Nearly half of UK businesses using AI tools

Research carried out by insurer Simply Business has revealed that 47% of UK small business owners are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

10 Sep 2026

Research carried out by insurer Simply Business has revealed that 47% of UK small business owners are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

The latest figure represents a significant increase compared to 2025, when just 22% of firms stated they actively used AI.

An additional 13% plan to start using AI in the next six to 12 months, Simply Business found.

Creating content, problem solving and generating ideas were amongst the top uses for AI, the research showed. 46% said they use AI to save time on administrative tasks.

Julie Fisher, UK CEO of Simply Business, said: 'Adaptability and resilience are central to the DNA of small business owners and time and again they've proven they're drivers of innovation - finding new ways to grow even in the face of challenging trading conditions.

'One of the most significant shifts we've tracked this year with our annual SME Insights Report is around AI adoption. Almost half say they now use AI in their business, up from 22% in 2025.'