Small and medium-sized enterprises across Yorkshire and the North East are increasingly viewing artificial intelligence as essential to their future success.
A study commissioned by growth investment firm BGF and platform Beauhurst revealed that three-fifths of SMEs operating in these regions consider AI significant for achieving long-term expansion goals.
The research demonstrated rising confidence in the technology, with more than four-fifths of companies reporting greater trust in AI over the previous twelve months.
Commenting on the findings, Chris Boyes, a partner at BGF responsible for the Yorkshire office, noted that strategic discussions about AI’s relevance had largely concluded.
However, he observed that a divide persists between companies’ aspirations and their actual implementation of the technology.
Organisational culture and internal structures continue to impede progress for numerous enterprises.
Despite widespread recognition of AI’s potential, business integration remains inconsistent.
Fewer than 70 percent of SMEs have begun incorporating AI into specific operational areas, with an identical proportion having established formal responsible AI guidelines.
Security vulnerabilities, data reliability, and workforce adaptation emerged as primary implementation challenges.
Nearly half of surveyed companies cited security risks as a major concern, while data integrity and employee readiness each represented significant obstacles for approximately one-third of businesses.