However, the research exposes a critical imbalance. Organisations are pouring money into AI, but many remain uncertain about how to deploy it safely, ethically, and in ways that genuinely support productivity and workforce needs.

“UK businesses are not just talking about transformation—they are funding it,” says Simon Press, Senior Portfolio Director at organiser CloserStill Media. “But with technology evolving at unprecedented speed, leaders need clarity, confidence and operational insight to avoid wasting time, energy and talent.”

Leaders Call for Strategic Alignment and Real-World Learning

According to respondents, the organisations most likely to thrive in 2026 will be those that understand both the opportunities and the risks of AI. Leaders emphasised the need to learn from peers, study real industry examples, and recognise where missteps commonly occur.

Decisions made in the next 12 months, the research suggests, will have a long-term impact on competitiveness, customer service, and business resilience.

AI Investment Rising Against a Backdrop of Economic Pressure

While companies face inflationary pressures and rising costs, investment in AI continues to grow as leaders prioritise innovation, automation, and efficiency. Yet many highlighted that spending alone is not a strategy—and 2026 will be a decisive test of which organisations have built the right foundations to scale responsibly.

Tech Show London Returns 4–5 March 2026

Tech Show London, the UK’s most influential technology event for businesses, returns to Excel London on 4–5 March 2026, bringing together leaders shaping the future of AI, cloud, cybersecurity, data, and digital transformation.

Headline speakers confirmed for 2026 include:

• Professor Hannah Fry – Mathematician, broadcaster & author

• Baroness Martha Lane Fox – Co-founder of Lastminute.com, Chair of WeTransfer

• Piers Linney – Executive Chairman & Co-Founder, Implement AI

Across Cloud & AI Infrastructure, Cloud & Cyber Security Expo, DevOps Live, Big Data & AI World and Data Centre World, the event offers businesses the chance to learn directly from experts who are navigating AI transformation at scale.