research report
AI is now a first port of call for everyday financial and tax questions for many UK SMEs. Ravical’s independent research among 500 UK SMEs shows what that shift means for accounting firms, and why speed and forward planning now define the relationship clients want.
Form
Joris Van Der Gucht
Founder & CEO, Ravical
91%
considered switching accountants in the past 12 months
92%
would pay more for the services they need but don’t receive
70%
would pay more for the services they need but don’t receive
Clients go to AI first
In a Censuswide study of 500 UK SMEs, 70% said they always or often act on AI advice for financial matters before consulting their accountant. Only 5% said they rarely or never do so. The pattern holds across business sizes and sectors.
The advice gap is where relationships move
Only 33% of SMEs describe their accountant as a true working partner who brings ideas and insight. That helps explain why 91% have considered switching firms in the past 12 months. At the same time, 92% would pay more for the full range of services they need. SMEs are asking for forward-looking advice, faster responses, and advisers who reach out when something important changes.
