Cybersecurity, AI & sustainable IT top digital priorities
New research from Softcat indicates that UK and Ireland organisations continue to prioritise cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and end-user technology as they prepare for the year ahead.
The survey, conducted with nearly 4,000 organisations, reveals that data protection, adoption of AI, and optimising user devices now form the cornerstone of digital strategies across both corporate and public sectors.
Cybersecurity focus
Cybersecurity remains the most cited strategic priority with 47% of respondents placing it at the top of their agenda. Increasingly sophisticated attacks and the spread of hybrid IT estates are driving this focus. Security is viewed as a prerequisite for progressing in areas such as automation, AI, and cloud adoption. Organisations are concentrating efforts on improving data and cyber hygiene to support broader digital ambitions.
AI integration
AI adoption has rapidly closed in on cybersecurity, with 46% of organisations highlighting it as a key priority. However, research suggests that while the majority are regularly using AI tools, few have yet achieved meaningful transformation at the enterprise level. Standardisation and security are emerging as significant requirements as organisations seek to embed AI into workflows in ways that generate measurable benefits.
The move toward agentic AI is also changing workplace dynamics, influencing how businesses approach automation and harness employee potential. Respondents point to the continuing importance of workforce empowerment and skills development to ensure effective AI adoption.
End-user experience
With the phase-out of Windows 10 and the transition to Windows 11, 37% of organisations are reevaluating their device and software investments. Many are searching for solutions that not only deliver cost efficiency but also improve the digital employment experience (DEX) for staff. The report notes that more than half of those prioritising digital workspace aim to maximise the value of technology they already possess.
GRC (governance, risk, and compliance) is another growing concern, particularly within hybrid IT environments, featuring as a strategic priority for 36% of participants. Firms are paying renewed attention to compliance as a means of maximising operational efficiency and supporting future innovation.
Sustainability emphasis
Sustainable IT continues to grow in importance, with 75% of organisations either working on or already having a formal strategy in place. GreenOps, or Green Operations, is becoming a central focus, incorporating sustainability into everyday IT activities to address environmental concerns, control costs, and meet stakeholder expectations. Formal buy-back or trade-in schemes for end-user devices are also gaining traction, with 80% of respondents indicating interest in these options.
Procurement trends
Technology procurement remains largely cost-driven, with 83% putting competitive pricing at the top of their requirements. Customer service excellence follows as a close second, cited by 77%. Skills shortages and the need for specialist knowledge are influencing procurement decisions, as is a growing emphasis on social and environmental outcomes.
Implementation of the Procurement Act 2023 is shaping the way organisations approach vendor relationships, requiring greater consideration of public benefits alongside traditional commercial criteria.
Public sector pressures
In the public sector, 65% of leaders identify technology as a key driver of innovation, despite ongoing budget and cost constraints. The report highlights managed services, cybersecurity tools, AI, and workspace technologies as areas of increasing investment, especially among councils and local government bodies seeking to improve outcomes amid resource pressures. Data and IoT are identified as enablers of greater efficiency and public value, with a renewed focus on people-centred approaches.
Managed services growth
Demand for managed services is on the rise, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses and within the mid-market category. Growth is strongest in areas related to security, AI, and end-user technologies. The trend is mirrored across both public sector organisations and private enterprises, reflecting an appetite for external support in navigating digital transformation.
"Everyone at Softcat is committed to helping our customers navigate change with confidence, so I'm delighted to share this year's Business Tech Report. It's an essential overview of the trends and technologies shaping digital transformation today, and I hope it can help you plot a smooth course into the future." said Graham Charlton, CEO, Softcat.
