Karen Joy Bakud
financial editor
According to MoneySuperMarket, only 10% of small businesses offer AI security training to their employees. The survey also found that 44% of small business owners are concerned that using AI without proper safeguards could expose them to cyber threats.
The findings highlight the gap between interest in artificial intelligence and preparedness for the risks associated with it. The comparison site surveyed 250 UK sole traders and managers with between 1 and 49 employees.
The use of AI in daily operations remains limited in small businesses. Just 15% of respondents said they use AI to support administrative processes, and 19% said they use AI to support marketing strategy.
At the same time, more and more people want to use this technology in their daily work. About 36% want to use AI tools to automate or outsource administrative tasks, reporting, and investigations, while 44% say they do not intend to use AI for those purposes.
The results suggest that many small businesses are still weighing potential efficiencies against security and readiness concerns. One in five respondents said they would feel unprepared if their business were the target of a cyberattack.
Regional division
Attitudes varied widely across Britain. Of the regions surveyed, Scotland showed the strongest interest in AI, with half of small business owners saying they would like to use AI to automate or outsource management, reporting and investigations.
The Southeast followed with 48%, followed by the Southwest at 43%. Meanwhile, Wales and Yorkshire and the Humber are the least likely to say they want to use AI in this way, both at 20%.
Concerns about cyber risks also vary by region, but Scotland stands out as combining enthusiasm and vigilance. In Wales, 60% of business owners say they are concerned that without proper training, AI will expose their business to cyber threats. The same proportion of people in Scotland shared that concern.
The mix of interest and anxiety reflects a broader pattern of research. While companies seem willing to consider AI for actual office operations, many have yet to implement formal safety measures or staff training.
training gap
As small businesses adopt widely available generative AI tools to support their writing, research, and workflows, the low level of investment in AI security training is likely to draw attention. While these tools can speed up daily operations and reduce costs, they can also create risks around data handling, staff misuse, and exposure to phishing and other cyber threats.
For smaller employers, the challenge is often about resources as well as awareness. Many companies have limited in-house IT support and may rely on informal policies when implementing new software, leaving staff without clear guidance on what information should and should not be input into AI systems.
MoneySuperMarket provides national estimates based on the UK’s small business population of 5.64 million. Furthermore, the numbers suggest that while more than 2.48 million small business owners are concerned about the cyber risks associated with the use of insecure AI, only a minority are paying for employee training in this area.
The findings come as companies across the economy test how they can leverage AI in their daily operations. Among small businesses, the initial focus appears to be on back-office operations and marketing rather than more specialized applications. This may help explain why the most commonly cited uses in the survey were management and marketing.
Alicia Hempsted, business insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “AI can be a powerful tool to simplify administrative processes, improve marketing and save time. For business owners who want to take advantage of AI but haven’t started yet, it’s important to ensure that employees and business owners are confident and informed on how to use AI safely and effectively.”
