UK businesses are continuing to pour money into artificial intelligence — but questions are emerging over whether that investment is being deployed effectively.
New figures released by Tech Show London, the UK’s leading technology event, reveal that 73% of companies increased their AI spend in 2025 compared with 2024. Average outlay reached £75,000 per business, yet many organisations remain uncertain about how to integrate AI strategically and ethically.
The research found that while a growing number of companies are establishing clearer lines of ownership, widespread challenges persist. Almost one in five (18%) now assign responsibility for the ethical and trustworthy use of AI to a senior technology leader — typically a CTO, CIO, or equivalent function. However, only 8% of business leaders say they have no workforce strategy for AI, suggesting that most have a plan in name if not in practice. Maintaining employee trust remains a key concern, cited by 32% of respondents.
Over the past year, organisational restructuring has accelerated in response to automation. Nearly two in five (39%) businesses retrained employees for new technology-related roles, while 34% hired or created new positions requiring AI or data expertise. At the same time, almost a quarter (24%) reduced headcount, and 23% cut junior or entry-level hiring as automation replaced tasks once performed by people.
The report’s authors describe a landscape marked by optimism and unease. Former Dragon’s Den investor and Implement.AI Executive Chairman, Piers Linney MBE, called 2026 a “make or break year” for UK businesses seeking to convert AI ambition into impact. “Leaders recognise the vast potential of AI and are eager to unlock its benefits,” he said, “but they must balance the speed of adoption with mindful, structured implementation.”
Simon Press, Senior Portfolio Director at CloserStill Media, added that AI has “moved firmly from hype to hard reality.” He said, “UK businesses are not just talking about transformation — they are funding it. But with technology evolving at unprecedented speed, leaders need clarity, confidence and credible insight to avoid wasting time, money and talent.”
Against this backdrop, Tech Show London 2026 — taking place 4–5 March at ExCeL London — is being positioned as a key platform for guidance and best practice. The event will feature five co-located shows, including Cloud & AI Infrastructure, DevOps Live, Cloud & Cyber Security Expo, Big Data & AI World, and Data Centre World. Confirmed speakers include Linney, Professor Hannah Fry, Baroness Martha Lane Fox, and broadcaster Louis Theroux.
Attendance is free for end-user professionals via the event’s official website, techshowlondon.co.uk.
