UK SMEs using AI are saving 5.2 hours a week, but many risk being left behind, according to new research.
A fifth of the 1,000 businesses surveyed by OpenAI admitted they are not using AI, with the lack of usage highest amongst sole traders and micro businesses at 37% and 25% respectively.
More than half of medium-sized firms that use AI automate tasks compared to 37% of micro businesses, while one in three use AI agents versus fewer than one in five micro firms.
There’s a regional divide too. Almost all businesses in London (93%) now use AI at work, but around one in four firms in regions including Yorkshire & Humber (26%), the South West (28%), and Scotland (24%) do not use it at all.
Among those using AI, 71% said it makes them more effective business leaders, with the most cited benefits the time saved (45%), reduced errors (34%), and lowered operational costs (24%).
ChatGPT was the most popular tool, used by 64%, ahead of Gemini and Copilot (42% each) and Claude (11%).
For the businesses not using AI, 28% said training and skills is a barrier.
To help address the gaps and boost adoption, OpenAI, Booking.com and Enterprise Nation are running a one-day SME AI Accelerator in London on 29 April with free training on using AI to boost productivity, save time and build practical business workflows.
Sanj Bhayro, managing director EMEA sales at OpenAI, said:
“UK SMEs are already saving over half a day a week thanks to AI, but those benefits aren’t evenly shared. Gaps are emerging across regions, business size, and how deeply firms are able to use AI in practice. Without action, the smallest businesses risk being left out of the next wave of growth.”
Aaron Asadi, CEO of Enterprise Nation, added:
“We recognise the transformative potential of AI for small businesses. This research tallies with our own findings, and it reinforces our commitment to ensuring every SME, regardless of size or location, gains access to the resources and training needed to harness this technology.”