Moneypenny’s new survey of 750 UK-based businesses shows that artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a cornerstone in UK-based business operations. More than two-thirds are now using AI or considering it to boost growth, improve decision-making, and drive efficiency.
Moneypenny commissioned the research which shows that AI adoption in marketing, customer service, analytics and data mining is on the rise. The survey shows AI is not just a distant possibility, but is a force that is actively influencing how businesses are run today. AI is being used by companies to automate repetitive tasks, boost productivity and produce faster, more intelligent results.
Key Findings:
1. Seventy-five percent of UK companies are now using or exploring AI
AI adoption is most prevalent in marketing, content creation and analytics.
* 47% of respondents already use AI to analyze data, 45% in customer service/chatbots and 42% both for marketing and productivity tasks.
2. AI is on the rise, especially for large businesses
* Eighty-nine percent of businesses with between 250 and 500 employees are considering AI, compared to only 66 percent of microbusinesses.
* AI is fully adopted by 28% of companies, while 40% adopt it selectively.
3. IT & Telecoms and Legal are the Leaders
* 64% IT and Telecoms firms already use AI to create content and market their products.
* HR and Legal firms (52%) are most likely to use AI in telephone answering, a role that is traditionally dominated by humans.
4. London leads, but the North East of England and Northern Ireland are catching up
* Up to 85% London businesses use AI.
* Northern Ireland and North-East are surprising top of the list in terms of full AI adoption, with 40%. This is ahead Greater London (35%).
5. AI’s value is clear: time, efficiency and savings
* The most frequently cited benefits are time savings (54%), productivity increases (43%), and cost savings (42%).
AI is not only for automation.
but for better, faster decision-making.
6. There are Still Concerns
Data security (43%) and staff anxiety (42%) are the top challenges.
* The message to AI is clear: AI must be ethical and transparent. It should also put people first, with an emphasis on human safety.
7. Businesses Want More Support
* 58% (of all companies) who have implemented AI in their company say that they need more guidance to effectively implement AI.
The most trusted sources are AI providers (38%) followed by review sites (37%) and business advice outlets (36%).
Moneypenny CEO Jesper With Fogstrup comments: “This study shows that AI agents are capable of delivering real impact, but their success is dependent on how they’re utilized. AI isn’t one solution that fits all. It’s important to create experiences that are relevant, personal and contextually correct. AI is a great asset for many businesses because AI is able to handle a high proportion of routine questions that are frequently asked by customers. This allows real people to concentrate on more complex, sensitive and high-value conversations. “It’s all about combining the right mix of technology and people to provide the best possible experience for customers.”
Censuswide commissioned research between May 1 st and June 6 th2025 amongst UK businesses.
The first time HR news published the article AI takes the lead: 75% UK businesses now use or are exploring AI to power operations.
