BT Business has introduced a new artificial intelligence portfolio for UK companies.
The range, called AI from BT, targets smaller firms seeking practical automation. Its first major tool is an AI Receptionist. The service answers customer calls, handles routine questions, and captures useful details.
It can also book appointments and send confirmations. The tool connects with Outlook and Google Calendar. Businesses can use it across UK fixed and mobile networks.
That matters for firms with existing numbers and phone systems. They can add automation without replacing their core setup. For many small companies, that lowers the barrier to adoption.
The launch follows BT research into small business attitudes. It found 65% of owners believe AI could help them. Yet 56% said they do not use it fully today.
Missed calls also remain a costly issue. BT said 67% of small businesses miss at least one daily call. These calls may lead to lost work or weaker customer relationships.
BT estimates unanswered calls cost small businesses £3.7 billion each year. That figure gives the launch clear commercial weight. For telecom operators, it also shows a broader service opportunity.
Jon James, BT Business CEO, said: “AI has the potential to be a huge boost to small businesses and to drive the UK’s growth, but many businesses are struggling to know how to begin and how to adopt simply and securely. That’s why BT – the UK’s most trusted network for business – has created AI from BT: a portfolio of practical, secure AI solutions backed by BT’s expertise and support.”
The service reflects a wider telecoms shift. Operators increasingly package connectivity with digital tools. It positions BT beyond connectivity, closer to workflow software and managed business services.
Security will remain central to customer confidence. BT said customer data will stay private. It also said data will not train AI models.
That pledge will appeal to firms handling sensitive conversations. However, automation still needs careful setup. Poor scripts or weak escalation can frustrate customers.
Human backup will also remain important. AI can handle simple tasks at scale. It should not replace judgement in complex cases.
Small Business Britain founder and CEO Michelle Ovens added: “Small businesses can often feel they are fighting a losing battle, having to cover everything from finance and HR to marketing with limited headcount.
“AI can be an incredible help, and when utilised correctly, it is a cost-effective and fast way of managing the front line of customer service. We know that time-poor customers want quick resolutions, and when businesses can’t provide this, revenue is lost. For small businesses, that can be the difference between being able to grow and expand, or not.”
BT is also offering a free AI Adoption Hub. It provides guidance for businesses starting their AI journey. This could help firms move from curiosity to practical deployment.
