Intuit launches UK council to boost AI in small business

The Intuit Small Business Growth Council has been launched in the UK to focus on AI, digital transformation, and productivity for small businesses.

The newly formed Council comprises 18 entrepreneurs from various sectors, aiming to reflect the realities and needs of small enterprises in national policymaking. It arrives at a time when research indicates that digitally adept small businesses in the UK are considerably more productive and financially successful than those not utilising digital tools. Despite this, over a quarter of UK small businesses still avoid basic digital technologies.

Intuit has scheduled a roundtable discussion at the Department of Business and Trade to coincide with the Council's launch. This session will be led by Intuit CEO, Sasan Goodarzi, and Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade. Key participants include Council members Afiya Titus, Co-founder of Coco Financial, Emma Thomson, Founder of Gemz by Emz, and James Vincent, Co-founder of Hot Source Creative.

The Council's purpose aligns with the UK government's emphasis on digital reform and AI adoption, aiming to ensure small businesses are part of this strategic focus. By making AI and digital tools more accessible, the Council hopes to help small businesses benefit from technological advancements that drive growth and efficiency. Recent findings suggest that if micro businesses in the UK were to double their use of AI technology, a GBP £16.6 billion boost in productivity could be realised.

The Council's structure follows the model of the Intuit Small Business Council in the United States, which has previously influenced significant policy developments, such as the introduction of the Small Business Technological Innovation Act. This US legislation facilitates funding for digital tool adoption through loans backed by the US Small Business Administration.

In the UK, the Council assembles entrepreneurs from varied industries, offering diverse perspectives on digital adoption challenges and opportunities. Its main advocacy areas include promoting digital adoption, simplifying business administration, and democratising access to AI. Efforts emphasise reducing barriers like cost and complexity to encourage more small businesses to undertake digital transformation.

Sasan Goodarzi said, "When businesses succeed, communities and economies prosper. Together with the UK government's focus on digital adoption, we can fuel the success of small businesses with the use of data and AI to automate and complete tasks and workflows, from lead to cash, helping every business thrive. I'm excited for the new Council to bridge this gap and help ensure that UK policies reflect the needs of these entrepreneurs who are critical to the UK economy."

Jonathan Reynolds commented, "AI and digital tools can be game changers for small businesses' productivity, but we know there are barriers which get in the way of widespread adoption, which is why Intuit's Small Business Growth Council is so important. This Government is working with industry leaders, including groups like the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce, to develop practical solutions addressing these challenges, supporting small businesses to thrive, growing the economy and securing the UK's future through our Plan for Change."

Rose Sellman-Leava, Co-Founder of Inclusive Futures UK and Council member, added, "I'm incredibly honored to have been invited to become a member of the Intuit Small Business Growth Council. Technology plays a huge part in helping our business make the greatest impact, but too often, policies and support structures don't reflect our realities. This Council will give small business owners a seat at the table, helping to make sure digital transformation is accessible, practical, and truly beneficial for businesses of all sizes."

James Vincent, Co-Founder of Hot Source Creative and Council member, highlighted the enthusiasm among SMEs for digital transformation, despite facing challenges such as cost and complexity. He noted, "This Council is about ensuring small businesses aren't left behind—we need real, practical support to unlock the full potential of digital transformation."

Leigh Thomas, Vice President for EMEA at Intuit, emphasised the potential impact of the Council: "The Intuit Small Business Growth Council has the chance to build on lessons learned over the last few decades in making sure small business owners' voices are heard in Westminster. Its members span some of the most tech-forward enterprises and the most cherished traditional businesses. All are eager to play their part in shaping the UK's digital agenda."