Yet failing to adopt an AI strategy in 2025 is equivalent to SME leaders burying their heads in the sand when it comes to staying competitive, especially as new technology proliferates. Focusing on survival is no longer enough; instead, SMEs and their IT operators need to embrace the era of AI upon us, and its vast potential for rejuvenating services. Otherwise, smaller businesses risk falling behind larger competitors that are able to easily onboard tools for their operations.

Jon Bance, Chief Operating Officer at Leading Resolutions, argues that SMEs need to be realistic when it comes to harnessing and onboarding AI tools: “For SMEs, the best way is to start small and focus on clear, measurable objectives.”

“AI is a transformative tool for SMEs, offering opportunities to compete with larger competitor organisations through its ability to review, process and present data. AI’s ability to quickly integrate and analyse structured and unstructured data provides SMEs with actionable insights. This is particularly convenient for building better customer experiences without needing as extensive infrastructure investments as seen in the past.

“Traditionally, SMEs faced challenges in consolidating data from multiple sources due to the complexity and cost of maintaining large-scale data warehouses and lakes. This process often required all data to be meticulously structured, a time-consuming and resource-intensive task. However, modern AI solutions have revolutionised this process by bypassing these traditional requirements.

“AI tools now enable businesses to analyse disparate data points in real-time, whether from CRM systems, social media, website analytics, or sales records. This streamlined integration provides a unified view of customers and operations, with an overall boost to the end-customer experience. AI-driven tools can allow SMEs to anticipate customer needs, personalise interactions, and predict purchasing behaviours.

“Moreover, AI democratises data analysis, reducing the need for in-house data science expertise. SMEs can now deploy AI tools that automate complex analyses, such as sentiment analysis, predictive modelling, and trend detection, without requiring deep specialist skills. This enables smaller businesses to focus on strategic decision-making rather than technical complexities.

Bance highlights that starting with smaller, more actionable, achievable objectives can quickly snowball into greater business success. “Identify pain points in your operations or customer engagement and explore AI solutions tailored to those needs. Cloud-based AI platforms, often available on a subscription basis, offer cost-effective entry points with scalable options as your business grows.”

“By utilising AI methods and tooling to join up multiple data points and derive deep insights, SMEs can create more agile and customer-focused operations. The result is greater efficiency and the ability to adapt to market changes and deliver exceptional customer experiences, crucial factors for success in today's competitive landscape.

Bance concludes: “The future of AI for SMEs is not just about keeping pace; it’s about gaining a competitive edge. Seeking expert guidance is the first step towards harnessing the right AI toolset, that aligns with business objectives, as not all solutions are equally suitable for smaller organisations. Training is important in building confidence and unlocking the maximum potential of onboarded AI technology.

“Finally, data governance is critical to ensure the secure, ethical use of AI, and prevent data leaks that can have massive impacts on business reputation. All of these should be considerations before taking the AI plunge, and all are supported by an experienced technology consultant that can guide your business at every stage.”

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