AI & Copilot

What are the best AI tools for business?

There are hundreds of AI tools and endless hype. Here’s the plain-English guide to the ones that actually help a business — and how to choose.

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Why Foresight

  • Cyber Essentials Plus certified
  • Microsoft CSP & Copilot specialists
  • Greater Manchester, since 2006
  • Honest advice — not licence-selling

Quick answer

For most businesses, the best AI tool is the one built into the software you already use. For Microsoft 365 users that’s Microsoft 365 Copilot (and free Copilot Chat) for everyday work, with Copilot Studio to build simple agents. Beyond that, general assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini help with research and drafting, and automation tools handle repetitive processes. The “best” tool is the one that fits a real task, is safe with your data, and that people will actually use — so start with what you have rather than buying something new.

The main options

AI tools that earn their keep

ToolBest for
Microsoft 365 CopilotDrafting, summarising and analysis right inside Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams
Copilot Chat (free)Everyday questions, research and first drafts over your work data
Copilot StudioBuilding your own simple AI agents without code
ChatGPT / GeminiGeneral research, brainstorming and drafting (keep sensitive data out)
Automation (e.g. Power Automate)Repetitive, rules-based processes
Managed EDR & SOCAI-assisted cyber security working behind the scenes

How to choose

Three simple tests

Ignore the hype and ask three questions of any tool: Does it fit a real task you do often? Is it safe with your data (permissions, policy, where the data goes)? And will people actually use it? If yes to all three, it’s worth it. For most Microsoft 365 businesses, the honest answer is to start with Copilot before buying anything new — and let an AI Readiness Audit tell you who genuinely needs a paid licence.

Free downloads

Start today with our templates

The same free, ready-to-use templates we use in our audits:

“Day in the Life” AI template

Find exactly where AI will save your team time.

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AI Usage Policy template

A short, practical AI policy to keep your data safe.

Download →

FAQs

Common questions

What is the best AI tool for business?
The one built into the software you already use. For Microsoft 365 businesses that’s Microsoft 365 Copilot and free Copilot Chat, with Copilot Studio for agents.
Is Microsoft Copilot the best AI for business?
For organisations already on Microsoft 365, usually yes — it works inside the apps your team use daily and respects your existing security. It’s the natural starting point.
ChatGPT or Copilot for business?
Copilot is better for working securely with your business data inside Microsoft 365; ChatGPT and Gemini are handy general assistants for research and drafting — just keep sensitive data out of public tools.
Do I need lots of different AI tools?
No. Most businesses get the biggest wins from one or two tools used well. Start with what you have, prove the value, then add more only if there’s a clear need.
How do I choose an AI tool?
Pick tools that fit a real, frequent task, are safe with your data, and that staff will actually use. We help you choose and roll them out as part of our AI Adoption service.

Pick the right AI tools — and use them well

We’ll help you choose the tools that fit, keep them safe, and only pay for the licences you need.

See AI Adoption as a ServiceCall 0161 738 1399