"If you've got an enterprise-level Microsoft 365 Business Structured Account, you probably have a lot more in that than you realise. But remember: the AI is simply a copilot, not the pilot."
"Many businesses already have access through existing subscriptions. For example, Microsoft has embedded its Copilot AI assistant within Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams, giving users the ability to draft documents, analyse data and streamline communication."
"AI's rapid development has also made cyber threats more sophisticated. UK SME s lose an estimated £3.4 billion annually to cyber attacks, with the average incident costing between £3,398 and £5,001. Yet AI can also help businesses defend against these risks. From monitoring network traffic to flagging potential breaches, AI tools are now being deployed as part of proactive cybersecurity strategies. Still, human oversight remains essential, particularly when it comes to regulation and compliance."
A growing share of UK SMEs are adopting AI-powered tools, with 31% actively using them and 15% planning adoption. Widespread availability through existing subscriptions, including embedded Copilot features in Microsoft 365 apps, is accelerating uptake. AI can draft documents, analyse data and streamline communication, but it should act as a copilot rather than replace human decision-making. Internal audits can identify complementary roles for AI. Rapid AI development has increased cyber threat sophistication, causing substantial SME losses, yet AI-driven monitoring and detection tools can strengthen proactive cybersecurity efforts while regulatory and compliance oversight remains necessary.
Read at Business Matters
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