Insights from Britain’s Leading CEOs on the Major Challenges Ahead in 2026

The leaders of some of Britain’s largest companies are anticipating a new wave of challenges in the coming year, as they adapt to the implications of Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves’ tax-raising budget announced in November.

CEOs from various sectors, including finance, housing, gambling, and hospitality, shared their insights with Bloomberg, expressing concerns over trust issues related to artificial intelligence, an increase in cyberattacks, and the pressure to align with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government. Cost-cutting measures are also expected to be a priority for many.

“The cyberattacks that crippled companies like Marks & Spencer Group Plc and Jaguar Land Rover in 2025 will ‘inspire cyber criminals to go even further in the coming year,’” said Adrian Cox, CEO of Beazley Plc.

After navigating a year marked by higher taxes, a stagnant domestic economy, US tariffs, and concerns about an AI bubble, here’s what industry leaders foresee for 2026:

Richard Oldfield, Schroders Plc

Oldfield believes that 2026 will be a pivotal year for the adoption of artificial intelligence in business. “If we don’t see increasing productivity and profits from this change, we must question whether it’s truly enabling the transformation everyone talks about,” he stated. He emphasized the need for the UK to invest in itself and support the stock exchange to attract more foreign capital, suggesting that more listings next year would be “phenomenal.”

Tim Martin, JD Wetherspoon Plc

Martin highlighted “survival” as a key theme for the hospitality sector, which is facing rising costs due to increased employer taxes. He warned that any dip in sales could lead to significant challenges, urging the government to adopt a more pro-enterprise approach.

Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Plc

Della Valle anticipates that AI will significantly enhance customer experience, with chatbots evolving into capable customer agents. She stressed the importance of balancing AI technology with high-quality human interaction.

Adrian Blair, Trustpilot Group Plc

Blair noted that the rise of AI will make earning trust more challenging in 2026. However, he remains optimistic about AI’s potential, asserting that advancements in technology will yield significant benefits.

Adrian Cox, Beazley Plc

Cox reiterated concerns about cyberattacks, predicting that the incidents affecting major companies in 2025 will embolden cybercriminals. He emphasized the need for businesses to shift from a panic mindset to one of resilience.

Stella David, Entain Plc

David expressed concerns about the impact of higher taxes on the gambling sector, which could threaten jobs and investment. Despite these challenges, she remains hopeful, particularly with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which could benefit gambling companies.

Eduardo Landin, Hochschild Mining Plc

Landin expects a continued rise in precious metals prices, driven by supply shortages and increased demand. He noted that mining companies will need to focus on cost reduction to maximize profits.

Richard Houston, Deloitte UK

Houston anticipates that cost-cutting will remain a priority for businesses in 2026. He believes that steady economic growth and policy stability will help restore confidence in the latter half of the year.

Jennie Daly, Taylor Wimpey Plc

Daly is optimistic about ongoing planning reforms but stresses the need for better support for first-time buyers, citing regulatory burdens as significant obstacles to housing delivery.

Top photograph: A view of skyscrapers in the Canary Wharf business, financial and shopping district from the Horizon 22 public viewing gallery in the 22 Bishopsgate skyscraper in the City of London, UK, on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. Photo credit: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

The leaders of some of Britain’s largest companies are anticipating a new wave of challenges in the coming year, as they adapt to the implications of Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves’ tax-raising budget announced in November.

CEOs from various sectors, including finance, housing, gambling, and hospitality, shared their insights with Bloomberg, expressing concerns over trust issues related to artificial intelligence, an increase in cyberattacks, and the pressure to align with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government. Cost-cutting measures are also expected to be a priority for many.

“The cyberattacks that crippled companies like Marks & Spencer Group Plc and Jaguar Land Rover in 2025 will ‘inspire cyber criminals to go even further in the coming year,’” said Adrian Cox, CEO of Beazley Plc.

After navigating a year marked by higher taxes, a stagnant domestic economy, US tariffs, and concerns about an AI bubble, here’s what industry leaders foresee for 2026:

Richard Oldfield, Schroders Plc

Oldfield believes that 2026 will be a pivotal year for the adoption of artificial intelligence in business. “If we don’t see increasing productivity and profits from this change, we must question whether it’s truly enabling the transformation everyone talks about,” he stated. He emphasized the need for the UK to invest in itself and support the stock exchange to attract more foreign capital, suggesting that more listings next year would be “phenomenal.”

Tim Martin, JD Wetherspoon Plc

Martin highlighted “survival” as a key theme for the hospitality sector, which is facing rising costs due to increased employer taxes. He warned that any dip in sales could lead to significant challenges, urging the government to adopt a more pro-enterprise approach.

Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Plc

Della Valle anticipates that AI will significantly enhance customer experience, with chatbots evolving into capable customer agents. She stressed the importance of balancing AI technology with high-quality human interaction.

Adrian Blair, Trustpilot Group Plc

Blair noted that the rise of AI will make earning trust more challenging in 2026. However, he remains optimistic about AI’s potential, asserting that advancements in technology will yield significant benefits.

Adrian Cox, Beazley Plc

Cox reiterated concerns about cyberattacks, predicting that the incidents affecting major companies in 2025 will embolden cybercriminals. He emphasized the need for businesses to shift from a panic mindset to one of resilience.

Stella David, Entain Plc

David expressed concerns about the impact of higher taxes on the gambling sector, which could threaten jobs and investment. Despite these challenges, she remains hopeful, particularly with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which could benefit gambling companies.

Eduardo Landin, Hochschild Mining Plc

Landin expects a continued rise in precious metals prices, driven by supply shortages and increased demand. He noted that mining companies will need to focus on cost reduction to maximize profits.

Richard Houston, Deloitte UK

Houston anticipates that cost-cutting will remain a priority for businesses in 2026. He believes that steady economic growth and policy stability will help restore confidence in the latter half of the year.

Jennie Daly, Taylor Wimpey Plc

Daly is optimistic about ongoing planning reforms but stresses the need for better support for first-time buyers, citing regulatory burdens as significant obstacles to housing delivery.

Top photograph: A view of skyscrapers in the Canary Wharf business, financial and shopping district from the Horizon 22 public viewing gallery in the 22 Bishopsgate skyscraper in the City of London, UK, on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. Photo credit: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.