boxxe survey reveals scepticism over artificial intelligence

A survey by Heworth-based boxxe says half (50%) of businesses have a lack of trust in AI decisions, most businesses (56%) have a lack of trust in AI data security and privacy and nearly half (46%) admit they can’t afford AI, with cost concerns a major barrier to implementation.

Their survey also reported only one in eight businesses are concerned about job displacement and over half of UK businesses (57%) don’t plan to integrate AI within the next year.

Boxxe also found most businesses (71%) would not describe themselves as “adopters of new technologies”, either.

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This comes amidst major developments in AI technologies, thus leaving thousands of businesses across a range of sectors in the UK at risk of falling behind competitors.

These insights stem from boxxe’s recent survey which examined the impact of this technological evolution with a specific focus on Microsoft Copilot and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Cost concerns also emerged as a key worry for UK businesses, with nearly half (46%) of respondents citing this as a key adoption barrier for their organisation.

According to boxxe’s experts, this illustrates how revenue models with expectations for immediate returns conflict the longer-term nature of AI‘s value generation.

Coupled with 44% of respondents’ concerns about the “complexity of integration”, boxxe says these findings project the operational and financial pressures relating to the embedment of AI into existing systems.

Plenty of AI concerns are around taking human jobs but only one in eight (12%) of businesses worry about this scenario. AI should be seen as boosting human capabilities rather than a replacement.

Chris Carlisle, Business Consultant and acting Chief Services Officer at boxxe, said: “Our findings show that organisations across the UK are currently facing critical trade-offs in balancing innovation and operational feasibility.

“These findings are interesting as the Government recently released an AI Action plan to address the growing demand for AI professionals.

“The plan includes measures to train tens of thousands of individuals in AI-related fields by 2030. This involves supporting universities in expanding AI programs, offering scholarships to attract global talent, and promoting alternative pathways like apprenticeships and lifelong learning programs.

“Despite the momentum behind AI adoption, significant barriers remain, especially for small businesses. One major factor continues to be the high initial investment cost of implementing AI solutions.

“Overcoming these challenges requires access to expert insight and a strategic use of Proof of Value assessments to guide implementation.

“By focusing on structured, informed adoption strategies, small businesses can unlock the full potential of AI and position themselves as leaders within their respective markets.”