Not every AI tool is worth the investment. Learn how to spot real AI opportunities for your business and avoid wasting money on solutions that won’t deliver.

AI adoption is accelerating fast, and new developments in regulation, governance and industry practice mean SMEs can no longer afford to wait. The latest industry changes highlight a growing gap between businesses that are AI-ready and those that risk falling behind. For small and medium-sized enterprises, this shift brings both opportunity and urgency: stronger competitiveness, smarter automation and better decision-making for those who act now – and increased risk for those

AI isn’t just for tech giants. With the right mindset and a few smart first steps, any business can use it to save time, cut costs, and work smarter — without needing a data science degree. For many small and medium-sized businesses, AI already exists quietly in the background — powering tools like Microsoft 365, QuickBooks, or Canva. The real opportunity lies in using it intentionally to solve everyday challenges, not just to tidy up emails or automate admin. This article

Running a small or medium-sized business is no small feat. Every day brings new challenges, from managing operations to engaging customers and staying ahead of the competition. But here’s the good news: AI tools are no longer just for big corporations. They’re accessible, practical, and designed to help businesses like yours thrive. I’m excited to share how AI can boost your productivity and simplify your workload. Why AI Tools for Small Businesses Matter You might wonder, wh

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s here and reshaping how businesses of all sizes operate. For SMEs, AI offers powerful opportunities to grow, streamline operations, and stay competitive. But without a clear plan, AI can feel confusing or out of reach. That’s where AI Strategic Playbooks come in. These practical, step-by-step “How-To” guides help you define goals, choose the right tools, and implement AI confidently across your business. Whether

Many SMEs start with AI tools like ChatGPT, Co-pilot, or Gemini for quick wins—emails, reports, or presentations. But tactical gains alone don’t deliver growth. This case study shows how one consultancy moved beyond experiments to embed AI strategically, unlocking efficiency, insight, and competitive advantage with Talisman’s support.

Are you really harnessing AI strategically—or just using it tactically? Discover three tell-tale signs that your business is missing out on AI’s full potential, and how to fix it.

AI tools like ChatGPT, Co-pilot, Gemini, and Asana are everywhere—but are they helping your business strategically, or just tactically? Discover how to move beyond quick wins to harness AI for true competitive advantage.

In today’s fast-paced business world, one-size-fits-all software rarely delivers real impact. That’s why tailored AI solutions matter. Built around your unique goals, customised AI can automate repetitive tasks, predict trends, and provide actionable insights that drive growth. From customer service chatbots to financial forecasting, these solutions adapt to your business—not the other way around. The result? Greater efficiency, smarter decision-making, and a competitive edge

Waiting on AI can feel safe, but for SMEs it’s a hidden risk. Inaction or piecemeal adoption means missed opportunities, rising inefficiencies, and losing ground to competitors. The real cost of doing nothing is high — and the smartest move is to start, even with small, deliberate steps today.

When SMEs think about Artificial Intelligence, the first question is usually: what’s the return on investment (ROI)? That’s a valid concern — cost savings, new revenue, and improved efficiency all matter. But focusing only on ROI can miss a bigger challenge: the time and energy it takes to make AI adoption work. That’s where Return on Involvement (ROIN) comes in. ROIN asks: how much effort is required from you and your team to get value from AI? For busy SME owners already w

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), it’s fast becoming the difference...

SMEs who ignore AI risk falling behind. Competitors are already using it to speed up processes, understand data better, and improve customer experience. What used to take hours or days can now be done in minutes. The efficiency gains alone can be game-changing, freeing up teams to focus on value-add activities.

AI is powerful. It can write reports, analyse data, generate ideas, and even help you plan a project. Which means it’s tempting -...

'AI won’t fix a weak strategy'. If your goals aren’t clear, your structure isn’t aligned, and your priorities keep shifting, AI will only accelerate the confusion. The organisations seeing real value from AI are the ones who approach strategy with rigour - and then let AI amplify it.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: dabbling in AI isn’t the same as understanding it. And it’s definitely not the same as using it to create meaningful value for your business.

The UK Government AI Strategic Playbook is a model of thoughtful, ethical, and outcome-oriented AI adoption. While it’s designed for the public sector, its principles are essential reading for any SME seeking to modernise with confidence.

In the world of AI, if is more than poetry. It’s the foundation of reasoning, a statement that determines what action is taken based on a given condition. If this happens, then do that. From simple decision trees to complex machine learning models, if statements underpin the logic of intelligent systems. They define what should happen when circumstances shift, and how to respond with purpose rather than panic. Change, in organisations, requires the same thinking.

For many SMEs, business development is part strategy, part instinct, and part juggling act. You might know your key clients well but keeping track of follow-ups, nurturing prospects, or spotting subtle shifts in relationships often comes down to gut feel, inbox searches, and memory. And that’s where AI is starting to quietly elevate what’s possible.

When it comes to adopting AI, being small can be a major strength. Unlike large organisations weighed down by legacy systems, lengthy approval chains, and departmental silos, SMEs are often better positioned to act quickly, test ideas, and learn by doing. This agility makes SMEs ideal candidates for AI experimentation. Whether it's automating a manual process, enhancing customer communications, or improving internal efficiency, small businesses can move from idea to impact