AI is spreading through SME businesses, but mostly for the easy jobs. People inside firms are using AI. Few firms are changing how they work.
30% of UK businesses now use AI, mostly for text and images
The Office for National Statistics says 30% of UK businesses now use AI, rising to 38% among firms with 10 or more staff. For those larger firms, the most common uses are text generation, at 21%, and visual content, at 19%.
What this means for you: text and images are the easy part. The real gains come from changing how work gets done. The data shows little sign of that yet. It will come.
AI tool worth a look: Bitwarden Teams
Bitwarden Teams is a password manager that lets staff share logins securely and lets you cut off access the day someone leaves. It suits firms juggling client portals and shared software accounts. It costs around £3 per user per month, billed annually, with a free trial.
Your one action this week
AI is now common in firms with 10 or more staff. Pick 1 sales task, like chasing quotes or following up enquiries, and work out how to automate it.