UK businesses are increasingly adopting AI to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, but this comes with rising concerns about cyber threats, as highlighted in a QBE report. Many small and medium-sized businesses are increasing their cybersecurity investments in response. Workday has introduced new AI tools, including the Illuminate Agents, to automate HR and finance tasks, alongside a developer toolset for customizing AI applications. AI startups are securing significant deals by embedding themselves with clients to provide tailored solutions, mirroring Palantir's early strategy. Meanwhile, House Republicans are proposing a 10-year ban on state AI regulations. AI is also transforming the Hajj pilgrimage through technologies that enhance crowd control, safety, and access to services. However, job seekers are cautioned against over-relying on AI, as hiring managers can detect its overuse. The AI Sales Assistant Software market is projected to reach $92.8 billion by 2032, driven by the increasing use of AI in sales and customer service. CISOs are focusing on ensuring the secure and ethical use of AI within their organizations. Toyota and NLX are partnering to develop AI-powered conversational experiences for car repair, aiming to improve technician productivity.
Key Takeaways
- 95% of UK businesses are using or exploring AI, but 80% are concerned about rising cyber risks.
- UK SMBs are increasing cybersecurity spending in 2024 amid AI concerns.
- Workday launched Illuminate Agents to automate HR and Finance tasks.
- Workday introduced a new AI developer toolset at Workday DevCon 2025.
- AI startups are winning big deals by using a 'forward-deployed' strategy, similar to Palantir's early approach.
- House Republicans propose a 10-year ban on state AI regulations.
- AI is transforming the Hajj pilgrimage with smart technologies for crowd control and safety.
- Overusing AI in job applications can negatively impact job seekers' chances.
- The AI Sales Assistant Software market is projected to reach $92.8 billion by 2032.
- Toyota and NLX are partnering on AI for car repair to improve technician productivity.
UK Businesses Embrace AI Amid Rising Cyber Threats Says QBE Report
A QBE report shows that 95% of UK businesses are using or exploring AI to boost efficiency and cut costs. However, 80% believe cyber risks are increasing, and 53% experienced a cyber attack in the past year. The report predicts a 50% rise in significant UK cyber incidents by 2025. QBE advises businesses to assess their cyber risk when using AI and provide cybersecurity training to employees.
UK Small Businesses Increase Cybersecurity Investment Amid AI Concerns
Many UK small and medium-sized businesses are boosting their cybersecurity spending in 2024, according to a Bionic report. While many are planning to use AI tools in 2025, they worry about accuracy, regulation, and data privacy. The report showed that 8% significantly increased cybersecurity spending, and 52% had a slight increase. Businesses are advised to approach AI responsibly with clear policies and staff training.
Workday's AI Toolset Empowers Developers to Customize AI Apps
Workday introduced a new AI developer toolset at Workday DevCon 2025. The toolset allows developers to customize and connect AI apps and agents on the Workday platform. It includes Agent Gateway, AI Widgets, and expanded AI Gateway APIs. Workday is also improving Developer Copilot, which helps developers code faster. Agent Gateway will be available to early adopters by the end of 2025.
Workday's New AI Agents Automate HR and Finance Tasks
Workday has launched Illuminate Agents, which are AI tools for business operations in HR and Finance. These agents help automate workflows and improve efficiency. Workday says its AI has been part of its platform for over ten years. The AI agents go through risk evaluation, and businesses can manage them using the Workday Agent System of Record. Some agents are available now, while others will be released later in 2025 and early 2026.
AI Startups Win Big Deals Using Palantir's 'Forward-Deployed' Strategy
AI startup founders are securing large deals by using a strategy similar to Palantir's early approach. They act as 'forward-deployed engineers,' embedding themselves with clients to quickly build custom demos. YC partners report that this hands-on method has led to deals worth millions. This allows smaller AI startups to compete with larger companies by providing tailored solutions.
House Republicans Propose 10-Year Ban on State AI Regulations
House Republicans are suggesting a 10-year ban on state AI regulations in a budget bill. Adam Kovacevich, CEO of Chamber of Progress, talked about the possible effects of having no federal rules for artificial intelligence.
AI Transforms Hajj Pilgrimage with Smart Technologies
Saudi Arabia is using AI to improve the Hajj pilgrimage, which is expected to have over 2 million attendees this year. AI helps with crowd control, safety, and health services. The Nusuk platform and Digital Nusuk Card streamline access to holy sites. Drones and virtual glasses enhance security, while AI-powered apps offer real-time information and guidance. Cooling systems and AI monitor environmental conditions to manage extreme heat.
Job Seekers Beware Using AI Too Much Can Hurt Your Chances
Using AI in your job search can be helpful, but be careful not to rely on it too much. Hiring managers can often tell when AI is overused, especially in resumes and interviews. While AI can help with spell-checking and company research, it's important to express your own background and avoid using AI to answer interview questions in real-time.
AI Sales Assistant Software Market to Reach $92.8 Billion by 2032
The AI Sales Assistant Software market is expected to grow from $39.1 billion in 2024 to $92.8 billion by 2032, with an annual growth rate of 11.40%. This growth is due to the increasing use of AI in sales, customer service, and lead management. Cloud-based solutions are popular because they are flexible and cost-effective. North America is the leading region in this market because of its advanced technology and early adoption of AI.
CISOs Prepare for AI's Impact on Security, Ethics, and Compliance
The Security Think Tank is discussing how CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers) can prepare for AI. They need to make sure AI is used securely and that employees don't accidentally leak data or make poor choices.
Toyota and NLX Partner on AI for Car Repair at TechCrunch Sessions
Andrei Papancea, CEO of NLX, will be speaking at TechCrunch Sessions AI about NLX's partnership with Toyota. They are working together to create AI-powered conversational experiences for car repair. This system helps technicians quickly access repair guides and manuals to improve their productivity. The event will also feature speakers from Google Cloud, Amazon, and OpenAI.
Sources
- British businesses increasingly adopting AI despite rise in cybersecurity risks: QBE
- Britain's SMBs Ramp Up Cybersecurity Investment, With Fears Around AI Adoption Remaining High
- Workday Unveils AI Developer Toolset, Empowering Developers to Customize and Connect AI Apps and Agents on the Workday Platform
- Workday’s New HR and Finance AI Agents Aim at Workflow Automation
- YC partners say AI founders are closing huge deals fast by taking a page out of Palantir's early playbook
- Video House Republicans propose 10-year ban on state AI regulations in budget bill
- Hajj in the Age of AI
- Using AI to land a job? Tread with caution
- AI Sales Assistant Software Market Set to Soar: Reaching $92.8 Billion by 2032 at 11.40% CAGR
- Preparing for AI: The CISO’s role in security, ethics and complianc...
- Learn how Toyota and NLX successfully partnered at TC Sessions: AI