AI Isn't Failing Businesses – Why UK Companies Need to Rethink AI ROI

AI Isn't Failing Businesses – Expectations Are.

Three-quarters of UK businesses now use AI, but only 31% report positive ROI. Discover why the issue may be expectations rather than the technology itself.

Artificial intelligence has rapidly become part of everyday business operations across the UK. From customer service chatbots to content creation tools, organisations of all sizes are embracing AI in the hope of boosting efficiency and profitability.

Yet new research suggests many businesses are struggling to see the returns they expected.

A survey of 500 senior decision-makers conducted by Studio Graphene found that over three-quarters of UK businesses are now using AI tools. 

However, only 31% reported seeing a positive return on investment, while fewer than half could clearly define what success from AI would actually look like.

At first glance, those figures might suggest AI is underperforming. But some industry experts believe the real problem lies elsewhere.

According to Angus Hay, CEO and Founder of Edinburgh-based AI agency Vereus, businesses may simply be measuring the wrong things.

Many organisations adopt AI with the expectation that it will directly increase sales, win new customers or generate additional revenue. While AI can certainly support these goals, Hay argues that its greatest value often comes from something far less glamorous: removing time-consuming administrative tasks from employees' workloads.

In many businesses, highly skilled professionals spend significant portions of their week on reporting, compliance, research, data gathering and other repetitive tasks. While necessary, these activities rarely generate revenue directly.

This is where AI can make a genuine difference.

Rather than replacing people, AI can automate many of these routine processes, freeing employees to focus on work that creates real value. More time can be spent serving customers, developing products, building relationships and driving growth.

Vereus has seen this approach deliver impressive results. One investment firm reportedly reduced a six-day intelligence-gathering process to less than two minutes. A rental business reclaimed nearly two weeks of manual reporting time during each reporting cycle, while a telecommunications company cut expansion costs by over £30,000 per month.

In each case, AI wasn't generating income directly. Instead, it was creating additional capacity for people to perform at their best.

Interestingly, separate research from KPMG suggests that 65% of UK businesses plan to continue investing in AI regardless of whether they can currently demonstrate a clear return on investment.

That may be because many business leaders instinctively recognise AI's potential, even if traditional ROI measurements fail to capture its true value.

Perhaps the most important question businesses should ask isn't "What will AI earn?" but rather "What could our people achieve if AI gave them more time to do what they do best?"

https://www.vereus.co.uk

Why Staff Training Is Essential for Every Business

Or why training should be at the heart of every business. 

Discover why training should be a core part of every business strategy, helping improve customer service, staff retention, productivity and long-term success.

Whether you run a small independent cheesemonger, manage a multi-branch chemist chain, or lead a professional business consultancy, one thing remains true: your people are your greatest asset. Yet far too many organisations still view training as an expense rather than an investment.

That mindset can prove costly.

The difference between a thriving business and one that struggles often comes down to the knowledge, confidence and professionalism of the people representing it every day.

Every Customer Interaction Matters

Customers judge businesses on the experiences they receive. A knowledgeable member of staff who can answer questions, offer advice and provide excellent service can turn a casual visitor into a loyal customer.

Conversely, poor service can drive customers away for good.

Imagine walking into a specialist food shop looking to spend a significant amount of money. If staff appear distracted, disengaged or more interested in personal conversations than serving customers, that potential sale may be lost. Worse still, the customer may never return.

A very dirty public-facing part of a national pharmacy chain

Training helps employees understand the importance of customer service, communication skills and professional behaviour. It ensures they recognise that every interaction has the potential to strengthen or damage the business's reputation.

And a business that doesn't teach and practice could cleaning and hygiene practices will put off potential clients or worse, potentially make people ill. 

Small Businesses Need Training Too

There can be a misconception that training is only for large corporations with substantial budgets.

In reality, small businesses often have even more to gain.

When a company has only a handful of employees, each person's performance has a significant impact on customer satisfaction and profitability. A single poor experience can affect online reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations and repeat business.

Regular training sessions do not have to be expensive. They can involve product knowledge updates, customer service workshops, health and safety refreshers or simply discussions about business values and expectations.

Keeping Skills Up to Date

Markets change constantly. New technologies emerge, regulations evolve and customer expectations shift.

Businesses that fail to train their staff risk falling behind competitors.

A chemist chain must ensure employees understand new healthcare guidance and products. A consultancy firm needs staff who are familiar with the latest industry trends and best practices. Retailers need employees who understand changing consumer behaviour and digital tools.

Training keeps businesses agile and competitive.

Building Employee Confidence and Retention

Employees who receive regular training often feel more valued and supported. They gain confidence in their roles and are better equipped to handle challenges.

This can lead to higher job satisfaction, improved morale and lower staff turnover.

Replacing employees is expensive. Recruiting, onboarding and training new staff can cost far more than investing in the development of existing team members.

A Competitive Advantage

In a world where customers have countless choices, exceptional service can be a powerful differentiator.

Products can often be copied. Prices can be matched. What competitors cannot easily replicate is a team of well-trained, engaged employees who consistently deliver outstanding experiences.

Training should not be viewed as an optional extra or something reserved for large organisations. It is a vital business function that directly influences customer satisfaction, employee performance, profitability and long-term success.

From the smallest independent retailer to the largest national chain, businesses that invest in their people are investing in their future.

If You Ignore Customers, Don't Be Surprised When They Shop Online. Because if Customers Feel Invisible, They Will Shop Elsewhere

A real-life lesson in customer service and why ignoring paying customers can drive shoppers straight to online retailers like Amazon.

The battle for the future of Britain's high streets is a topic that comes up regularly. 

Retailers talk about rising costs, online competition, changing consumer habits and the challenges of attracting customers through their doors.

But sometimes the biggest threat to a business isn't Amazon, eBay or any other online giant, or a supermarket. Sometimes it's simply poor customer service.

My wife and I recently experienced a perfect example.

We visited a specialist cheesemonger that we have used several times before. We weren't browsing. We had every intention of making a substantial purchase, expecting to spend somewhere between £50 and £60 on a selection of quality cheeses.

When we entered the shop there were only two members of staff present: the manager and an assistant who were both behind the counter. There were no other customers.

The assistant was engrossed in loudly reading a lengthy letter on her phone concerning the departure of the headmaster at her daughter's school. As my wife and I approached the counter, the manager glanced up and asked, "Can I help you?"

"Yes, please," I replied.

That should have been the start of a straightforward sale.

Instead, the assistant continued reading the letter aloud. At one point she even exclaimed, "Oh! I thought that was all, but there's lots more!" before carrying on. The manager appeared equally interested, asking questions and engaging in the conversation.

Meanwhile, my wife and I stood waiting.

And waiting.

And waiting.

Neither member of staff made any effort to serve us, acknowledge the delay, or even pause their discussion. Eventually we simply turned around and left.

The sale was lost.

As we walked away from the shop my wife summed it up perfectly.

"And shopkeepers wonder why people buy items on Amazon instead of using high street traders!"

Her comment struck a nerve because it highlights a truth many businesses still struggle to accept.

Customers don't just buy products. They buy experiences. They buy service. They buy convenience. They buy feeling valued.

Amazon doesn't always offer the best products, the lowest prices or the most specialist knowledge. What it does offer is efficiency. Customers click a button, place an order and receive what they need without being ignored or treated as an interruption.

Independent retailers have something Amazon can never replicate: personal service, expertise and human interaction. Yet those advantages disappear the moment staff become distracted by their phones or personal conversations.

Every customer who walks through the door is a potential sale. More importantly, they're a potential repeat customer.

In our case, two loyal long-term customers left empty-handed because two members of staff chose a school letter over a paying customer.

The lesson for businesses is simple: if customers feel invisible, they'll quickly find somewhere else to spend their money.

Incidentally, many cheesemongers have Amazon channels. To see what we mean please check out this link to our associated Amazon-powered retail shop:- https://amzn.to/4ojcYbK

Semiya Agency Launches New Website and Expanded Branding Services for Startups

Boutique Branding Agency Semiya Expands Services with New Website and Global Growth Vision.

Boutique branding specialist Semiya Agency unveils a new website and expanded services, helping startups and entrepreneurs build powerful brands and accelerate growth.

Building a successful business is one thing. Building a memorable brand is another entirely. That's where boutique branding specialist Semiya Agency is aiming to make a difference as it unveils a brand-new website and an expanded range of services designed to help startups and entrepreneurs grow with confidence.

After six years of building a strong reputation in the branding sector, Semiya Agency is taking its next step with a broader international focus and a comprehensive suite of brand development solutions tailored to ambitious businesses.

The agency works closely with startups and growing companies, helping transform ideas into recognisable brands through strategic planning, creative design and digital marketing expertise. Its services cover every stage of the branding journey, including brand strategy, naming, logo design, copywriting, web development and SEO content creation.

What makes Semiya Agency stand out is its flexible approach. Businesses can choose individual services or opt for complete branding packages that provide everything needed to launch or reposition a company in the marketplace.

The agency's name is inspired by the Spanish word semilla, meaning seed, reflecting its commitment to helping businesses establish strong foundations and achieve sustainable growth.

Co-founder Sarah Gordon explained to That's Business: "At Semiya Agency, a business becomes a brand, strengthening its roots so that it can flourish. Our multidisciplinary team works with innovative entrepreneurs to instill their brands with clear vision and purpose."

The agency brings together strategists, designers, copywriters and web developers to create tailored solutions for every client. This collaborative approach has already helped businesses across a wide range of industries, from healthcare and technology to fashion and luxury retail.

Among its notable projects are branding and content development for hair restoration company Harklinikken, a full rebrand for healthcare innovator GA Health, and the creation of a luxury identity for babywear brand Dolcetta. Other successful partnerships include technology firm NANUXPC, wellness brand Eboost and luxury fabric startup Spin & Yarn.

Before launching its independent platform, Semiya Agency built an impressive reputation through freelance marketplaces, earning Fiverr Pro Agency status and maintaining a 4.9-star rating across more than 500 completed projects.

Beyond commercial success, the company is also committed to making a positive impact. Semiya Agency donates 1% of its profits to global reforestation charity One Tree Planted and offers substantial discounts to five promising "budding brands" each year, helping entrepreneurs with great ideas but limited resources access professional branding support.

For startups looking to stand out in increasingly competitive markets, Semiya Agency's expanded offering could provide the foundations needed for long-term success.

https://www.semiya.agency

UK Hiring Momentum Builds as Professional Job Vacancies Surge in May

There’s some encouraging news for job seekers and businesses alike, with the UK professional jobs market showing fresh signs of strength as hiring activity continued to rise throughout May.

New data from recruitment and business consulting firm Robert Half reveals that professional job postings climbed by 7% month-on-month, exceeding 56,400 vacancies across the UK. 

Even more encouragingly, this marks the second consecutive month of growth, pushing hiring levels back towards the highs seen at the start of 2026.

The latest figures suggest that employers are once again investing in highly skilled talent, particularly in finance, accounting and technology roles that are crucial to business growth and long-term success.

Finance teams are seeing particularly strong demand. Credit Controller vacancies increased by 19% in May, while Finance Director roles rose by 20%. These gains indicate that organisations are placing greater emphasis on financial control, strategic planning and business performance as they navigate an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The sectors driving this growth are equally interesting. Finance and accounting vacancies within business services jumped by 24%, while manufacturing businesses increased hiring by an impressive 26%. Roles such as Accounts Assistant, Finance Manager and Tax Manager continue to be among the most sought-after positions across the country.

Technology recruitment is also gaining pace as organisations continue to invest in digital transformation projects. IT vacancies rose by 12% month-on-month, reaching around 1,100 advertised positions.

Some of the strongest growth has been seen in senior and specialist roles. Demand for Senior Business Analysts surged by 57%, while Lead Engineer vacancies increased by 36%. These figures suggest that businesses are not simply maintaining existing systems but actively pursuing complex projects, innovation initiatives and technology-led growth strategies.

Geographically, London remains the UK's largest professional hiring market, recording more than 10,600 vacancies during May. However, the capital isn't the only city enjoying renewed confidence.

Manchester also posted a healthy 5% increase in professional job opportunities compared with April, reinforcing its reputation as one of the UK's fastest-growing business and technology hubs.

For employers, the data highlights the importance of attracting and retaining skilled professionals in an increasingly competitive market. For job seekers, it signals growing opportunities across a range of industries, particularly for those with specialist finance or technology expertise.

After a period of uncertainty, the latest figures suggest that confidence is returning to the UK's professional jobs market, and that's welcome news for businesses and workers alike.

Is Your Brand the One Customers Think Of When They're Ready to Buy?

For many businesses, brand awareness has long been the holy grail of marketing. The logic seems simple: if people know your brand exists, they'll buy from you when the time comes.

But what if that's only part of the story?

A growing body of research suggests that being known isn't enough. The brands that win are often the ones that come to mind at the exact moment a customer is ready to make a purchase.

That's where the concept of Mental Availability comes in.

Developed through research by the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, Mental Availability focuses on whether buyers think of a brand in relevant buying situations. 

Consumers rarely evaluate every brand they know. Instead, they typically consider a small shortlist of brands that immediately spring to mind when a need arises.

If your business isn't on that shortlist, you're unlikely to make the sale.

Recognising this challenge, consultancy SmilingCFO has launched a new online diagnostic tool designed to help marketing leaders assess whether their brand is positioned to be remembered when it matters most.

The Mental Availability Review takes less than five minutes to complete and provides a personalised report highlighting potential strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. The assessment focuses on three critical areas: Mapping, Activation and Measurement.

At the heart of Mental Availability are what marketers call Category Entry Points, the situations, triggers and needs that prompt customers to begin thinking about a purchase. Successful brands create strong mental links to these moments, increasing the likelihood they'll be considered when buying decisions are made.

According to SmilingCFO founder Martin Coyle, many businesses are still relying too heavily on traditional awareness metrics.

"Most brands are still judged heavily on awareness, but awareness alone doesn't mean someone will choose you," he explained to That's Business.

"The real question is whether people think of your brand in the situations that influence purchase."

It's a timely message. With marketing budgets under scrutiny and senior leaders demanding clearer evidence of return on investment, businesses are increasingly looking beyond vanity metrics and focusing on what genuinely drives growth.

The Mental Availability Review isn't intended to be a definitive audit. Instead, it acts as a starting point, helping marketing teams identify areas that may deserve closer investigation before committing significant resources to strategy development or market research.

For larger consumer brands especially, understanding whether customers think of you when they're ready to buy could be one of the most important questions your marketing team asks this year.

After all, if your brand doesn't come to mind at the crucial moment, your competitors probably will.

The Mental Availability Review is available at smilingcfo.co.uk alongside resources explaining how Mental Availability influences brand growth.

One-Size-Fits-All Devolution Could Hold Back Local Business Growth, New Report Warns

As England's devolution agenda continues to gather pace, a new report is warning that a "one-size-fits-all" approach could leave many local economies struggling to reach their full potential.

The report, Everything in its right place: establishing strong organisations and practices for successful devolution, published by the independent think tank Localis in partnership with Local Partnerships, argues that ministers should move beyond simply replicating the Greater Manchester metro mayor model across the country.

Instead, it says devolution must reflect the unique economic realities of different regions if local businesses are to benefit from genuine growth opportunities.

For business owners, investors and employers, the findings could have significant implications.

Many areas of England still lack the strategic powers enjoyed by more established combined authorities. According to Localis, continuing to prioritise these mature devolved regions risks widening economic gaps between different parts of the country and leaving key decisions concentrated in Whitehall rather than in local communities.

The report argues that economic growth strategies should be tailored to local circumstances. While some regions are built around a major city, others rely on networks of towns, rural communities and local supply chains. Applying the same governance model everywhere may overlook these differences and limit the ability of local leaders to support business growth effectively.

For local firms, better-targeted devolution could mean improved transport links, more responsive skills programmes, stronger infrastructure planning and investment decisions that reflect local economic needs rather than national priorities.

One of the report's most eye-catching recommendations is a call for greater fiscal devolution. This could eventually include giving strategic authorities more control over locally raised revenues and even exploring options involving income tax or VAT distribution.

Supporters argue that greater financial autonomy would allow local leaders to invest more directly in projects that stimulate business activity, create jobs and attract inward investment.

The report also highlights the importance of clarity as local government reorganisation continues across England. With new unitary councils being created, Localis says responsibilities between councils and strategic authorities must be clearly defined before new structures become entrenched.

For businesses, this matters because uncertainty over who controls planning, transport, economic development and investment decisions can slow progress and create unnecessary barriers.

Localis senior researcher Sandy Forsyth said devolution should provide regions with the flexibility to respond to their own economic circumstances rather than being constrained by top-down structures.

The message for local businesses is clear: successful devolution isn't just about changing governance. It's about ensuring local economies have the tools, powers and resources needed to drive growth on their own terms. If policymakers get that balance right, businesses across England could be among the biggest winners.

https://www.localis.org.uk