Tech Show London research: 2026 set to be a make or break year for getting AI strategy right

Tech Show London, a UK-based event from CloserStill Media, has unveiled new research highlighting a growing disconnect between the surge in AI investment and organisations’ confidence in implementing it strategically.

Conducted by Opinion Matters among a sample of 500 decision makers in UK businesses excluding sole traders, this found that 73% of UK businesses invested more in AI and AI enabled technologies in 2025 compared with 2024, spending an average of £75,000 on AI during 2025 alone.

Some organisations are taking proactive steps - establishing clear ownership for implementation and integrating new technologies responsibly and effectively. 18% report that a CTO, CIO or dedicated technology function now holds primary responsibility for ensuring the ethical and trustworthy use of AI. 

However, while just 8% of leaders say they have no AI workforce strategy in place, the research suggests that many existing strategies struggle to gain traction in practice, particularly when it comes to maintaining employee trust (32%).

Over the past 12 months, businesses across the UK have reshaped teams in multiple ways. 39% retrained employees to adapt to new technologies, while 34% hired or created new roles requiring AI and data skills.

At the same time, 24% reduced headcount to cut costs and/or drive efficiency, and 23% reduced junior or entry-level hiring as automation replaced tasks. Leaders are clearly attempting to prepare for a future where humans and AI systems work more closely together, although the transition remains complex and uneven.

The key questions now are whether investment is being effectively targeted, whether a correction or “bubble burst” may follow, and what business leaders should prioritise to ensure their technology strategies deliver real value in 2026.

Former Dragon’s Den star and Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Implement.AI, Piers Linney , warns that 2026 will be a “make or break year” for getting AI strategy right. The research shows leaders recognise the vast potential of AI and are eager to unlock its benefits, but “must balance the speed of adoption with mindful, structured implementation.”

Simon Press, Senior Portfolio Director at Tech Show London organiser CloserStill Media, comments: “AI has moved firmly from hype to hard reality. 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. The findings are a stark reminder of the value of breaking out of echo chambers, identifying hidden knowledge gaps critical to informed decision-making, and understanding the financial downside of ignoring them.”

Taking place from 4th–5th March at ExCeL London, Tech Show London will bring together Cloud & AI Infrastructure, DevOps Live, Cloud & Cyber Security Expo, Big Data & AI World, and Data Centre World. Confirmed speakers include Piers Linney, Professor Hannah Fry and Baroness Martha Lane Fox.

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH proudly presents the first edition of its AI in Retail Awards, sponsored by VenHub Global, 3D Cloud and EdTech Innovation Hub.

This is now open for entries. Deadline for submissions is Friday, 5th December. It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

Check out categories and entry forms here.

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January. This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.