More SMEs adopt AI as usage jumps to 35%
More SMEs adopt AI as usage jumps to 35%
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More than a third of UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are now actively using artificial intelligence, according to new research from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in partnership with financial technology platform Intuit.
The survey of more than 1,500 business leaders, carried out in June and July by the BCC’s Insights Unit, shows that 35% of SMEs are using AI, up from 25% in 2024. A further 24% of firms said they plan to adopt AI in the future, while the share of businesses with no plans has dropped to 33%, compared with 43% last year.
The findings reveal wide differences between sectors. Almost half (46%) of B2B service firms in industries such as finance, law and marketing have adopted AI, compared with 26% of B2C firms and manufacturers. Around 60% of respondents said they use AI for content creation and knowledge work.
Despite the growth in uptake, most SMEs admit they are still only scratching the surface of AI’s potential. Just 11% reported using it to a “great extent” to automate or streamline operations, while 42% said “to some extent”, 29% “to a minimal extent”, and 14% “not at all”.
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said the findings were a sign of momentum but also highlighted the need for government action.
She said: “Our data shows more SMEs are plugging into AI – and that’s really encouraging news for the UK’s economic future. The pace of technological change is speeding up, not slowing down, and it’s crucial that all businesses are part of the digital revolution. Our survey shows the picture is not equal across all sectors and firms aren’t yet using the technology to its full potential. It’s crucial that the Government acts swiftly on the recommendations of the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce. Improving AI awareness, support and skills must be the focus.”
Leigh Thomas, Intuit Vice-President for EMEA, added: “We are seeing a decisive shift in recognition that AI is no longer a futuristic add-on, but a real-time lever for productivity and resilience. However, the findings in this report reveal a widening divide between AI-ready firms and those struggling to keep pace. With the right integrated tools at their fingertips, SMBs won’t just keep pace with the AI revolution – they’ll drive it.”
Small Business Minister Blair McDougall MP said the research showed smaller firms were playing a key role in AI adoption.
He said: “Often the discussion about AI focusses on huge multinationals, but this shows that the smaller businesses, who contribute so much to our economy, are a central part of the AI innovation story too. AI transformation is a crucial part of our mission to kickstart economic growth. We will continue to back businesses through our Plan for Change to improve productivity, boost competitiveness and drive prosperity across the UK.”
The BCC has been tracking SME use of AI for the past three years.
