Welsh AI adoption drives efficiency and innovation gains
A recent NatWest Cymru study reveals that Welsh firms deploying artificial intelligence are seeing measurable benefits across the sector. The AI Adoption Report indicates that 80% of these businesses report heightened efficiency, 73% cite increased innovation, and 59% record revenue growth, according to the findings in recent months.
Adoption Trends Across the UK
Across the UK, 44% of businesses already use AI, with a further 41% expecting to adopt it within five years. However, only 6% of current users have reached the most advanced stage of adoption, where AI fundamentally reshapes operations. The research highlights a growing divide between larger and smaller firms, with businesses employing more than 100 people nearly twice as likely to be using AI as smaller counterparts.
Trust will play a critical role in how quickly AI adoption accelerates, the report suggests. While UK customers remain positive about AI’s potential, they seek reassurance on its use. 79% want access to a real person, 76% desire transparency about when AI is being used, and 75% want clearer understanding of data handling practices.
Bank Expands Support for Businesses
To address these challenges, NatWest is expanding its support through several initiatives, including enhanced AI training for relationship managers and 5,000 AI learning and adoption engagements through the NatWest Accelerator over the next 12 months. The bank is also offering specialist support in partnership with Google Cloud and launching a new AI Adoption Programme with Lancaster University.
“AI has the potential to be a powerful driver of growth, but the businesses that succeed will be those that use it to deliver better customer outcomes while building trust through transparency and human accountability,” said Robert Begbie, CEO of Commercial & Institutional Banking at NatWest. He warned of a risk of an AI adoption divide emerging, particularly for smaller businesses with limited access to skills, investment, and specialist expertise.
Siwan Rees, Manager for NatWest Cymru Accelerator, emphasized the opportunity ahead: “The research shows businesses across Wales are already seeing real benefits from AI in improving efficiency, driving innovation and supporting growth. The opportunity now is to help more businesses move from experimentation to implementation.”
As part of the report launch, NatWest Cymru hosted a roundtable at its Cardiff Accelerator Hub, bringing together business leaders, academics, and industry organizations to explore how AI, robotics, and automation can drive productivity and growth across Wales. Chaired by Jacqui Murray of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the discussion focused on innovation, skills, and practical steps for adopting new technologies.
Real-World Applications Emerge
Welsh technology company Academii is using AI and virtual reality to transform workforce training. Supported by the NatWest Accelerator, the firm has accessed coaching, expertise, and business networks to scale its growth. Its platform creates immersive and personalized learning experiences for frontline workers, adapting training in real time to improve outcomes, productivity, and engagement.
The technology is currently being used by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), allowing employees to practice complex operational scenarios in virtual environments before working on live infrastructure. This approach is helping build workforce skills, confidence, and productivity while supporting safer working practices.
