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Artificial Intelligence: Small Businesses

Asked by Callum AndersonLabourDepartment for Business, Innovation, Science and TradeTabled Answered 7 September 2026UIN 24326

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what opportunities there are for SMEs to support government AI deployment.

Answered by Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

The Department recognises the important role that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play in supporting the adoption of artificial intelligence across government and beyond. Through initiatives such as the Department's AI Cubed procurement, we have sought specialist AI, data and digital expertise from the market, engaging suppliers through market outreach and engagement activities to help ensure a broad range of organisations, including SMEs, were aware of opportunities to participate. AI Cubed was designed to draw on supplier innovation and expertise to support the delivery of AI capabilities alongside civil servants, with a focus on outcomes and practical deployment across government services.

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