The value of AI. What businesses want AI to do. Practical hints and tips.
Here, we explore the potential business value of AI as reported by over 400 businesses. We look at opportunities and challenges, practical examples, as well as some pros and cons to consider.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the defining trends in today’s business landscape. According to Larato’s research across more than 400 organisations, 16% view AI as the most valuable technology today, while a significant 46% see it as central to their future business goals. AI-powered tools like data analytics, automation, and customer interaction platforms such as ChatGPT and CoPilot are reshaping operations, driving efficiency and innovation.
While only 15% of businesses currently see AI delivering acceptable value, nearly half believe it will be transformative in the next year. The shift is clear: AI is moving from automating processes to enhancing human efforts, improving productivity, and offering competitive advantages.
Yet, many businesses are at a crossroads with AI adoption. Of those who have started using AI, half have halted projects due to two major challenges:
What value businesses are looking for.
Our research found that the three top business priorities for 2025 are:
AI can contribute to each of these goals by enabling smarter decision making, boosting efficiency and helping businesses to scale at lower cost.
Smarter Decision Making
AI can process data faster than humans, allowing businesses to make data-driven decisions in real-time. This can help with improving customer experience by providing insights in real time to customer service representatives. It can facilitate a better sales experience for customers too. For example, a retailer could use AI to monitor sales data and customer behaviour, adjusting prices and stock levels dynamically to make sure buyers can purchase what they want and maximise profits during peak shopping periods.
Boosted Efficiency
By automating routine tasks, AI frees up employees to focus on more strategic, creative, and high-value activities. In a manufacturing environment, for instance, AI can handle routine quality control checks, allowing skilled workers to concentrate on more complex tasks like product development or process improvement. Manufacturers cited the use of AI in improving health and safety as an important step in the coming year.
Scalability
Once implemented, AI solutions can grow with the business. For example, a small online business might start using AI for customer support via chatbots. As the business grows, the same AI system can scale up to handle higher volumes of customer enquiries without needing to hire additional people. The businesses we spoke to have mixed opinions about this. For some, it is a key way to scale whereas others are concerned about losing skills, particularly administrative skills.
Cost Savings
Automating labour-intensive processes with AI can significantly reduce costs. For instance, in a warehouse setting, AI-driven robots could automate inventory management, reducing the need for manual labour while improving accuracy and efficiency. Approximately one in three UK transport and logistics firms are investing heavily in these capabilities.
Adopt the right tools for the right reasons.
Choosing the right AI tools is essential for successful adoption. Our research showed that there is a a lot that businesses want to learn about AI, AI tools, and the benefits they could bring. So, here is a summary of some of the most common tools with pros, cons, and some examples of how businesses are using them now.
Machine Learning (ML) Platforms
Natural Language Processing (NLP) Tools
Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Computer Vision
Deep Learning Frameworks
How to harness the value of AI.
Since 46% of businesses cited AI as the most valuable technology to their future success, here are some tips about integrating AI into your business strategy.
What to expect…
As AI continues to advance, we can expect several key trends:
Embrace AI as a core part of your strategy
Evaluate how it can enhance both operational efficiency and customer interactions
Consider the ethical implications of using AI in your business
Leverage local expertise for a smooth transition and sign up for #MakingADifference
Don’t delay AI adoption due to concerns about complexity or potential job disruption. The longer you wait, the more your AI-powered competitors will pull ahead.
Don’t take its output at face value. It makes mistakes. Check. Test. Check. Test. You get the picture.
Ready to find out how we can work with you to help meet your business objectives and bridge the gap between buyers and sellers with our market-leading intelligence and decades of strategy experience.