From Trend to Necessity: Generative AI’s Rapid Rise in Business

90% of Businesses Are Now Using Generative AI

Have you ever wondered what the workplace of the near future looks like?

Surprise. It is already here. And it is powered by Generative AI.

You have probably heard the term thrown around. It is not just tech jargon or a passing trend.

Generative AI is the kind of artificial intelligence that does not simply analyse data, it creates things. Like text, images, code, even music. And that is all based on what it has learned from massive amounts of information.

It is the technology behind tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and dozens of others. It is transforming the way businesses operate.

And here is the big headline: 90% of businesses are already using Generative AI in some way.

That is not a small pilot test or cautious toe-dip in the water. That is nearly everyone doing something with AI right now.

It has even overtaken cyber security in terms of business spending.

Think about that for a second: Companies are now investing more in AI tools than in protecting themselves from cyber crime. That tells you how serious they are about tapping into the power of this technology.

Why the sudden surge?

Generative AI can seriously improve productivity. You can generate first drafts of reports, marketing copy, or emails in seconds. Developers can write code faster. Customer service teams can automate common queries. It is not about replacing people. It is about helping them get more done, more easily.

And businesses are not just picking up pre-built tools. They are getting ambitious. Many are building their own AI-powered applications using their own data. That means they are customising it to suit their unique goals, challenges, and customer needs.

The result? Smarter automation, better insights, and a serious competitive edge.

The challenges

Like anything powerful, Generative AI comes with its own set of challenges. Some businesses are still figuring out how to train their teams. Others are working out how to define the right AI skillsets during hiring. It is a fast-moving space, and there is a big learning curve.

By the end of 2025, three out of four companies are expected to have in-house AI training programmes. That is a huge jump. And a sign that AI is becoming a core business skill.

Of course, it is not all plain sailing. There are concerns around accuracy, data privacy, and how to manage this technology responsibly. Generative AI can be very confident in its answers even when it is totally wrong about something. That is why it is so important to have the right checks and balances in place, and not blindly trust whatever it produces.

Now is the time to explore

If you are not already thinking about how your business can use AI, now is the time. Whether you want to boost productivity, improve customer experience, or simply stay ahead of your competitors, Generative AI has something to offer.

And if you feel overwhelmed by it all, that is OK. You do not have to figure it all out at once. Start small, learn as you go, and do not be afraid to ask your IT partner (or me and my team) for guidance.

Build stronger defenses

Generative AI isn’t without risks, but you can protect your business and maximise the benefits with smart steps:

Train your team on AI best practices and security awareness
Use trusted tools that prioritise privacy and compliance
Keep human oversight on all AI-generated outputs

Remember: the more powerful the tool, the greater the responsibility in using it wisely.

If you’re not already thinking about how your business can use AI, now’s the time.

Whether you want to boost productivity, improve customer experience, or simply stay ahead of your competitors, Generative AI has something to offer.

Need help figuring out how to integrate AI into your business securely and effectively? Let’s talk.