Builders have added AI to their toolbox, with nearly one in five (18 per cent) using digital tools at least six times a day and more than a third saying it would be “difficult” to do their jobs without the latest tech.

Data from Sage, the accounting software giant, found that tradespeople such as builders (73 per cent), electricians (71 per cent) and plumbers (63 per cent) who ran their own businesses were more likely to use digital tools every day than admin staff (58 per cent) — with the most common tasks found to be analysing data, writing emails and customer messaging.

Almost a third of tradespeople use AI to calculate material and labour costs, while more than a quarter use it for project inspiration and another quarter for assessing problems. More than four in ten use digital tools to simplify record-keeping, file taxes and chase late payments. Plumbers were most likely to tap up AI for budgeting tasks (67 per cent).

Yet the highest usage was found among engineers, with 91 per cent calling on AI daily. Hairdressers and beauty suppliers were also frequent users.

Lisa Ewens at Sage, which has just launched a payments AI agent, said: “For many these tools are becoming as much an essential for keeping businesses running as a spirit level or a chisel — with sole traders relying on them to communicate with their customers, generate quotes, issue invoices and make payments.”

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Stuart Bogazzi, who runs Oak Sure Construction in south London, said: “Digital tools are really helpful for working out calculations. I’ll enter the measurements of a space and it will tell me how much concrete I need, and where I can buy it cheapest. It has helped me find suppliers I would never have found otherwise.

“I also use Sage digital tools for 90 per cent of my accountancy. The software has saved me money as well as time. I used to spend around three hours a week doing admin and now that’s down to about 20 minutes — and I can spend the rest of the time with my family.”