Ben Martin
Policy Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce
When it comes to AI in business, SMEs are often left behind. Learn how smaller firms can leverage the benefits of this technology.
What does the latest data tell us?
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has been tracking this issue for the last few years, and it seems more SMEs are plugging into AI. Our latest survey of over 1,500 businesses, mostly SMEs, was published in September. It showed that over a third (35%) say they are actively using AI technology, up from 25% in 2024. Encouragingly, a further 24% of firms say they plan to adopt AI soon. However, only 11% of firms say they are using AI technology to its full potential.
Training programme designed for SMEs
In partnership with Pair, we’ve launched the BCC AI Academy. It’s a training programme designed directly with SMEs in mind. It’s already helping firms transform rough ideas into polished content, automate repetitive tasks and unlock new levels of efficiency.
It’s already helping firms transform rough ideas into polished content
Action needed from the Government
Businesses can only do so much by themselves, and the Government must act swiftly on the recommendations of the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce, which the BCC was part of. Improving AI awareness, support and skills among SMEs must be a key focus at the highest level of government.
Endless opportunities if we get this right
We are seeing a decisive shift with smaller businesses no longer seeing AI as a futuristic add-on, but a real-time lever for productivity and resilience.
We’re moving beyond a world of disconnected systems and siloed data to a place where every part of a business can be seamlessly connected. Getting this right will help SMEs drive forward economic growth in an increasingly digital world.
