UK tech chiefs see 2026 as AI, network & talent test

Senior UK technology executives expect 2026 to bring tougher demands around artificial intelligence, network resilience and talent, while predicting stronger growth for their own businesses.

The leaders of ANS, TalkTalk Business and KOMI Group all highlighted rapid digital transformation as a defining feature of the year ahead. They described organisations that are moving from experimentation to more structured adoption of AI and data-led services, and that face sharper pressure on security, integration and skills.

AI moves beyond hype

Richard Thompson, Chief Executive of Manchester-based cloud and digital services provider ANS, said many organisations now face the reality of implementing AI at scale rather than testing tools in isolation.

"Many UK businesses are already moving past the initial wave of excitement for AI, and recognising the complexity of responsible adoption. One of the main challenges for businesses in 2026 will be turning AI anticipation into an adoption strategy that includes objectives, resource capabilities and employee development.

"AI needs a long-term strategy that encompasses the entire company, rather than just the IT team and C-suite. But when AI is viewed as an investment in both time and money, the benefits organisations can reap make it their biggest opportunity for 2026. Businesses that take decisive, well-governed steps now will be the ones to secure a meaningful competitive advantage in 2026," said Thompson, CEO, ANS.

Thompson said ANS had entered what he described as a new phase of growth after recognition from Microsoft and a series of acquisitions.

"In 2025, ANS made strategic achievements that put us on the front foot in 2026. We were named Microsoft's UK Partner of the Year, a testament to how we've been challenging the status quo. By providing customers with market-leading service and AI expertise, we've aligned all of our work with our mission to make technology universally accessible. As we head into 2026, we're cementing our position as a Frontier Firm by establishing human-AI teams that drive speed and operational efficiency.

"Acquisitions made in 2025 have brought more business solutions and data expertise in-house. These choices have strengthened our AI readiness offering, making us the partner of choice to create personalised adoption strategies in 2026. The tech landscape is going to continue changing significantly next year, but with our capabilities, we're ready to evolve with it and help clients harness AI to deliver transformational change," said Thompson.

Networks under pressure

Ruth Kennedy, Chief Executive of TalkTalk Business, said organisations would need stronger digital foundations as investment in cloud and smart systems grows in both the public and private sectors.

"2026 is shaping up to be another year of significant technological transformation across all sectors. From the Government announcing a multi billion pound investment in the NHS's digital transformation, to retailers increasingly adopting smart technologies, investment in digital infrastructure continues to accelerate. Reliable networks underpin all of these investments, serving as the backbone for new systems, smart solutions and cloud adoption.

"The challenge lies in the pace and complexity of change. Companies must not only adopt new systems but also integrate them effectively into existing operations and evolve processes to ensure technology delivers tangible results, all while ensuring they remain consistently connected and have strong foundations for future tech adoption. Cybersecurity and data protection remain critical considerations, particularly as organisations increasingly rely on cloud-based and remote-working solutions. Those businesses that approach transformation strategically, balancing innovation with operational resilience, will gain a real competitive advantage," said Kennedy, CEO, TalkTalk Business.

TalkTalk Business recently separated from its former parent company. Kennedy said the restructured business will target organisations that want broader support around connectivity and IT services.

"2026 will be a year of tech transformation. Our customers are deploying new operating systems, embracing smart spaces and adopting advanced cloud and AI solutions, all of which demand reliable, secure networks.

"Following our demerger from TalkTalk, TalkTalk Business is entering 2026 as a more agile and comprehensive technology partner, well-positioned to support customers with managed and unmanaged services across cloud, cyber, voice, and collaboration. While connectivity remains central, this expanded capability allows us to meet evolving customer needs and help them succeed throughout the next year," said Kennedy.

Talent and data focus

For digital media businesses, changing audience behaviour and intense competition for skills are key themes. KOMI Group Chief Executive Sam Lenehan said leadership teams are rethinking the sources of competitive advantage.

"The biggest business opportunity in 2026 will be creating high-performing teams. Competitive advantage is shifting away from products and technology alone. It now comes from teams that can learn quickly, adapt to constant change and bring energy and creativity to every challenge.

"Building those teams requires a multi-layered approach - combining strong employer branding, diverse sourcing tactics and smart technology with genuine human relationship-building. As AI continues to streamline recruitment, companies that balance efficiency with a consistent, thoughtful candidate experience will stand out.

"Building operational resilience has never been as important for businesses than it is now, and this will become even more critical as many markets begin to consolidate. Harnessing real-time data insights is key to being able to react quickly to change, inform successful strategies and drive growth. This is how SMEs and start-ups will set themselves apart from the rest of the market - and prove their value in 2026," said Lenehan, CEO, KOMI Group.

KOMI Group produces and distributes social content for global audiences. Lenehan said the company expects further growth in 2026 based on its current momentum and product development.

"Our mission, to build the world's most engaged digital audiences, continues to guide everything we do and the momentum we've built in 2025 gives us real confidence for the year ahead.

"By creating content people genuinely want to watch, responding quickly to platform trends, and scaling a sustainable model that delivers value for audiences, creators and partners, we've been able to grow consistently and expand our global reach. With the strong structure and culture we now have in place, and a platform that's been rigorously built and tested, we envision a year of significant opportunity. In 2026, continued innovation, international expansion and operational strength will enable us to unlock even more of our potential," said Lenehan.