// INDUSTRY INSIGHT //
creating intelligent agents that understand their unique context – whether that’ s managing client onboarding, forecasting cash flow or automating compliance tasks.
Historically, this level of customisation has required developers, data scientists and long implementation cycles. But advances in no-code platforms are changing that equation. By abstracting away complexity, these tools allow nontechnical users to build AI agents using visual interfaces, prebuilt components and natural language instructions.
This results in AI creation becoming accessible not just to engineers but also operation managers, founders and frontline teams who understand the business best.
Practical gains for everyday businesses
SME-driven AI brings tangible results. Custom-built AI agents can automate repetitive administrative tasks, freeing up staff to focus on higher-value work. They can improve decision-making by surfacing insights from data that would otherwise go unused. They can also enhance customer experience through faster, more personalised interactions.
Crucially, these gains translate directly into improved margins. For small businesses operating on tight budgets, even modest efficiency improvements can have a great impact on profitability. Rather than replacing jobs, AI becomes a force multiplier, enabling lean teams to achieve more with less.
It’ s vital to point out that there is a misconception that AI is about cutting headcount – in reality, for SMEs it’ s about reducing manual workload and burnout and giving people the tools to work smarter.
The cost of exclusion
Limiting AI access for SMEs carries broader economic risks. Productivity growth in the UK has lagged behind peer economies for years and digital adoption is a key lever for improvement. If AI-driven productivity gains accrue primarily to large enterprises, inequality between firms – and regions – will widen.
There is also the risk of innovation bottlenecks. Many of the most creative solutions to realworld problems come from small businesses close to their customers and communities. Without the ability to experiment with and deploy AI, these ideas may never scale.
The UK Government’ s AI Growth Plan recognises the strategic importance of AI and outlines ambitions to turbocharge adoption across the economy. However, policy must go further in supporting grassroots AI creation, not just high profile research hubs or major corporations.
Investment in skills, funding for SME experimentation and incentives for accessible AI platforms are essential. Otherwise, we risk building an AI economy that only works for the few.
36 Intelligent SME. tech