- SMB leaders are worried that they don't have enough time to concentrate on growth
- Ai could keep the key, but skills scarcity is still blocking progress
- Many are preparing to invest more if the economy allows
We already know how important are the SMBS for the global economy, in the United Kingdom, for example, these companies represent 99% of the business population, but many run the risk of being behind if they do not use AI, they have affirmed new reports.
Amoex's research says that more than a quarter (28%) of SME leaders fight to get away from everyday tasks, and 24% agree that there are not enough hours in the day to grow their business.
To address this, almost half (43%) of small businesses and 53% of medium -sized companies plan to adopt AI in the next 12 months, and 60% of SMEs expect stronger performance in the last three months of 2025 compared to the last two years.
Is it enough to save our SME?
Separated research from Barclays revealed nine in 10 (89%) companies in the United Kingdom plan to use AI in two years to help with data analysis, prognosis, customer experience and cost reduction.
However, almost three years after the launch of the Public Previous view of Chatgpt (accredited with the popularization of AI tools), companies still face the same scarcity of AI and digital skills, an even more pronounced concern between financial services, IT/telecommunications and the technological sector itself.
“AI is becoming a key tool to boost innovation, encourage investment and improvement to raise productivity,” said Barclays UK CEO Corporate Banking, Matt Hammerstein.
Barclays discovered that the United Kingdom companies plan to invest in training (42%), digital products (37%) and R&D (37%) to support long -term growth, but the imminent and delayed budget of autumn is delaying many in the short term.
Inflation (33%) and the increase in public services costs (22%) are considered the main barriers to business growth, and 39%have to adjust budgets as a result of energy costs and many others that invest in efficiency or renewable energy. Another of every four (26%) has passed customers.
Barclays Business Banking MD Abdul Qureshi pointed out optimism: “Despite the economic and energy challenges, the United Kingdom companies are moving forward with AI and the investment of skills to unlock productivity and growth.”
