‘AI from BT’ launched to help UK firms adopt AI with confidence, targeting £3.7 billion lost through missed calls

BT Business has introduced AI from BT, a new suite of secure AI solutions aimed at helping UK businesses adopt artificial intelligence with confidence. The portfolio addresses concerns around complexity, security and implementation, offering practical tools to support adoption. Research shows 65% of small business owners believe AI could benefit their operations, yet 56% say they are not fully realising its potential due to uncertainty and lack of guidance.

To tackle missed customer calls, BT is launching AI Receptionist, designed to manage enquiries around the clock and ensure businesses do not lose opportunities. The tool is targeted at sectors where incoming calls drive bookings or new work, and can be set up quickly via a self-service portal without replacing existing phone systems. It operates across any UK fixed or mobile network while keeping customer data private and not used to train AI models.

A free AI Adoption Hub is also being introduced to provide small businesses with practical guides, prompt packs, expert insights and real-world examples. The hub aims to give businesses the confidence to implement AI securely and effectively, addressing challenges such as limited headcount and time constraints. Research indicates 58% of SMEs spend between 30 minutes and two hours daily answering calls, disrupting other work.

BT Business estimates UK SMEs lose £3.7 billion annually due to missed calls, with 67% of small businesses reporting they miss at least one call on an average day that could result in lost business. Phone calls remain the top way customers contact businesses, and 75% of potential customers will attempt to call a business three times before giving up, often sharing negative experiences with others.