// INDUSTRY INSIGHT //

BUT BUSINESSES NO LONGER NEED TO PAY PROFESSIONALS TO ORGANISE RECORDS OR CALCULATE STANDARD FINANCIAL INFORMATION. for software to move from administrative tools that tell owners‘ what happened?’ to always-on advisers that answer‘... and what does this mean for me?’

ONS data revealed that the proportion of UK businesses using AI has risen from around 12 % in late 2023 to around 35 % today. As these tools become embedded in everyday business, entrepreneurs increasingly have access to information and analysis on demand, changing the relationship between owners and advisers.

AI can help organise records, explain financial concepts and flag potential issues, while minimising admin that hinders growth. More advanced systems can also consider context. A fall in cash reserves might indicate a problem, but it could equally reflect planned investment or seasonal demand.

Trust is an important factor beyond adoption. New technologies often experience a time lag before becoming routine. Few remember the moment they became comfortable with mobile banking or online marketplaces; trust developed gradually through familiarity. AI is likely to follow a similar trajectory.

Why this matters for small businesses

This shift matters because Britain’ s small-business economy remains under considerable pressure. In August, ONS data revealed 29 % of businesses felt economic uncertainty was affecting their turnover, with 35 % reporting higher staffing costs were impacting on turnover. In this environment, identifying pressures earlier and making better-informed decisions materially bolsters resilience.

36 Intelligent SME. tech