The ‘Innovate Access’ event, which took place at BT’s London HQ, revealed how AI-driven adaptive technology could transform access and inclusion across UK entrepreneurship.

Hosted by BT in partnership with The Lilac Review – an independent, Government-backed Review to address the inequality faced by Disabled founders – the event demonstrated the growth of AI adoption among this group of entrepreneurs.

Disabled founders represent 25% of the UK’s 5.5 million small business owners, but just 8.6% of UK business turnover. The Lilac Review estimates that improving opportunity for Disabled entrepreneurs could drive an additional £230 billion for the UK economy. AI is believed to hold promising potential to unlock opportunity for Disabled founders.

New research from Small Business Britain and BT highlights the existing level of engagement is already riding high. Over half (54%) of Disabled entrepreneurs now use AI, particularly for marketing, sales, and operations. And over two thirds (69%) think AI integration will benefit their businesses through increased efficiency, whilst two fifths (41%) believe it will help to save costs.

“Through the work of the Lilac Review, we are always trying to learn how entrepreneurship can be made more accessible, and barriers to entry removed,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain.

“The Innovate Access event was a great way to showcase innovative AI-driven solutions that have changed the game for Disabled entrepreneurs, making their businesses more efficient and their routines easier to manage. It was a pleasure to chat to business owners and learn about so many phenomenal developments that can support the growth of Disabled-led businesses, which are essential to our economy.”

A variety of adaptive solutions were demonstrated at the special event last week, which revealed the potential of technology to not only to power inclusion and business growth, but also enhance the lives of disabled people. This included:

• Signly: software that adds sign language to websites
• We Walk: AI-integrated smart canes with voice assistants, designed to help visually impaired people navigate the world
• XRAI: real-time live captions, turning even speeches and panel into subtitles, on big screens and through a mobile app

The event also featured a range of speeches from leading experts on the potential of AI, including Joseph Williams, founder of AI-powered worker tech platform Clu, himself a Disabled founder who also sits on the Steering Board for the Lilac Review.

“AI is transforming entrepreneurship by removing barriers that have historically excluded Disabled founders, but only if it’s designed ethically and inclusively,” said Joseph Williams.

“Too much AI today casually reinforces bias rather than actively breaking it down. At Clu, we’re leading the charge in building universally designed AI that enhances productivity, decision-making, but also access to opportunity – because the future of work should work for everyone.”

Aftab Malhotra, Founder and CEO of Diversity Economics, which is pioneering ‘ReN AI’, a generative AI platform that helps companies enhance workforce engagement, compliance, and learning across Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), also delivered a keynote on the positive potential of AI.

Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, BT, said: “It was a privilege to host the Innovate Access event, and hear firsthand how technology is making an impact on the lives of Disabled business owners.

“Entrepreneurship should be for everyone. And AI has the transformative power to level the playing field, enabling Disabled small business owners to innovate, grow, and scale their businesses with unprecedented accessibility. This technology is not just a tool; it’s a catalyst for inclusivity and empowerment.”

BT sits on the Lilac Review Steering Board, alongside representatives from across the business community and UK Government, including: Small Business Britain, Lloyds Bank, eBay, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), British Chamber of Commerce (BCC), The Entrepreneurs Network, Business Disability Forum, and academics from ARU Peterborough university. A number of prominent disabled founders also take part, alongside Co-Chairs Gareth Thomas, the Small Business Minister and Victoria Jenkins, CEO and Founder of adaptive fashion brand Unhidden.

Launched in February 2024 and operating over a two-year period, the Lilac Review will share its final report later this year, with recommendations on improving opportunities for Disabled founders and a call-to-action for driving positive change across society.

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