AI use in British business has doubled in a year. Where your firm sits on the size ladder now matters.
AI use has doubled in a year, and mid-sized firms are pulling ahead
The government's AI Adoption Survey, published on 29 October, interviewed 3,503 UK private sector firms with 5 or more staff. It found that 32% were using at least one AI technology, up from 16% a year earlier.
Adoption rises with size:
- 5 to 9 staff: 27% (up from 14%)
- 10 to 49 staff: 34% (up from 16%)
- 50 to 249 staff: 47% (up from 23%)
- 250 or more: 52% (up from 36%)
The survey calls the 50 to 249 group medium-sized, and that group is now almost level with the biggest companies. Commentators such as OpenExO's Salim Ismail argue that this group has the biggest AI opportunity: established clients and know-how, without big-company bureaucracy.
The survey adds a useful reminder: most of this use is still basic, mainly text generation and administration, and only 14% of businesses rate AI as highly or critically important to their operations. There is plenty of room for a firm that goes further than its peers.
What this means for you: if you employ 10 to 50 people, the firms above you are moving faster. Your potential edge is speed and flexibility, but you need to make your move now.
Your size matters if you let it. Speed of adoption, and using AI to change how you operate, are the key factors.
Tool worth a look: Granola
Granola turns your meetings into searchable notes, summaries and action points. It suits partners and client-facing staff who spend their days on calls. There is a free Basic plan, which keeps 30 days of meeting history. Granola lists the Business plan at $14 per user a month, about £10.50.
Size is only an advantage if you use it
Size isn't the advantage, unless you allow it to be. Bigger firms see the opportunity, but smaller firms can get more benefit and more leverage if they get on board.
Your one action this month
Pick one task that everyone in your team does weekly, and get every person using AI for it this month.