David Broderick
Director of the Small Firms Association
Building a sustainable business requires balancing long-term viability with daily operational efficiency. AI is emerging as a critical tool to achieve this balance.
An era of burdensome regulations and time-consuming administration leaves many business owners very time-poor.According to recent Small Firms Association (SFA) research, 56% of small firms already use technology to automate simple tasks, and 96% of AI users rely on accessible generic tools. Yet, 31% of small businesses have not yet started exploring AI.
Many cite major barriers such as a lack of technical expertise (30%), limited time (24%) and having no clear AI strategy (21%). By taking small, practical steps, small business owners can streamline processes, cut operational waste, and secure long-term sustainability.
Gain practical guidance
Small business owners do not need to navigate digital transformation alone. They can seek advice, training or funding. The National Enterprise Hub is a free service that connects businesses with various government supports, grants, loans and advisory programmes.
Operating sustainably also means minimising material and energy waste
What has worked for many SFA members is our MentorsWork Programme, which provides practical advice and expert mentoring tailored for specific business needs. It offers a clear roadmap to help small business owners to establish a simple AI strategy and implement technology sustainably. Crucially, the advice comes from small business owners themselves.
Streamline daily operations with basic automation
Start with simple, low-cost steps to save time and energy. The SFA’s recent research on AI usage shows that AI adoption is highest in sales and marketing (66%) and administrative functions (60%). Small business owners can immediately implement generic AI tools to draft communications, create marketing material and organise workflows. Automating these routine tasks frees up valuable staff time to focus on core business operations.
Optimise resources with practical analytics
Operating sustainably also means minimising material and energy waste. Currently, 44% of AI-active small businesses utilise AI for data analytics and insights. Applying simple AI analytics can help small business owners forecast demand, manage inventory efficiently and monitor resource consumption. This prevents costly overstocking, cuts energy usage and improves your bottom line. Ultimately, by adopting practical programmes, businesses can use AI to save time, reduce costs and boost sustainability.
