SMEs are rapidly adopting AI - but a US-UK gap is emerging

• More American SMEs have dedicated AI teams than their British counterparts
• Strengthening AI skills is key to tackling the ongoing talent gap
• In-person interaction with clients is as vital as AI

New data from Amex Global Business Travel (GBT) has revealed an international divide in AI tool adoption among SMEs, positioning US companies ahead of their UK counterparts in the race to the top.

According to the data, 36% of US SMEs have designated AI teams compared with just 25% of UK SMEs. American companies (40%) are also more likely to want AI advice to progress even further, with UK firms (less than 30%) lagging behind.

However, one thing both nations agree on is AI's role in business success, with 78% seeing it critical over the next 12 months.