Increasingly, small organisations using AI tools to boost productivity, improve customer services, and strengthen security. According to a recent survey by the British Chambers of Commerce and Intuit, 35% of UK SMEs are now using AI in some form, with another 24% planning to adopt it in the future.
But while AI presents incredible opportunities, it also brings risks that small businesses can’t afford to ignore, and many SMEs feel they aren’t using the technology to its full potential.
How small businesses are using AI today
Small firms are already using AI without even realising it. Everyday tools now come with AI included — from Microsoft 365’s writing assistants to CRM platforms that analyse customer trends. Beyond these, businesses are starting to use AI more intentionally in areas such as:
- Automation: AI can handle repetitive tasks like scheduling appointments, processing invoices, or triaging customer queries.
- Customer service: Chatbots and virtual assistants can provide 24/7 support, freeing up staff to handle more complex queries.
- Cybersecurity: AI-powered systems can spot unusual activity on networks faster than a human ever could, reducing the risk of data breaches.
- Productivity tools: From drafting emails to summarising documents, AI helps small teams do more with less.
These tools can save time, reduce costs, and level the playing field against larger competitors.
The risks of using AI
Despite the benefits, AI also creates new challenges that small businesses must manage carefully:
- Data privacy: Feeding sensitive information into AI systems without controls can expose businesses to data leaks and GDPR breaches.
- AI hallucinations: AI doesn’t always get it right. It can produce convincing but completely false information, which could harm customer trust if left unchecked.
- Compliance: Using AI without considering regulatory requirements can lead to legal issues, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, or professional services.
- Shadow IT: Employees may experiment with unapproved AI tools (like free online chatbots) without realising the risks, creating security and compliance blind spots.
For small businesses without dedicated IT or compliance teams, these risks can feel overwhelming.
Why Managed AI matters
Just as many businesses rely on managed IT services to keep systems secure and reliable, Managed AI provides expert guidance, monitoring, and governance for AI tools.
At IT Support & Security, we’re developing a Managed AI service designed specifically for businesses with 1–50 users. Our aim is simple: to help you unlock the benefits of AI without taking on unnecessary risks.
With Managed AI, you get:
- Safe setup and integration of AI tools into your workflows.
- Security controls and monitoring to prevent data leaks or misuse.
- Compliance support so you can adopt AI responsibly.
- Ongoing advice and training to ensure your team uses AI effectively.
Practical AI support for small business
AI has the potential to transform how small businesses work — making teams more productive, customer service more responsive, and security more proactive. But without proper oversight, the risks are real.
By partnering with a trusted IT support provider like ISS, you can embrace AI with confidence, knowing you have expert guidance and safeguards in place.
Ready to explore Managed AI for your business? Get in touch with IT Support & Security today and let us help you put AI to work — safely and effectively.