The UK’s small business owners are being invited to make the most of AI with the launch of a series of free webinars focused on the specific challenges and opportunities of using AI to scale, diversify and grow a small business.
AI continues to be a focus for businesses across the UK but busy small business owners often struggle to find the time to research their options, or to work out where AI can really help with their business offering. In research commissioned by the Small Business Institute, more than half of the UK’s small businesses (63%) said they see data privacy and security risks as their biggest concerns about using AI.
Despite this, nearly half (48%) said they would be more likely to adopt AI or improve cyber security if they saw other small businesses doing so successfully, showing a high level of interest in using AI, but using it properly and with clear value.
The AI for Small Business programme from Small Business Britain and BT begins at the end of July with a session focused on defining the best AI prompts and using AI like a brand new employee, and is hosted by award-winning Happiness Psychologist and AI Confidence Coach Julie Begbie. The series is free of charge and open to anyone.
As well as assessing current AI use and whether it is being utilised well, sessions in the webinar series will also focus on identifying time drains in a business that AI could help fix, practical tips on setting up workflows and how to choose between the numerous tools available.
Government research from February 2026 revealed AI adoption is on the rise, with around 35% of UK businesses with 10 or more employees now using AI, a significant increase from 12% at the end of 2023.
Small business owners can learn more about the AI for Small Business series and sign up here.
Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain said, “Small business owners know that AI is here, and that it can both save time and help scale a business when used properly, but without advice specific to their circumstances it can be hard to make the most of it. Our webinar series is focused on useable, practical and easy to understand advice, underpinned by a deep knowledge of the reality of life for those running a small business, and what it takes to make them a success.”
Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, BT Business said: “We know that businesses can benefit hugely from AI, particularly smaller businesses who might be time stretched or without the biggest budgets. This new webinar programme is designed with these businesses in mind, helping owners at all stages of their AI journey. We are confident attendees will be able to upgrade their AI ability and take actionable insights from this series. We are looking forward to hearing of their future successes.”
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