AI Adoption Among UK SMB Owners

The Worldpay survey reveals that 53% of UK small‑ and medium‑size business owners are using artificial‑intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to inform their decisions. Younger entrepreneurs are even more inclined to adopt these technologies, with usage rising to roughly 60% among those aged 25‑34 and 60% among 18‑24 year‑olds for certain platforms.

Beyond AI, classic internet search engines remain a popular resource for 47% of respondents, while video‑centric platforms such as YouTube (51%), LinkedIn (41%), and Facebook/Instagram (37%) are gaining traction. TikTok, although cited by 31% overall, sees a notable surge to 60% among the youngest demographic.

Human Advice Remains Dominant

Even as digital tools expand, the survey underscores the enduring importance of human connections. A striking 93% of business owners still turn to friends, family, or professional peers for guidance, citing the emotional, experiential, and ethical dimensions that algorithmic advice cannot fully replicate.

Risks and Concerns With AI and Social Media

While AI offers rapid brainstorming capabilities, the study highlights several shortcomings. AI and social‑media advice often lack industry‑specific nuance and can carry inherent biases. Additionally, video content may promote particular agendas or unrealistic expectations, potentially leading entrepreneurs to over‑rely on unverified sources.

Worldpay’s General Manager for SMB International, Chris Wood, emphasized the need for balance, stating, "Entrepreneurs today must rely on both their personal networks and invest in the right tools to help their business thrive." This perspective reinforces the view that technology should complement, not replace, human insight.

Industry Outlook

The findings suggest that while AI and digital platforms are becoming integral to the decision‑making toolkit of UK SMBs, they are unlikely to supplant traditional human advice in the near term. A broader spectrum of information—combining personal networks, search engines, AI, and social media—appears to be the emerging model for small‑business strategy.

Used: News Factory APP - news discovery and automation - ChatGPT for Business