Small business owners have today called on new prime minister Andy Burnham to introduce measures to help companies to implement AI responsibly and boost the UK economy.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling for a government-backed certification scheme for responsible AI use, vouchers providing support for AI adoption, and clearer guidance and training.
The FSB supported its case to Burnham and new AI Minister Kanishka Narayan with a new report today, The Confidence Code: The Challenges and Opportunities of AI for Small Firms.
Research in the report showed that businesses using AI reported an average 3% increase in revenue. It found that 59% of AI users have seen productivity gains and 24% have increased their revenue.
However, while AI adoption among small firms has almost tripled since 2023, 92% still have concerns about issues including data security, copyright and liability.
Around a third (34%) said better guidance on implementing technology would encourage them to adopt it, while 31% said support to use AI legally, ethically and responsibly would help.
The FSB stressed that the rewards from AI would be “substantial”, presenting figures that showed that unlocking deeper AI use could be worth more than £42 billion to the UK economy each year.
Its proposals emphasise responsible use of AI, including calls for standardised AI model cards so businesses can understand how providers use their data and who is responsible when things go wrong.
The FSB’s policy chair, Tina McKenzie, said: “FSB is calling on the AI Minister to use his Cabinet role to lead efforts across Government to deliver the changes.
“It’s great to see the new Government taking AI seriously and recognising how important it’s becoming to the economy.
“The technology is moving at pace, but too many are asking basic questions about data, copyright and liability, and they deserve clear answers.
“The new AI Minister has a real opportunity to make the UK the best place in the world for small firms to adopt AI, but that will only happen if he puts trust at the heart of the Government’s approach.
“That means giving them clear answers on who owns AI-generated content, how their data will be used, and who is responsible when things go wrong.
“He also should use his role to ensure small firms are not left to navigate this rapidly changing technology on their own. They must have access to practical guidance and support to help them adopt AI safely and confidently.
“If he gets it right, more small firms will embrace AI and that in turn will increase productivity. But if trust is overlooked, the UK risks holding back thousands of businesses that are ready to take the next step.”
