Nine out of ten British businesses already weave artificial intelligence into their daily operations — but the numbers that follow suggest this is only the beginning. A stunning 96% of chief financial officers now expect a rise in investment in digital technology and assets across the UK over the next five years, with 91% anticipating an increase within the next twelve months alone.
The figures, drawn from a Deloitte survey, reflect a swelling confidence among finance leaders that AI will deliver on its promise. Darren Graves, CEO of Deloitte in the UK, offered a tempered but telling reaction. “It is encouraging to see growing optimism about the positive impact AI can have on productivity and business performance,” he said. But his next sentence pointed directly at the political backdrop that CFOs are watching closely. “With a new prime minister and cabinet in office, businesses will be keen to hear how the government plans to boost growth, competitiveness, and deliver a clear economic strategy that supports the UK’s position as a leading global destination for business and investment.”
“96% of UK CFOs expect digital investment to rise over five years, Deloitte survey finds.”
That call for clarity comes amid a paradox. An increasing number of studies have warned that firms pouring large sums into AI adoption are growing anxious about returns on investment. Yet the Deloitte findings show little sign of that caution among UK CFOs. The mood, at least for now, is distinctly bullish.
The survey also highlights a sector-specific challenge: the insurance industry must include every layer of the organisation to succeed with AI changes. And OpenAI has promoted Sia to Advanced Partner in its OpenAI Partner Network, a move that signals deepening ties between consultancies and AI developers. But the overarching story is one of financial executives betting big on digital transformation.
What remains to be seen is whether the government’s forthcoming economic strategy will match the private sector’s appetite. With a new administration pledging to revive growth, the CFOs’ optimism will either be rewarded or tested.