SMEs step up AI adoption as US pulls ahead of the UK

Small and medium-sized businesses in the UK and the US are prioritising artificial intelligence adoption over the next 12 months, while also putting renewed emphasis on face-to-face client engagement, according to survey research from American Express Global Business Travel and Ipsos.

The survey of 500 senior decision-makers found that 78% of businesses view adopting new technology such as AI as a major priority for success over the coming year. Respondents also cited productivity and operational efficiency as leading business priorities.

At the same time, the findings pointed to a growing gap between the US and the UK in levels of AI preparedness and demand for guidance, with US firms more likely to report dedicated staff and a desire for external advice.

AI priorities

AI and automation support has surfaced as the primary area where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) feel they would benefit from external expertise. This shift marks a significant evolution in corporate priorities since early 2025, when the same category was ranked only fourth.

The findings suggest that SMEs have transitioned from viewing AI as an experimental technology project to treating it as a fundamental component of day-to-day operations. Consequently, business leaders are increasingly framing AI as a core building block of growth planning, alongside more traditional strategic pillars.

Skills also featured prominently. The survey found that 26% of businesses identified training and strengthening AI skills as a key priority.

Becky Power, Vice President, SME Client Management at American Express Global Business Travel, commented on the findings.

"Our research shows small and medium sized businesses are entering a critical phase. AI has moved from a 'nice-to-have' to a business imperative. The companies leading this shift are those building and implementing AI-operations to solve the talent gap, while doubling down on impactful human connections and relationships that drive new business," said Becky Power, Vice President, SME Client Management, American Express Global Business Travel.

Transatlantic gap

The research highlighted differences between the US and the UK in how firms approach AI. In the US, 40% of businesses said they would benefit from additional AI advice for growth. In the UK, that figure came in at under 30%.

US firms also reported greater internal resourcing for AI. The survey found that 36% of US SMEs already have designated AI personnel or teams, compared with 25% of UK SMEs.

The results also indicated that AI has moved rapidly up the list of external support needs. The change in ranking since early 2025 suggests a shift in the types of advisory services SMEs are likely to seek, with AI and automation now outpacing other areas.

Efficiency focus

Across both markets, respondents aligned on productivity and operational efficiency as the top operational goals. The survey found that 92% of firms in the UK and the US ranked improving productivity as a priority. Operational efficiency ranked as a priority for 89% of UK businesses and 93% of US businesses.

The research also reported concerns among some UK companies about innovation relative to competitors. It found that 21% of UK businesses worry their competitors innovate more than they do.

Employee wellbeing also featured as a business priority. The survey found that 85% of UK firms and 87% of US firms treat employee wellbeing as an element of business success.

Business travel

The findings also pointed to renewed momentum behind business travel among medium-sized firms. The survey found that 83% of medium-sized businesses said increasing face-to-face interaction with clients and customers forms part of their growth strategy for 2026.

Respondents identified conferences, trade shows and exhibitions as the leading reasons for travel. The survey found that 61% of SMEs cited those events as their main travel objective. Professional training and development followed at 56%, while client relationship building ranked next at 53%.

The research also found that travel management practices lagged increased activity. Only 35% of SMEs said they currently manage travel through a centralised system.

The survey defined its SME sample differently across the two markets. It interviewed senior decision-makers at UK businesses with 10 to 250 employees and at US businesses with 20 to 500 employees.