Latest updates and stories from Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and its Members

There's no shortage of conversation about artificial intelligence (AI) and what it could mean for businesses. From saving time on everyday tasks to improving customer service, the opportunities are growing. But for many SMEs, the challenge is knowing where to start and how to make the most of AI without putting their business at risk.

At Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, we know our members are already juggling plenty of priorities. Understanding new technology can feel like another thing on the to-do list, but getting started doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.

Making AI work for your business

AI is no longer limited to large organisations. Tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT and Claude are increasingly being used to prepare reports, summarise meetings, analyse data and support customer communications.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 30% of UK businesses reported using AI in September 2026, compared with just 9% in September 2023. However, adoption varies considerably, with 51% of businesses employing 100 or more people using AI, compared with 29% of those with fewer than ten employees.

For SMEs, the opportunity isn't necessarily about investing in new systems. It could be as simple as reducing time spent on administration, improving customer service or making better use of technology they already have.

Andy Paul, from Fliweel.tech, helps organisations understand how AI can deliver practical business benefits. He explains: “Businesses often start by looking at the technology, when the better question is what problem they're trying to solve. AI can deliver real value, but only when it's being used in ways that genuinely support the business and its people.”

Before investing in another platform or licence, it's worth considering which tasks take up valuable time, whether existing tools are being used effectively and whether AI could make a measurable difference. Of course, AI isn't always accurate, so information it produces should be checked, particularly when it involves customers, finances or important business decisions.

Understanding the security risks

Making the most of AI isn't just about what it can do for your business. It's also about understanding how to use it safely, particularly when employees are handling sensitive information.

As AI becomes more widely used, businesses need to be aware of both the risks associated with the tools themselves and the ways cyber criminals are using the technology to make scams more convincing.

In its article Is Your Business at Risk of an Insider Attack?, Chamber member JamCrackers highlights how security risks can sometimes arise through everyday employee activities.

For example, someone might upload confidential customer information to an AI platform to help prepare a report, without realising the potential implications for data security. Others may use AI applications that haven't been approved by the business.

This doesn't mean businesses should discourage employees from using AI. Instead, clear guidance about which tools can be used, what information can be shared and when additional checks are needed can help everyone use the technology responsibly.

There is also the growing threat from cyber criminals, who are using AI to create increasingly convincing phishing emails, fraudulent payment requests and messages impersonating colleagues or suppliers. The Government's Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2026 found that 38% of UK businesses had experienced phishing attacks, demonstrating how widespread the problem has become.

Richard Latimer, from JamCrackers, works with businesses to identify cyber security risks and improve their protection. He explains: “Businesses need to know what information their staff are putting into AI tools. Uploading a customer list or confidential document might save time, but it could also expose sensitive information without anyone realising. Before sharing anything, staff need to understand where that data goes, how it might be used and whether the tool has been approved for that purpose.”

A fraudulent email requesting a change of supplier bank details might look entirely genuine, but a quick telephone call using an existing contact number could prevent a costly mistake. It's a reminder that good cyber security depends just as much on people and everyday working practices as it does on technology.

Simple steps to protect your business

While cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, many of the most effective safeguards are straightforward:

• Raise awareness among employees. Help staff recognise suspicious messages, unexpected payment requests and other warning signs, and encourage them to report anything unusual.
• Strengthen account security. Use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of unauthorised access.
• Keep systems updated. Regular software updates help protect against known security weaknesses.
• Protect sensitive information. Back up important data and make sure employees understand what can safely be shared with AI tools.
• Consider Cyber Essentials. This government-backed certification scheme provides a practical framework for protecting businesses against common cyber attacks and can offer reassurance to customers and supply chain partners.

Taking these steps can help businesses reduce their exposure to risk without requiring specialist technical knowledge.

Support through the Chamber network

With so much information and advice available, it can be difficult to know what's right for your business. That's where being part of a wider business community can make a difference.

Through Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, members can connect with businesses that have expertise across technology, digital transformation and cyber security, including specialists such as JamCrackers.

AI offers real opportunities for Bedfordshire businesses, but making the most of them means understanding the risks as well as the benefits. You don't need to have all the answers or make major investments straight away. Starting with a clear business need, putting sensible safeguards in place and seeking the right advice can make a real difference.

And that's where the Chamber can help. Whether you're exploring AI for the first time, looking to get more from technology you've already invested in or reviewing your cyber security, through our membership network, we can connect you with people who understand these challenges and can help you make informed decisions.

If you'd like to explore how AI could benefit your business, strengthen your cyber security or speak to members with expertise in these areas, please get in touch.