New research by Start Up Loans, conducted by YouGov, reveals less than half (46%) of small businesses use AI at work. Furthermore, a third (34%) of small business leaders only have a ‘basic understanding’ of AI tools. On average, only 12% would refer to themselves as an ‘expert’ in the technology, when thinking about their proficiency in five core pillars of AI: Generative AI, chatbots and virtual assistants, speech to text and vice versa, text analysis and summary, and AI-powered text editing. The biggest barriers to further AI adoption were found to be IT security issues (25%) and a lack of appropriate financing possibilities (25%). A slow internet connection (22%) was the third largest barrier. There is also a knowledge barrier preventing many small businesses from reaping the full benefits of tech and AI in the workplace. Over a fifth (21%) of business leaders cite insufficient digital skills of employees as being problematic, while a similar percentage (19%) cite an internal resistance to change as a hindrance. These barriers and lack of understanding are leading to a delay in uptake of the technology. Within smaller businesses there was a clear divide between those at the larger end of the spectrum and those at the more micro end when it comes to using AI. The survey found AI is used in 36% of micro businesses (0-9 employees) and 44% of small businesses (10-49 employees) but rises to 60% of medium-sized enterprises (50-249 employees). Louise McCoy, managing director, Start Up Loans Products, British Business Bank, said: “AI has the potential to transform the way smaller businesses operate, but people running those businesses face a plethora of barriers which need to be overcome if they are to benefit from the technology. We hope our information, as well as start up financing, one of the biggest hurdles identified, can help drive more use of AI. “By adopting AI responsibly, smaller businesses could unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation, ensuring they remain the driving force of the UK economy.”

Drought conditions are worsening across England, with the National Drought Group (NDG) urging water companies to increase efforts to manage water supplies. Areas in the West and East Midlands, along with Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, East Anglia, and Thames Valley, are now under drought status. With rainfall at just 80% of usual levels in June, reservoirs are at critical levels, with national storage at 75.6% and Yorkshire’s dropping to 53.8%. Multiple hosepipe bans are already in place, and further restrictions are expected if dry weather persists.

Water companies have been called to accelerate leak repairs and operational adjustments. The Environment Agency is closely monitoring water levels and collaborating with water providers to protect both communities and the environment. As wildfires, dry habitats, and threats to wildlife continue, authorities are preparing for an extended dry period, with the risk of more stringent water use measures ahead.

Despite recent proposals from the Chancellor to stimulate growth, businesses in the East Midlands are sceptical. The region’s inflation rate surged to 3.6% in June, exacerbating already fragile business confidence, as reflected in the latest Quarterly Economic Survey.

In the Mansion House speech, the Chancellor outlined measures intended to ease business operations, including reducing regulatory barriers to encourage risk-taking, streamlining recruitment processes for senior leaders, and offering a concierge service to assist companies wishing to set up in the UK. However, local businesses remain unconvinced.

East Midlands Chamber has pointed out that while the measures may benefit certain sectors, they fall short of addressing the underlying challenges faced by businesses. The rising inflation, alongside increased operational costs such as higher National Insurance contributions and the national living wage, continues to put pressure on firms.

In a climate where many businesses are anticipating no growth, the Chancellor’s plans may not be enough to restore confidence or encourage the much-needed investment. As the economic outlook remains uncertain, business leaders are calling for stronger, more immediate support, including assurances that future tax hikes will not further hinder their operations.

A Nottingham-based fire safety company is experiencing a sharp rise in demand from the leisure sector, particularly from boat and caravan owners, who are seeking more effective ways to protect their vessels from fire risks. Aerocom (UK) Ltd, the sole UK distributor of MAUS fire suppression products, has reported an increase in enquiries, driven by the growing awareness of the hazards posed by onboard electrical systems.

The company’s MAUS units, including the MAUS Stixx Pro V1 and MAUS Xtin Klein, are particularly popular due to their compact design and zero-damage capabilities.

Government statistics have highlighted that electrical fires are the second most frequent cause of household fires in the UK, reinforcing the need for reliable fire safety solutions. The MAUS systems, which are also used by high-profile automotive brands such as Toyota and Audi, are proving valuable in protecting both property and people.

In addition to the UK, demand is rising in international markets, with notable installations such as the superyacht Mirage in Spain, which recently outfitted 15 units. Boat owners are increasingly adopting this innovative technology, appreciating its efficiency and minimal footprint for fire protection.

Frank Key has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, backing the Deal of the Year category. Since 1907 Frank Key has been renowned for supplying market-leading building, plumbing and timber materials. Built on family values, the business has grown to stock interiors, landscaping, civils and drainage products, as well as providing high-quality plant and tool hire equipment, making Frank Key a true one-stop shop for all your project requirements. Frank Key’s reputation is not only built on the wide range of products sold, but how it does business. Given its experience within the industry and with many of the Frank Key team being long-standing members of staff, the firm is in the best position to provide you with the expert advice and service you need. Frank Key will order non-stocked items, stick to delivery dates and honour agreements. Speaking with Business Link, Ben Sansom, Group Sales & Marketing Director at Frank Key, said: “Frank Key is delighted to sponsor the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025. “With over 110 years of experience supplying the building trade, we are proud to support an event that celebrates the incredible achievements in the property and construction sectors across our region. We wish all the nominees the very best of luck and look forward to seeing the innovative projects shaping the East Midlands.” The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion highlights development projects, businesses, and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes. Welcoming almost 150 professionals, nominating a company or project for the awards is a great way to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, bolster morale, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event.

To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here.

Supporting imagery, video, documents, or links to these, can be sent to bricks@blmgroup.co.uk. Video nomination pitches are also welcome as an alternative or companion to written entries. Categories include:

• Contractor of the Year
• Developer of the Year
• Architects of the Year
• Most Active Agent
• Deal of the Year
• Residential Development of the Year
• Sustainable Development of the Year
• Commercial Development of the Year
• Excellence in Design
• Responsible Business of the Year
• Overall Winner

All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.

Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.

New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:                                                                        

To be held at: