Practical AI for Small Businesses: Where to spend your time

AI isn’t a silver bullet or a buzzword anymore – it’s a tool. And for small businesses, the challenge usually isn’t excitement or access. It’s clarity. Most SME leaders are already overwhelmed – too many priorities, not enough time – and AI just feels like another thing to figure out. But used right, it can ease the load. This session cuts through the noise and shows what’s actually working: real examples, simple setups, and a strategy that starts with people and process – not tools. This session offers straight-talking answers, grounded in what we’re actually seeing work for SMEs. We’ll explore three use cases that deliver immediate returns – from process documentation to internal comms to AI-powered content. And we’ll share how you can build these into your team’s existing skills and habits, with tools you probably already use. We’ll also introduce the UK’s first AI & Automation Apprenticeship, currently in development with the DfE and Skills England. Led by The Coders Guild, this trailblazer group is made up almost entirely of SMEs, focused on real-world adoption – not enterprise fantasy. Session Takeaways How to spot real AI opportunities without hype, jargon or wasted time Why most SME teams already have the skills they need – they just need focus What “people → process → tools” looks like in action How AI is being used today for automation, documentation, and better communication How to get involved in shaping national SME-ready AI skills through the new apprenticeship