Informed, Confident, Competitive
Accessing Expertise Through AI
One of the biggest challenges I’ve taking a keen interest in is how small businesses have faced is accessing specialist expertise. Whether it’s financial forecasting, advanced analytics, or market insight, SMEs have often been at a disadvantage compared with larger firms who can afford armies of specialists.
I’ve excited to see how AI tools like ChatGPT and its peers are helping to level that playing field. I believe it’s been a game changer in making specialist knowledge more accessible, AI is transforming the way small businesses operate and compete.
AI as a Specialist Advisory Team
I like to think of AI as your always-available, multi-disciplinary adviser. I always remind my clients that it can’t replace human expertise, but it can provide immediate clarity, context, and options that give them a starting point.
Some examples you might also have come across:
- Financial planning: SMEs can model different cashflow scenarios in minutes, testing “what if” ideas before consulting their accountant.
- Legal drafting: AI can help structure contracts or agreements, highlighting areas of risk or clauses to consider, so you approach your solicitor with more confidence.
- Market analysis: AI can summarise trends, competitors, and opportunities quickly, reducing hours of manual research.
For my clients who want to protect their business, identify growth potential or to explore how to innovate and differentiate themselves, this kind of capability gives even the smallest firm access to the kind of strategic insight that previously required a big-business budget.
Unlocking the Unknowns
I find one of AI’s biggest strengths is connecting dots across disparate information sources. It can highlight insights you didn’t know you needed, those “unknown unknowns” that often hold back decision-making.
This can mean:
- Discovering compliance requirements you hadn’t considered.
- Spotting market opportunities in niches you hadn’t explored.
- Identifying operational inefficiencies you hadn’t noticed.
By showcasing these insights, AI enables smarter, faster, and more confident decision-making.
Democratising Knowledge
This is where AI becomes a genuine equaliser. A two-person startup now has analytical and creative support that rivals larger competitors. With AI as a co-pilot, innovation is no longer held back by resource disparity, it’s driven by ideas, creativity, and execution.
The Human-AI Balance
I would always add a note of caution as it’s important to be realistic. AI isn’t perfect. It can misinterpret data, oversimplify context, or miss nuance. That’s why I remind my clients that it should be seen as an advisor, not an authority. The best outcomes come when SMEs combine AI’s breadth of insight with human judgement, creativity, and industry knowledge.
The Impact for SMEs
So how might you develop your use of AI?
- Faster decisions – You move from idea to action more quickly.
- Smarter focus for your knowledge investments – You identify where expert human advice is truly needed, saving time and money.
- Competitive advantage – You gain insights that were once out of reach.
How Heron IT Helps You Embrace AI
I believe AI is becoming as essential as spreadsheets and word processors once were.
With our guidance you can explore AI tools safely and effectively, ensuring they’re integrated into your workflows. We will ensure you are protected by the right security and IT Landscape, and align your use of AI with your business goals.
My Final Thought:
AI won’t replace your specialist advisers, but it can empower you to ask better questions, make more informed decisions, and compete at a higher level. For SMEs, that’s not just helpful, it’s transformational.
If you would like to develop how you use AI as a source of additional expertise, simply call 01473 350444 and ask for Colin, or contact us at enquiries@heronit.co.uk
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