This quarter’s CEOBarometer marks the start of a new year with a UK tech sector still operating in a tough environment – but with clearer signals about where value creation will (and won’t) come from over the rest of the decade.

Growth across Software and ICT Services remains constrained after a disappointing 2025, capital markets continue to underserve the sector, and deal activity is selective rather than expansive. Against that backdrop, we step back from short-term forecasts and focus on the six strategic themes Megabuyte believes boards must prioritise in 2026 – from AI market impact and pricing models to organic growth, people strategy, and the future shape of M&A.

We explore why tactical AI initiatives are no longer enough, how deflationary dynamics are reshaping Software and Services business models, why traditional roll-up strategies face diminishing returns, and what the “AI Goldilocks period” really means for long-term value creation. As ever, we ground the discussion in hard data on growth, valuations, capital flows, private equity, venture capital, and M&A.

The episode also looks ahead to Megabuyte’s 2026 events programme, where these themes will be explored in depth across specific markets and sectors.

Timings

00:40 – 2026  Themes:

22:59 – Growth & Trading:

32:11 – Capital Markets:

42:06 – Private Equity:

49:42 – Venture Capital:

56:20 – M&A: