Small Business AI
A 30-day AI pilot: prove value before you scale
A straightforward way to test one AI use case, protect the information involved and decide whether the result is worth expanding.
Choose one task that repeats
The ONS has reported recent growth in UK computer programming and consultancy activity, while noting that it cannot isolate the effect of AI and cloud computing. For an individual business, the useful question is narrower: can one well-chosen workflow improve in a way you can measure?
Pick a task that happens often, has a clear starting point and can be checked by a person. Examples include preparing a first draft, sorting enquiries or summarising meeting notes.
Set a baseline before you test
Record how the task works today. Depending on the process, that could be average handling time, number of corrections, time waiting for a response or staff feedback. Choose one or two measures that matter to the people doing the work.
- Week 1: define the task, baseline and information rules.
- Week 2: test with a small group using approved tools and sample work.
- Week 3: review quality, time saved and exceptions with staff.
- Week 4: compare results and decide to stop, adjust or expand.
Keep risk in the pilot
Do not use real customer or sensitive information until the tool, account settings and handling rules have been approved. Keep a person responsible for checking outputs, and record errors as well as successes. A pilot that shows a workflow is not ready is still useful evidence.
Authoritative sources
This guidance is informed by the following primary sources and Secure AI's practical, security-first delivery approach.
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