What's the outlook for small businesses in 2023?

The United Kingdom has long been a powerhouse of innovation and technology, with start-up companies competing to bring revolutionary solutions to the market. With this in mind, it is no surprise that small businesses have the potential to take advantage of current technologies and trends in order to maximize efficiency and increase their profits.

This blog post explores how small businesses can utilize emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to optimize operations for their particular industry by 2023.

AI and Automation uptake to increase significantly

In order for any size business to succeed, entrepreneurs need access to powerful software tools that enable streamlined processes across multiple disciplines. AI-powered applications are becoming increasingly popular amongst decision makers due to their power in accelerating calculation intensive tasks whilst further reducing operational costs due to human labour requirements replacement or minimization.

As a result, many UK start-ups are already utilising AI algorithms within various industries ranging from automotive repair locations through online services like automated customer service portals or facial recognition systems enabling secure logins on phones and computers alike at significantly lower cost than traditional methods which requires manual coding or other costly solutions relative price wise when compared with AI apps available today markets.
 

Robotics continues to provide unmatched business efficiencies

Another rapidly developing area of innovation is robotics – an idea that dates back centuries but has seen huge leaps forward since modern computing began taking shape over ten years ago.

Robotics offers amazing opportunities for small businesses in fields such as manufacturing, retailing, healthcare delivery etc, allowing automated production lines while simultaneously cutting down time required per product manufactured, thus increasing productivity rates exponentially if compared with manual labour only.

Furthermore robots’ capabilities include task accuracy levels beyond what humans could easily achieve. The result is not just faster but also better quality results given same input parameters used per product run or work performed!

It's not only increased profitability possibilities brought about by automation but also increased safety. The reduced interpersonal contact associated with robotics in hazardous environments in particular has resulted in minimisation of the associated risks. Creating working environments where employees don't have be exposed to dangerous elements or potentially dangerous working practices leads to improved wellbeing all around, and also gives employees the peace of mind knowing that the company cares.

What is the potential impact of robotics for jobs replaced by automation?

There are inevitable job considerations. And these need to be taken into account. Job roles most at risk of automation in some environments may be those which are lower skilled and require little or no qualifications. And individuals with no qualifications will be more likely to lack confidence in retraining.

In these scenarios, organisations can assist by providing visibility of all internal opportunities available to employees, so they can search for opportunities based on their skills rather than their current job function. Employers could also streamline application processes, provide feedback for suggested areas for skills development and provide dedicated time for employees to build transferrable skills within their working hours.  Deloitte have published a very useful guide on responsible automation for employers

Wrap Up

Overall there are tremendous opportunities awaiting small business owners who embrace technological innovations during these difficult economic times. In doing so, they have the opportunity to remain competitive even against larger corporations. 

At Omni Communications, we are making advances in optimising digital marketing and telecommunications services using AI.  Overall this means better optimised, more functional and cost-effective services which can be delivered to customers with reduced deployment times, all backed by comprehensive support.  For more information, contact us using the Contact Form below, call us on 0161 507 7999, or email sales@omnicom.uk