A practical guide for small businesses

Reduce time chasing invoices and get money moving

This guide looks at how small businesses can get started using AI to streamline payment processes, reduce admin, and spend less time chasing late payments, leaving more time to focus on growth.

Inside the guide:

  • Where to start: choose the payment task you want to automate
  • Tools and prompts to explore AI safely
  • Practical guidance on using AI responsibly and effectively

Top Facts

20%

Only one in five small businesses say they use AI.

86 hours

The average time UK businesses spend chasing late payments.

14,000

Firms closing each year linked to late payments.

What this guide helps you do

Make chasing payments a background task

Discover how AI can support everyday payment processes, from sending invoice reminders to reviewing contracts and prioritising payment-related emails, reducing manual effort and helping you focus on running your business.

Step 1: Choose your function

Identify the tasks that take up the most time, such as chasing invoices, managing your inbox, or reviewing contracts.

Step 2: Choose your tool

Explore simple AI tools and prompts to find the right fit for your business.

Step 3: Adopt with caution

Start small, use safe data practices, and always review outputs to ensure accuracy and tone.

Why AI is useful for late payments

Automating financial processes can speed up invoice approvals, reduce errors, and lower admin costs.

By using AI to support payment-related tasks, small businesses can reduce time spent chasing invoices and free up valuable time to focus on growth.

Ready to spend less time chasing payments?

Integrating AI into your payment functions can reduce the time spent chasing payments, leaving you more freedom to do the things that matter most. Taking the first step can be the hardest part, but by experimenting with different tools and seeing what works best for your business’s needs, you’ll be an expert in no time.