World ( The cow news digital ) A new report has found that companies adopting artificial intelligence (AI) are experiencing significant improvements in productivity, cost efficiency, and overall revenue performance, highlighting the growing impact of AI across global business operations.
According to the Intuit AI Impact Report 2026, which analyzed anonymized data from over 5.3 million businesses using QuickBooks alongside surveys of more than 34,000 companies across the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia, AI adoption is rapidly becoming a key driver of business transformation.
The report shows that around 70 percent of UK businesses are now using AI in some capacity. Among those companies, 77 percent reported noticeable improvements in productivity after integrating AI tools into their operations. This includes automation of routine tasks, faster decision-making processes, and improved operational workflows.
In addition, 43 percent of businesses stated that AI has contributed directly to increased revenue, suggesting that the technology is not only improving efficiency but also supporting growth strategies and customer engagement efforts.
Cost reduction has also been a significant benefit, with 28 percent of surveyed firms reporting lower operational expenses after adopting AI systems. Meanwhile, 27 percent of businesses said that AI usage has reduced working hours, allowing employees to focus on higher-value tasks.
Despite these positive trends, the report highlights a growing digital divide. Older and more traditional companies are reportedly 35 percent less likely to actively adopt AI compared to newer firms, raising concerns about long-term competitiveness.
Geographic disparities were also observed. Businesses based in London are significantly more likely to use AI on a daily basis—approximately 13.8 percent more than the national average—indicating that adoption is concentrated in major economic hubs.
Experts suggest that while AI is clearly delivering measurable economic benefits, unequal adoption rates could widen the gap between large urban firms and smaller regional businesses unless targeted support and digital training initiatives are introduced.
The findings reinforce the broader global trend of rapid AI integration across industries, with companies increasingly relying on machine learning, automation, and data-driven decision-making to enhance performance and maintain competitiveness in an evolving digital economy.
