17 January 2025
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.
High Street Matters Podcast - Boost your social media output with AI
The High Street Matters podcast delves into the ways small independent retailers can utilise AI.
To listen in full and get all episodes of Bira's key industry insight in podcast form, click the link below.
Bira's advocacy takes your voice to the heart of Parliament
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Combatting the rising tide of retail crime
- Advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility
- Fighting for fairer business rates
- Overall reducing the regulatory burden
- £1 billion damages claim against Amazon by UK retailers
Related News
-
Bira backs National Pet Shop Day 2026 to drive footfall to independent retailers
Bira has confirmed it will continue its support for National Pet Shop Day in 2026, partnering once again with Johnson’s Veterinary Products to champion independent pet retailers across the UK.
-
35 years on the high street, a reminder of what independent retail can achieve
Trotter and Deane is celebrating 35 years of trading, highlighting how consistency, community and customer relationships remain key to long-term success on the UK high street.
-
Independent pet shops warn flea treatment reclassification will hit communities and push up costs for pet owners
Bira is calling on the government to halt plans that could remove common flea treatments from pet shop shelves, warning the move would damage high street businesses and leave pet owners facing higher costs.
-
Independent retailers welcome government crackdown on organised crime targeting Britain’s high streets
Bira has welcomed a major new government offensive targeting organised crime on Britain’s high streets, describing illicit traders as an emerging and serious threat to legitimate local shops.