UK CEOs Expect AI, Cyberattacks and Cost Cuts to Dominate 2026

The bosses of some of Britain’s biggest companies predict a fresh wave of challenges next year, as they absorb the impact Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves’ tax-raising budget in November.

Chief executive officers in sectors including finance, housing, gambling and hospitality told Bloomberg they’re bracing for artificial intelligence trust issues, more cyberattacks and pressure to build on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government. Cost cuts will also be on the agenda, according to one.

Having contended with a year of higher taxes, a stagnating domestic economy, US tariffs and fears of an AI bubble, here’s what they think ...