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SME Chatbot Strategy 

Prompt Engineer

If you’re handling customer queries via WhatsApp or Instagram and don’t have the time to write a full response, or are unsure how to say it in thorough, friendly way, use this prompt!

I am responding to a customer on [WhatsApp/Instagram] who is asking about [topic, e.g., a delayed order]. Here are my rough notes: [Insert your shorthand notes]. Please rewrite this into a warm, professional and concise message suitable for a UK customer. Use British English (e.g., ‘delivery’ instead of ‘shipping’, ‘enquiry’ instead of ‘inquiry’) and ensure the tone is empathetic but firm. Keep it under 50 words.

AI Updates Roundup

As the UK government and regional leaders step up their oversight, the focus is shifting from general AI interest toward concrete policies that protect both the workforce and financial stability.

Overview

  • HM Treasury has appointed experts to oversee safe AI integration across the financial sector.
  • The Isle of Man government announced a £1 million investment to coordinate national AI strategy and literacy.
  • Ofcom is investigating X regarding safety concerns and AI-generated imagery.

HM Treasury has appointed two AI Champions to report directly to the Economic Secretary on how to drive safe technology adoption across banking and insurance.

  • So what? You might find it useful to review your own internal rules for automated decision-making now, as these appointments suggest that tighter industry standards and more ministerial attention are on the horizon.

The Isle of Man has established a National AI Office with £1 million in funding to improve public service efficiency and support local business growth.

  • So what? If your business has links to the island, it is worth keeping an eye on their new procurement routes and pilots as they often move faster than larger jurisdictions to test new tech.

Ofcom has opened a formal investigation into the platform X under the Online Safety Act following reports of risks associated with AI-generated sexual imagery.

  • So what? This serves as a helpful reminder to ensure that any generative tools or user platforms your business uses have clear safety guardrails to stay on the right side of evolving UK law.

“AI must be part of how we deliver faster, simpler and more cost-effective services for our community.” – Alfred Cannan, Chief Minister, Isle of Man Government

Best Chatbots for SMES 2026

TopTen AI Agents has just released its definitive list of the Top 10 AI Chatbots for UK SMEs and we’re here to break down what this means for you.

Overview

  • Tidio: The SME All-Rounder
  • Worktual: Best for UK Lead Gen & Professional Services
  • Chatling: Best for Rapid No-Code Deployment.

Whether your customers are messaging on WhatsApp or Instagram, these agents don’t just reply with scripts. They can reason through vague questions, book appointments and even process refunds. It’s like having a 24/7 support team that executes tasks without the huge overhead. Chatting isn’t enough; it’s about getting things done.

Tidio – The SME All-Rounder

While it isn’t the most complex tool on the market,it’s reported to be the most accessible for the average British business owner. If you want a conversational agent live in under 20 minutes without touching a single line of code, this is your starting point.

The standout feature is Lyro, an AI agent powered by Claude. Instead of building complex decision trees, you simply point Lyro at your website URL or upload your support PDFs

✅ Why UK SMEs Choose Tidio

  • Can move from sign-up to a live AI agent during a coffee break.
  • Claude-based models have lower inaccuracies.
  • Includes GDPR peace of mind.
  • A free tier is available.

⚠️ Limitations to Consider

  • Struggles with multi-step dependencies.
  • Analytics lack the deep, customisable drill-downs.
  • WhatsApp pricing is tied to Meta’s API.

Check out the full article for other suggestions! Here’s a few more ideas:

  • Worktual: Best for UK Lead Gen & Professional Services. This platform uses a British dialect engine to naturally handle conversations and senses customer frustration to trigger an instant human handoff. It is a top pick for regulated sectors like law or finance because all data is hosted locally in London.
  • Chatling: Best for Rapid No-Code Deployment. Perfect for solopreneurs, this tool ingests your website, PDFs or Notion pages to be live in under 10 minutes. It offers a fast route to automation without needing any technical or developer resources.
  • Intercom: Best for B2B SaaS & High-Growth Startups. The Fin AI engine uses advanced reasoning to handle complex multi-step troubleshooting rather than just basic Q&A. It integrates deeply with Salesforce and HubSpot, using a pay-per-resolution model so you only pay for results.

Quick Review: UiPath (Clipboard AI & Autopilot)📋

UiPath is moving away from its reputation as a complex, developer-only platform. The focus has shifted toward user-friendly automation designed for the UK business leader who needs results without the technical overhead.

Key Takeaways

  • Value & Features*: Clipboard AI eliminates manual data entry by transferring information between any application or document, including scans. Autopilot builds automation workflows from simple English descriptions or video recordings.
  • Impact on Your Business📈:This tool is vital for UK businesses dealing with older software or manual HMRC forms because it works with desktop apps that don’t usually talk to other systems. It allows any team member to build their own automations, which cuts out hours of tedious digital paperwork and frees them up for more important tasks
  • Price Point💷: Clipboard AI offers a free tier for individuals, while enterprise-grade Autopilot for Everyone starts at approximately £200 per user per month.

Upcoming Events & Conferences 📅

Leaders in North West organisations can explore live AI research and demonstrations relevant to health, manufacturing and digital services.

A professional forum covering AI foundations, machine learning, and generative AI alongside discussions on ethical governance and global policy.

An industry-focused event exploring how AI is reshaping business management, finance and operational strategy. https://allconferencealert.com

This flagship event explores how project professionals can lead with clarity and foresight, including sessions on blending AI with human experience to sharpen decision-making.

Training & Skills Development 🎓

Ideal for public-sector and policy-adjacent teams wanting to understand how AI is used to analyse consultations and how to maintain human oversight.