Approvals should be quick and meaningful. Let routine tasks go through automatically, set clear rules for the rest, and save manager time for the important decisions that really need their input.

The firms that pull ahead aren’t just the ones who buy the tools—they’re the ones who invest in the hidden work that makes them pay off.

AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about freeing them from repetitive tasks and amplifying their best skills. The key for SMEs is precision: automate where it helps, augment where it matters, and keep people at the centre.

As the technology matures, both the potential benefits and the cost of delay will increase. For SMEs, building the capacity to adopt AI is no longer optional—it is essential.