AI adoption rises among UK small businesses, boosting efficiency

New research has found that artificial intelligence is increasingly being used by small business owners in the UK to improve efficiency and support growth.

According to a survey of 500 small business owners conducted by VistaPrint, 57% are already using AI within their operations. The findings also reveal that 27% of respondents use AI daily, with a further 45% utilising AI several times a week.

Everyday tool

The data indicates that AI is no longer perceived as a futuristic concept but has become an integrated element in the daily workings of many small businesses. Amongst those not yet using AI, nearly one in five (19%) are considering adoption in the near future.

VistaPrint's research highlights a shift in perceptions, with 30% of small business owners reporting that they do not view AI as a long-term threat to their business. Rather, the technology is increasingly seen as a supportive tool for achieving growth and operational goals.

Many business owners identified efficiency gains as the key benefit, with 34% of respondents noting that AI had improved efficiencies in their operations. Other benefits cited include reducing business costs (14%), improving customer service (11%), and streamlining decision-making processes (9%).

Impact on daily operations

AI's influence was found to extend across a range of business functions. Two out of five respondents (40%) reported using AI for research and data analysis, gaining insights to help them compete more effectively with larger competitors. In terms of communications, 35% said they used AI to help draft emails, and 29% used it to support customer service tasks. These applications are allowing small businesses to save both time and financial resources, according to the report.

The adoption rate of AI amongst sole traders appears particularly significant, with 79% of these businesses reporting that AI has helped them operate more effectively. Overall, the positive sentiment towards AI adoption is high, with 84% of all respondents describing the impact as beneficial for their business.

Shifting attitudes towards AI

The study also reflects changing attitudes regarding the potential threats posed by AI. With nearly a third of respondents indicating no long-term threat, the technology is increasingly being regarded as an opportunity for supporting and enhancing business processes, rather than a risk.

Examples highlighted in the findings include the expansion of payment options, targeting new customer segments, and improving marketing strategies as areas where small businesses are leveraging AI for growth and innovation. Adoption is expected to continue increasing, as those not currently using AI consider its benefits for their business in the near-term.

Industry perspective

Sabine Levellier, VP of Marketing at VistaPrint, said: "As a leading supporter of small businesses, it's important to highlight the tools and advancements that small business owners (SBOs) can use to grow. More SBOs are turning to emerging technologies to scale their operations, and AI, in particular, is enabling them to work smarter and grow faster."

Further case studies of small business owners utilising AI were mentioned in the research, although specific examples have not been included in the public summary. The findings suggest that as AI becomes more accessible and integrated, small business adoption will continue to expand, reshaping how these organisations operate across the UK.