Intuit Launches UK Council to Drive AI and Digital Transformation for SMEs

In the ever-evolving landscape of the UK economy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) stand as the backbone, representing over 99% of all businesses. Yet, despite their critical role as innovators and local employers, SMEs often face significant barriers to success, including a lack of representation in policy discussions that could address their challenges. Enter intuit, the global financial technology platform, which has launched the Intuit Small Business Growth Council in the UK. This initiative aims to connect SMEs with policymakers, bringing real-life perspectives to the table and shaping policy frameworks that impact small businesses.

The Council, comprising 18 passionate small business owners and accountants from diverse sectors and geographies, will focus on three key areas: driving digital adoption, simplifying and digitising business administration, and democratising access to artificial intelligence (AI). These areas are not just buzzwords; they are critical drivers of small business growth and competitiveness.



Driving digital adoption is a cornerstone of the Council's mission. Embracing digital tools has become essential for growth and competitiveness. Yet, more than 1 in 4 SMEs in the UK still do not use basic digital tools. Council members will share their insights with the policy community to help identify barriers to adoption and provide inputs on policies that encourage businesses to go digital. The transformative power of digital tools is evident: digitally connected small businesses are 2.3 times more likely to report higher revenue.

Simplifying and digitising business administration is another key focus. Complex and time-consuming administrative tasks are a burden for small businesses and a potential inhibitor of economic growth. The Council will advocate for policies that streamline processes, reduce red tape, and promote digitising business administration. Research shows that the digitisation of business administration could unlock an additional £57 billion for small business growth. Further, digitisation has the potential to help combat the challenges that late payments cause for small businesses, injecting an additional £2.5 billion into the economy.

Democratising access to AI is crucial to level the playing field and drive innovation for small businesses. As applications of AI become more ubiquitous, the Council will work to promote ideas around access to AI technologies and the skills needed to leverage them. Hearing from the Council—small business owners who are early adopters of AI-powered digital technologies—will be invaluable as the government considers policies to promote equitable access to AI technology and grow the economy through AI innovation. Importantly, small businesses adopting AI could contribute an estimated £470 billion to the UK economy by 2035.

The impact of prioritising these policy areas is substantial. With robust government support, UK SMEs can overcome obstacles and achieve sustainable growth, contributing to a thriving national economy. After all, the impact small businesses have on the economy is anything but small.

The Intuit Small Business Growth Council builds on the success of the Intuit Small Business Council in the United States, which has helped drive meaningful policy changes. The US Council’s advocacy led to the introduction of the Small Business Technological Innovation Act (S.305). The bipartisan legislation would make explicit that loans backed by the US Small Business Administration (SBA) can be used to fund the adoption of digital tools and technology by small businesses. The UK Council brings together entrepreneurs from diverse industries, ensuring a broad range of expertise and perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of digital adoption are brought to the table.

The Council will focus on three core areas: driving digital adoption, simplifying business administration, and democratising access to AI. By championing policies that make AI and digital tools more accessible, the Council will help small businesses harness technology to drive growth and efficiency. Research shows that if the UK’s 1.1 million micro businesses doubled their uptake of AI technology, it could unlock a £16.6 billion productivity boost. The initiative underscores Intuit’s commitment to empowering small businesses with the tools, resources, and advocacy they need to thrive in the digital economy.

In conclusion, the launch of the Intuit Small Business Growth Council is a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by SMEs in the UK. By focusing on digital adoption, business administration, and AI, the Council aims to create a more supportive and innovative environment for small businesses. This initiative not only aligns with the broader economic goals of the UK but also sets a precedent for how technology and policy can work together to drive growth and competitiveness. As the UK government prioritises digital reform and AI adoption, the Intuit Small Business Growth Council will help ensure small businesses are at the heart of this transformation, given the consideration and support to access these tools. By championing policies that make AI and digital tools more accessible, the Council will help small businesses harness technology to drive growth and efficiency, contributing to a thriving national economy.

Ask Aime: How will the Intuit Small Business Growth Council affect UK SMEs?