AI use in British business has doubled in a year. 

Where your firm sits on the size ladder now matters.

Across the board, AI use has doubled in a year, and mid-sized firms are pulling ahead

The government's AI Adoption Survey, published on 29 October, interviewed 3,503 UK firms with 5 or more staff. It found 32% were using at least one AI tool, up from 16% a year earlier.

Adoption rises with size:

Mid-sized firms are now almost level with big companies. Commentators such as OpenExO's Salim Ismail argue this group has the biggest AI opportunity: established clients and know-how, without big-company bureaucracy.

What this means for you: if you employ 10 to 50 people, the firms above you are moving faster. Your potential edge is speed and flexibility but you need to make a move now!

Your size matters if you let it. Speed of adoption and using AI to change how you operate are the key factors.

Tool Worth A Look: Granola

Granola turns your meetings into searchable notes, summaries and action points. It suits partners and client-facing staff who spend their days on calls. There's a free plan; Business is about £10.50 per user a month.

The takeaway

Size isn't the advantage; unless you allow it to be. Bigger firms see the opportunity but smaller firms can get more benefits and more leverage if they get on board.

Pick one task everyone in your team does weekly and get every person using AI for it this month.