What's next for UK tech in 2026? Industry insights and trends

What's next for UK tech in 2026? Industry insights and trends

What’s really driving UK tech as we head into 2026? AI is changing how we work, global investment is evolving, and the UK tech scene is full of opportunity. Host Ben is joined by RSM’s own David Blacher and Georgie Bole to unpack the findings of RSM’s latest survey of UK tech companies, revealing how industry leaders are feeling about the future. Discover why London continues to shine as Europe’s tech capital, and how the UK’s unique blend of innovation and resilience is attracting investment from both sides of the Atlantic. The conversation explores the evolving funding landscape, from private equity’s optimism to the government’s latest moves on R&D tax relief, and what it all means for startups and scale-ups alike. But it’s not just about money. Ben, David, and Georgie tackle the talent crunch, the real-world impact of AI on jobs and the urgent need to keep the UK’s tech workforce inspired and engaged. 🔗 Links Read our latest tech insights: https://bit.ly/4qCyYix [https://bit.ly/4qCyYix] 🚨 Never miss an episode Sign up to our media and technology preference centre to never miss an episode: https://bit.ly/3F4W52w [http://bit.ly/2W60CWm] 📖 Chapters 00:00:00 - 00:01:26 : Highlights of 2025 00:01:27 - 00:03:59: UK tech investment trends 00:03:59 - 00:06:01: Funding and private equity landscape 00:06:01 - 00:09:38: Workforce in tech 00:09:38 - 00:11:34: The impact of AI in 2026 00:11:34 - 00:13:40 : UK tech and US collaboration 00:13:40 - 00:14:08: R&D tax schemes and incentives 00:18:02 - 00:21:26: London's position as a global tech city 00:21:26 - 00:27:56: 2026 tech predications 00:27:56 - 00:29:00: Closing 📱 And follow us on social: LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT [https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT ] Instagram - http://bit.ly/2W60CWm [http://bit.ly/2W60CWm]

Is technology leaving the charity sector in its wake?

Whether you’ve tapped your phone at the checkout or clicked ‘donate’ after an emotive video, giving has never been easier. Charities have had to evolve with the consumer over the past decade: what was once spare change dropped into a collection box is now transforming into a fully digital, contactless experience. But digital transformation isn’t without its challenges. As charities handle more sensitive data than ever, cybersecurity and data protection have become critical concerns. So, how can they stay secure while embracing innovation? In this episode, Ben Bilsland sits down with Hannah Catchpool, Head of Not for Profit and National Head of Inclusion at RSM UK, to explore how technology is reshaping the way charities fundraise and build trust with donors. They unpack the disruption of traditional giving, the growing influence of AI and why strong governance is essential to maintaining transparency and donor confidence. 🔗 Resources Charity digital skills: https://charitydigitalskills.co.uk/report/charity-data-and-resources/ Zoe Amar checklist: https://zoeamar.com/digital-guides-resources/artificial-intelligence-resources/ai-checklist-for-charity-trustees-and-leaders/ Charity Comms AI hub: https://www.charitycomms.org.uk/ai-hub British Library cyber attack recovery report: https://www.bl.uk/about/cyber-attack Techs role in fraud: https://youtu.be/2Te-02N9Xjc?si=6MDu-hvSoJLkSIgr 🚨 Never miss an episode sign up to our media and technology preference centre to never miss an episode: https://bit.ly/3F4W52w 📖 Chapters 00:00:05-00:01:25 — Introduction and RSM UK charity challenges 00:01:25-00:03:57 — The impact of cashless and contactless donations 00:03:57-00:07:29 — Online fundraising platforms: transparency, trust, and fees 00:07:29-00:08:42 — Digital giving trends 00:08:42-00:13:15 — The future of charities: technology, AI, and resource challenges 00:13:15-00:15:14 — Data, cybersecurity, and governance in charities 00:15:14-00:17:50 — Board skills, ethics, and the human touch 00:17:50-00:20:54 — Social media, digital exclusion, and reputational risks 00:21:02-00:25:33 — How charities are adopting artificial intelligence 00:25:33-00:28:19 — AI ethics, practical advice, and resources for charities 00:28:19-End — Closing remarks 📱 And follow us on social: LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT Instagram - http://bit.ly/2W60CWm

Where is the UK video game industry heading?

In part two of Ben Bilsland’s conversation with Nick Poole OBE, CEO of Ukie, they explore where the UK gaming industry is heading over the next 5–10 years.They discuss the growing role of AI in development, the rise of mobile-first and interactive experiences and how the sector is entering a new phase of innovation. From virtual route‑learning for train drivers to inspiring two of the biggest TV hits in recent years, Fallout and The Last of Us, industries around the world are starting to recognise the gaming industry’s wider potential. But it’s not just tech that is evolving the world of gaming. More recently, consumer habits have shifted from combat and competition-driven titles to more collaborative and social experiences.And yes, there’s a Pac-Man fact you don’t want to miss.🔗 Links Read our latest gaming insights: https://bit.ly/4m8pdpD [https://bit.ly/4m8pdpD]🚨 Never miss an episode Sign up to our media and technology preference centre to never miss an episode: https://bit.ly/3F4W52w [https://bit.ly/3F4W52w]📖 chapters00:00:12 - 00:02:58 : What's next for UK gaming?00:02:59 - 00:04:43 : How games have changed to meet the needs of the consumer00:04:44 - 00:06:24: Government support for the gaming industry00:06:25 - 00:07:32 : UK vs Global game development costs00:07:33 - 00:10:33: Gaming across industries 00:10:34 - 00:14:45 : AI in gaming 00:14:45 - 00:17:07 : AI ethics and UK leadership 00:17:08 - 00:19:22 : Getting involved in gaming: investment and talent 00:19:22 - 00:19:47 : Closing 📱 Follow us on social: LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT [https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT ]Instagram - http://bit.ly/2W60CWm [http://bit.ly/2W60CWm]

Is the gaming industry the UK’s best kept secret?

Starting with garden shed coders in the 1980s to a £7.6bn global powerhouse, the UK’s gaming industry might be the country’s best-kept secret. Join Ben as he sits down with Nick Poole OBE, CEO of Ukie, to explore the creativity, technology and economic force driving British gaming today. Discover how the UK’s unique mix of ‘tongue-in-cheek creativity’ and cutting-edge tech helped create icons like Lara Croft and the Grand Theft Auto franchise. The discussion delves into how blockbuster games with billion-dollar budgets coexist alongside indie hits that explode overnight, and how emerging technologies are shaping the next wave of innovation. Beyond gaming delivering purely entertainment, Ben and Nick explore how gaming fosters new communities and serves as a powerful platform for learning and development, revealing how gaming is fundamentally changing the world's perspective on play, business and creativity. The conversation continues in part two on 8th September. Join us then to hear Nick’s take on the future of gaming in the UK. 🔗 Links Read our latest gaming insights: https://bit.ly/4m8pdpD [https://bit.ly/4m8pdpD] 🚨 Never miss an episode Sign up to our media and technology preference centre to never miss an episode: https://bit.ly/3F4W52w [https://bit.ly/3F4W52w] 📖 chapters 00:00:00 - 00:00:56 : Introduction to the UK gaming industry. 00:00:57 - 00:03:45 : Understanding the UK gaming industry and the role of British creativity. 00:03:46 - 00:03:50: Global influence and investment in UK gaming 00:03:51 - 00:06:37 : Structure of the UK gaming ecosystem 00:06:38 - 00:07:39: Techs impact on game distribution 00:07:40 - 00:11:57 : How games are created and funded 00:11:58 - 00:14:19 : Gaming demographics and cultural maturity 00:14:20 - 00:16:06 : Gaming during COVID: social and emotional impact 00:16:07 - 00:17:13 : Digital play and skill development in children 00:17:14 - 00:18:51 : Games as learning tools 📱 And follow us on social: LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT [https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT ] Instagram - http://bit.ly/2W60CWm [http://bit.ly/2W60CWm]

How to make your podcast stand out in today’s media landscape

Ben Bilsland is joined by Ollie Tiramuragan Collard, host of ‘Founded and Grounded’ to unpack the realities behind the podcast evolution. As a successful indie creator himself, Ollie shares his journey, reflecting on how the podcast industry has transformed technologically, creatively and commercially. The introduction of major media and tech companies has not only shifted consumption habits but also fuelled a significant surge in revenue now estimated at over $7.3 billion. But amidst this rapid growth and commercialisation, what truly moves the needle in today’s landscape? Has the rise of AI, video podcasts and aggressive sponsorship taken away what made podcasts so great in the first place, or is there still an undeniable power in cultivating a unique voice, building a genuine community and remaining authentic? 🔗 Links Listen to Ollie's podcast Founded & Grounded: https://foundedandgrounded.com/ [https://foundedandgrounded.com/] Read our latest media industry outlook for more insights: https://bit.ly/4m8pdpD [https://bit.ly/4m8pdpD] 🚨 Never miss an episode Sign up to our media and technology preference centre to never miss an episode: https://bit.ly/3F4W52w [https://bit.ly/3F4W52w] 📖 chapters 00:00:00 - 00:02:42 : Introduction 00:02:43 - 00:05:26 : The podcasting boom: How did podcasting become such a popular medium? 00:05:27 - 00:07:59: Video podcasting 00:04:52 - 00:14:18 : How has AI impacted podcasting? 00:14:19 - 00:17:44 : Listener acquisition through partnerships? 00:17:45 - 00:21:51 : How have podcast generated $7.3B in sales? 00:21:52 - 00:25:07 : Building trust with your audience. 00:25:08 - 00:26:06 : Closing 📱 Follow us on social: LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT Instagram - http://bit.ly/2W60CWm