Business AI·Free

AI Readiness: UK SMB Report

Where UK small and mid-sized businesses stand on AI adoption, capability and confidence — with practical next-step guidance.

Published 22 Jan 202634 pagesVersion v1.0

Executive summary

What this report covers

62% of UK SMBs have piloted AI; only 18% report production use. Confidence tracks capability more than company size — SMBs with strong data hygiene report ROI comparable to enterprise peers.

Key findings

Headline conclusions

62% of UK SMBs have piloted at least one AI tool.
Only 18% report production use with measurable ROI.
Data hygiene predicts success better than budget or headcount.
Sector variation is greater than size variation.

Who should read this

Intended audience

SMB owners and operators
Advisors serving UK SMBs
Trade bodies and chambers of commerce

Table of contents

Inside the 34-page report

011. Sample and methodology
022. Adoption by sector
033. Barriers and enablers
044. Practical next steps

Preview

Sample pages

Frequently asked questions

How do you define SMB?+

Companies with 10–249 employees, aligned with the ONS SMB definition.

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