Signals
Short, fast takes on what's happening right now. Some signals are later developed into full posts on the Observatory.
What Is Agentic AI — and Should Your Business Be Using It?
'Agentic AI' dominated London Tech Week 2026. Most SME owners have never heard the term — here's what it actually means.
The UK Government Just Announced £200 Million for SMEs to Adopt AI. Here's How to Access It.
Most SME owners haven't heard about the £200m AI fund announced at London Tech Week. Here's what it covers and how to...
The NHS Is Giving 505,000 Staff Microsoft Copilot. Here's What That Means for Your Business.
The NHS just went all-in on Microsoft Copilot. If the UK's largest employer is doing it, the business case is getting...
DragonForce: The Ransomware Group That Hit M&S, Co-op and Harrods Is Now Targeting Smaller Businesses
The group behind the M&S breach claimed another UK attack on 14 June. SMEs are next — here's why and what to do.
19 June Is the GDPR Deadline Your Business Probably Missed
A legal deadline most UK SMEs missed — and what to do about it before Thursday.
AI Agents and Copilots Explained: What's the Difference?
Searches for 'AI agent' and 'AI copilot' are both rising fast. Here's the difference, and why it matters.
AI for Business: Where to Start (Without the Hype)
'AI for business' and 'AI in business' searches are climbing fast. Here's a practical starting point, without the hype.
What Is Data Science? A Plain-English Explainer
'Data science projects' searches are up 750% this year. Here's what data science actually means, in plain terms.
IT Support for SMEs: What You Actually Need (and When)
Searches for 'IT support for SME' and 'SME IT support' are both up over 350% this year. Here's how to think about it.
What Is Business Innovation? It's Not Just New Products
'What is innovation' searches are up 60% this year. Here's why innovation is broader — and more accessible — than mos...
What Is Cloud Computing? A Quick Explainer for Businesses
'What is cloud computing' searches are up 40% this year, and cloud computing services up 350%. Here's a plain-English...
What Is Generative AI? How It's Different from 'Normal' AI
'Generative AI' searches are climbing fast. Here's how it differs from other AI, in plain terms.
What Is Digital Transformation? A Plain-English Guide
'Digital transformation strategies' searches are up over 1,000% this year. Here's what it actually means in practice.
What Is Cybersecurity? A Quick Guide for Small Businesses
Searches for cybersecurity tips are up over 3,000% this year. Here's a quick explainer and where to start.
What Is SaaS? A Quick Explainer for Business Owners
'What is SaaS' searches are up 60% this year. Here's a quick answer, plus what to check before signing up.
AI Still Needs Humans: Why the Best Results Come from Both
AI is powerful, but unsupervised AI output is a liability. Here's where humans still matter most.
Can AI Solve My Business Problem? How to Tell
Searches for 'use AI' are up 60% this year. Before you adopt a new tool, ask these three questions first.
What Is AI? A Quick Explainer for Business Owners
Searches for 'what is AI' are up sharply this year. Here's a quick, jargon-free answer.
Example Signal: A Quick Take on a Recent Story
A short, fast-turnaround take on a recent story.