Yorkshire firms say artificial intelligence is helping create new jobs

Yorkshire and Humber businesses are saying artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape.

According to new research from the Lloyds Business Barometer, 65 per cent of Yorkshire and Humber firms currently using AI say it has led to job creation within their organisation.

More than half (55 per cent) of businesses in the region plan to increase investment in AI over the next year to upskill their workforce.

Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire at Lloyds, said: "AI is already having a tangible impact on businesses across Yorkshire & Humber, with almost two-thirds of firms who are using the technology saying it has helped them create new jobs.

"It's encouraging too that more than half of businesses plan to increase investment in AI skills over the coming year, showing a clear appetite to build on that momentum."

However, not all firms feel prepared, with 19 per cent of businesses saying their workforce currently lacks the necessary AI skills.

More than half (54 per cent) believe that companies failing to adopt AI within the next three years will risk falling behind competitors.

Barriers to greater AI adoption include cost and access to skills (both cited by 22 per cent of businesses in the region using AI), and a lack of understanding (18 per cent).

Mr Kendrick added: "As AI becomes an increasingly important part of staying competitive, making sure businesses have the right skills and support will be key.

"Cost, access to talent and understanding the technology remain barriers for some firms, and tackling these will help more businesses across the region turn AI investment into greater productivity, new opportunities and sustainable growth."

Nationally, 54 per cent of UK businesses say AI has already created new jobs, and 58 per cent plan to invest in AI skills.

However, 31 per cent say their workforce is not yet equipped with the necessary AI capabilities.