully adopted, offers tangible benefits to businesses. From standardising presentation templates in PowerPoint to summarising complex documents and streamlining communication, its impact is increasingly evident. For organisations willing to invest in training and strategic integration, Copilot presents an opportunity to transform workflows, enhance collaboration, and produce consistent outputs.​

Final Thoughts: Smarter Use, Better Outcomes

At Black Sheep Support, we specialise in helping businesses like yours harness the full potential of Microsoft Copilot. Our Copilot Readiness Program is designed to ensure a smooth transition, offering tailored training, seamless integration, and robust security measures. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimise your existing setup, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.​

Don’t let the future of productivity pass you by. Contact Black Sheep Support today to schedule a free consultation or join one of our informative webinars. Let’s explore how Microsoft Copilot can revolutionise your workflows and drive your business forward.