Government to help boost small business productivity with over 100 AI trials through £7m investment

The UK Government has announced 120 AI projects across the country, including a focus on the retail sector, in a multi-million-pound investment focused on helping small businesses drive more productivity.

The projects aim to address how AI can tackle practical challenges faced by businesses, with the Government citing the example of using predictive tools to help bakeries reduce food waste by forecasting sales.

The funding is part of the newly launched AI Opportunities Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to promote AI adoption nationwide and is itself a part of the Government's broader Plan for Change strategy, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stating earlier this week that AI will play a crucial role in tackling economic challenges and driving growth.

Peter Kyle, Science and Technology Secretary, said: “Putting AI to work right across the economy can help businesses cut waste, move faster and be more productive. The huge range of projects receiving funding today, from farmers and bakers to those tackling potholes on our roads and mould in residential properties, demonstrates the truly limitless benefits of AI that are there for the taking.

“And take them we will, with our 50-point AI Opportunities Plan, published yesterday, to unleash AI across the UK, delivering a decade of national renewal and firing up our Plan for Change.”

The AI trials are also set to include road testing AI for more efficient highway maintenance, as well as models that anticipate and help prevent mould growth in buildings.