A recent study from payment processor Worldpay finds that more than half of UK small and medium enterprise owners are now turning to Artificial Intelligence tools for business advice. The report quantifies that 53% of UK SME owners regularly use AI tools such as ChatGPT for support, with usage highest among younger founders: 60% of business owners aged 25 to 34 report using these services. Other digital platforms remain widely used too, with 51% of respondents seeking advice on YouTube, 41% on LinkedIn and 37% on Facebook or Instagram. TikTok sits lower overall at 31%, but among digital native entrepreneurs aged 18 to 24 that figure rises to about 60%.
Worldpay’s analysis highlights practical reasons behind the trend. Access to professional advice can be limited or costly, and many sole traders work in isolation without colleagues or mentors to consult. Artificial Intelligence chatbots offer instant, low-cost responses at any hour, functioning as virtual assistants that can generate answers, help with content creation, brainstorm ideas and run simple scenario planning. The article also notes broader economic pressures: rising employment costs have led some SMEs to slow hiring, making digital tools a more attractive way to access input that might previously have come from paid staff or advisers.
At the same time, the piece stresses that technology has not replaced human expertise. Worldpay reports that 93% of business owners still rely on trusted tech partners, mentors, coaches and accountants for guidance. The article advises treating Artificial Intelligence as a starting point rather than an authoritative source, and always cross-checking AI-generated advice against professional or trusted sources — a caution underscored by an example referenced in the article. For many founders, the best approach is a blended support network that combines peer communities, professional advisers, online platforms and local business resources to navigate decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
