By Craig Hale

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Craig Hale

18 September 2025

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Image credit: Pixabay
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SMB leaders are worried they don’t have enough time to focus on growth
AI could hold the key, but skills shortages are still blocking progress
Many are preparing to invest more if the economy allows

We already know how important SMBs are to the global economy – in the UK, for example, these firms make up 99% of the business population – but many risk falling behind if they don’t make use of AI, new reports have claimed.

Research from Amex says over a quarter (28%) of SME leaders struggle to step away from day-to-day tasks, and 24% agree there aren’t enough hours in the day to grow their business.
To tackle this, nearly half (43%) of small businesses and 53% of medium-sized businesses plan to adopt AI in the next 12 months, and 60% of SMEs expect stronger performance in the final three months of 2025 compared with the past two years.

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Separate Barclays research revealed nine in 10 (89%) UK businesses plan to use AI within two years to help with data analysis, forecasting, customer experience and cost reduction.

However, nearly three years after the public preview launch of ChatGPT (credited with popularizing AI tools), companies are still facing the same AI and digital skills shortages – a concern that’s even more pronounced among financial services, IT/telecoms and the tech sector itself.
“AI is becoming a key tool to drive innovation, encourage investment and upskilling to lift productivity,” Barclays UK Corporate Banking CEO Matt Hammerstein noted.
Barclays found UK businesses are planning to invest in training (42%), digital products (37%) and R&D (37%) to support long-term growth, but the impending and delayed Autumn Budget is holding many back in the short-term.

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Inflation (33%) and rising utility costs (22%) are seen as major barriers to business growth, with 39% having to adjust budgets as a result of energy costs and many others investing in efficiency or renewables. A further one in four (26%) have passed costs on to customers.
Barclays Business Banking MD Abdul Qureshi noted optimism: “Despite economic and energy challenges, UK businesses are pushing ahead with AI and skills investment to unlock productivity and growth.”
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With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!

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SMBs want to use tech more in order to grow – but costs are proving a big barrier

Powering productivity: why small businesses are pivotal to the UK’s digital and economic future

Many SMBs say they can’t get to grips with AI, need more training

AI in customer communication: the opportunities and risks SMBs can’t ignore

Making AI useful at every level of the business

Younger business owners are turning to AI for business advice – here’s why that’s a terrible idea

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