AI-powered support built right into Microsoft 365
Running a business is demanding. From managing staff and staying on top of emails to analysing data and keeping everything moving, there is always something to do. That is where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in, and Microsoft Copilot is leading the way.
With the release of Copilot Wave 2, Microsoft has added more than 150 new features that aim to make everyday work simpler and more efficient. This guide explains everything you need to know, in plain English, with practical tips for small and medium-sized businesses.
What is Microsoft Copilot?
A virtual assistant built into Microsoft 365
Microsoft Copilot is an intelligent assistant embedded in Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and PowerPoint. It understands natural language, which means you can type or say what you need and Copilot will do the rest.
For example:
- “Summarise the notes from yesterday’s meeting.”
- “Create a sales report for this month.”
- “Draft an email to follow up with the new client.”
It saves time, reduces admin, and allows you to focus on more strategic work.
Why it matters to business owners
Whether you are leading a growing business or managing a remote team, Copilot can help you:
- Free up time by automating repetitive tasks
- Make more informed decisions based on data
- Improve communication with your team and customers
- Support collaboration with intelligent, shared workspaces
What Copilot already offers
In Word
Copilot helps with drafting letters, reports and proposals. It also improves tone, fixes grammar and rewrites content to make it clearer and more professional.
In Excel
Ask questions in plain English, such as “Which of our services were most profitable last quarter?” and Copilot will analyse the data, build charts and highlight trends without needing formulas.
In PowerPoint
Turn notes or documents into ready-made presentations complete with formatting and branding.
In Outlook
Summarise long email threads, write responses, and highlight key points, helping you keep your inbox under control.
In Teams
Copilot takes notes during meetings, highlights decisions and tasks, and helps ensure that nothing is missed or forgotten.
What is new in Wave 2?
Microsoft has enhanced Copilot with significant upgrades based on user feedback. Here are some of the most useful features for business users.
Copilot Pages
This new feature acts as a digital project space. Instead of juggling Word documents, spreadsheets and emails, you can pull everything into one place. If you are planning a campaign or launching a new product, Copilot Pages lets your team collaborate live on one page with notes, charts, tasks and feedback all visible and editable in real time.
For more detail, see Microsoft’s announcement on Copilot Pages
Python integration in Excel
Data analysis becomes much more accessible thanks to built-in Python support. Ask advanced questions in simple language, and Copilot uses Python to deliver data insights. This is ideal for forecasting, performance tracking or financial modelling without needing a specialist.
BizChat
BizChat makes it easier to find answers across chats, meetings and emails. For example, you can ask “What did we agree with this client in our last meeting?” and get a direct, accurate summary. It brings together unstructured information from across your business and makes it instantly usable.
Upgrades to Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
Each app in Microsoft 365 now benefits from smarter automation:
- Word writes faster, clearer content
- PowerPoint builds slide decks from existing documents or ideas
- Outlook manages long email threads and suggests replies
You tell it what you want, and it takes care of the rest.
Smarter meetings in Teams
Copilot now captures spoken and written discussion during meetings and summarises outcomes and action points. If someone shares an idea in the chat, it gets picked up and included in the meeting summary automatically.
You can also check out our article on running better meetings in Teams for more practical tips.
How to get started with Copilot
Step 1: Check your Microsoft 365 plan
Copilot is not included with every Microsoft 365 subscription. If you are not sure whether your current plan supports it, contact the Nxt Gen IT team and we can check for you.
Step 2: Enable Copilot
If your plan supports it, you can enable Copilot in the Microsoft 365 admin centre. If you need assistance, we can walk you through the process.
Step 3: Run a pilot
Start by giving Copilot access to a small group of users, such as your managers or team leads. This allows you to collect feedback and adjust your approach before deploying it across your whole business.
Why training matters
Copilot is most effective when your team understands how to use it properly. A little training goes a long way.
Useful training topics include:
- How to write effective prompts
- Examples of real-world use cases
- How to fine-tune Copilot’s suggestions
We offer tailored training for small and medium-sized businesses.
Copilot in everyday use
Here are some examples of how your team can use Copilot daily:
| App | Everyday Use Case |
|---|---|
| Word | Draft letters, proposals, and reports |
| Excel | Spot trends, forecast sales, and generate charts |
| PowerPoint | Create presentations from notes or briefs |
| Outlook | Manage your inbox and draft messages |
| Teams | Capture meeting notes and assign tasks |
| Copilot Pages | Run collaborative projects in real time |
| BizChat | Search business conversations for information |
Is Copilot worth it?
If your team is able to:
- Get more done in less time
- Make faster, data-informed decisions
- Reduce time spent in meetings
- Lower stress and focus on meaningful work
Then yes, Microsoft Copilot is already providing value.
Need help getting started?
Copilot Wave 2 is more than just a software update. It is a new way to work.
At Nxt Gen IT, we help UK-based businesses get the most from Microsoft 365 and AI tools like Copilot. Whether you need help with licensing, configuration or training, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today and let us help you take advantage of what Microsoft Copilot can offer.
FAQs
We get asked these questions by clients on a regular basis. If you have any queries beyond this, please contact us.
Yes. Copilot is only available on specific Microsoft 365 plans such as:
– Microsoft 365 E5, E3, F1, F3
– Office 365 E5, E3, E1, F3
– Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Busines Standard, Business Premium
Yes. Copilot follows the same security, compliance, and data protection standards as the rest of Microsoft 365. It only accesses content you already have permission to view, and data never leaves your Microsoft 365 environment.
Absolutely. Copilot integrates directly with your existing emails, documents, spreadsheets, and Teams chats. It uses this content to generate responses and insights based on your own data, not generic information.
Copilot is remarkably accurate for summarising, generating content, and analysing data, but it is still AI-based and should be reviewed. It is best used to accelerate work, not to replace human judgment.
We recommend starting with a small group of users, such as project managers or team leads. Monitor how they use Copilot, gather feedback, and then expand the rollout. Nxt Gen IT can help with pilot projects and rollout planning.
Ben helps growing businesses turn technology into a driver of performance instead of a barrier. At Nxt Gen IT he works with SME leaders, recruiters, and fast-scaling teams to design solutions that improve reliability, strengthen security, and unlock growth.
With a background in email deliverability and cloud systems, Ben specialises in making sure businesses communicate effectively, keep data safe, and get the most from Microsoft 365. His experience spans solution design, managed IT services, and virtual CIO support, always with a focus on practical outcomes that reduce headaches for business owners.
Ben has supported organisations across the UK, from recruitment agencies struggling with inbox placement to SaaS firms scaling fast, and SMEs needing a trusted partner for their IT. He believes tech is never the end goal: growth is. His role is to make sure technology never gets in the way of it.