1. On 8 October 2026 the ONS reported that 30% of UK businesses used at least one AI tool in September.

2. Among firms with 10 or more staff it was 38%, and those using AI most often named admin roles as the ones most affected.

3. This week, try timing one routine admin task, then see how a free AI assistant handles it.

What the ONS found

The survey ran from 21 September to 4 October 2026.

30% of all businesses used at least one type of AI in September 2026, up from 9% in September 2023.

For businesses with fewer than 10 employees it was 29%.

For businesses with 10 or more employees it was 38%.

The most common uses among those larger firms were writing text (21%) and making images or other visual content (19%).

Of those using AI, 38% said admin and clerical roles were the most affected, and 6% said headcount had gone down as a result.

The ONS calls these official statistics in development, so treat them as a guide.

What it means if you run a small business

About two in three UK businesses (64%) told the ONS they weren’t using any AI in September, and another 6% weren’t sure, so if you haven’t started yet you’re in good company. Among firms with 10 or more staff, about half (51%) said they weren’t using any AI and 11% weren’t sure. Among larger firms that have started, writing text is the most common use, which is a sensible place to begin with AI for small business.

Something to try this week

About 45 minutes, and free.

Step 1: Pick one admin task done every week, such as writing up a site visit.

Step 2: Do it as normal and note how long it takes.

Step 3: Ask a free AI assistant to do it, using made-up names and no customer details.

Step 4: Compare the two. Note what you’d fix and whether it saved time.

It’s a small, honest answer to “how AI can help my business, based on your own work.

Where this comes from

Business insights and impact on the UK economy: 8 October 2026, Office for National Statistics, 8 October 2026. https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/business/businessservices/bulletins/businessinsightsandimpactontheukeconomy/8october2026

Business insights and impact on the UK economy (dataset, Wave 165), Office for National Statistics, 8 October 2026. https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/economicoutputandproductivity/output/datasets/businessinsightsandimpactontheukeconomy

Scalar helps founder-led UK firms build AI into the work they already do, then hands it over so they own it.