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.

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📖 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

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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

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📖 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

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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🚨 Never miss an episode Sign up to our media and technology preference centre to never miss an episode: 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 Instagram - http://bit.ly/2W60CWm

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

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📖 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

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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?

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Listen to Ollie's podcast Founded & Grounded: https://foundedandgrounded.com/

Read our latest media industry outlook for more insights: https://bit.ly/4m8pdpD

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📖 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

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The leisure and hospitality industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. Facing evolving consumer habits that demand unique, shared experiences alongside relentless cost and staffing pressures, technology is providing solutions.

Smart technology is revolutionising front-of-house interactions and reshaping how we socialise. But the real gamechanger lies the back-of-house where tech is driving efficiencies. From intelligent inventory and staffing solutions to predictive analytics that deliver crucial cost savings and slash waste, extending far beyond simple automation.

Join Ben Bilsland as he chats to Saxon Moseley, Head of Leisure and Hospitality at RSM UK to discuss the solutions that are unlocking new pathways for growth in the industry.

🔗 Links For the latest leisure and hospitality insights follow RSM UK's CGA tracker: http://bit.ly/3HEfDMc

Read our leisure and hospitality outlook : https://bit.ly/4jPf5R2

Learn more about loyalty schemes: https://bit.ly/4jQ8aab

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📖 chapters00:00:00 - 00:01:02 : Introduction

00:01:03 - 00:03:40 : The current challenges leisure and hospitality businesses are facing

00:03:41 - 00:04:51: How are changes in consumer habits affecting leisure and hospitality businesses?

00:04:52 - 00:09:11 : Why is competitive socialising transforming leisure and hospitality?

00:09:12 - 00:12:50 : How is tech driving customer loyalty?

00:12:51 - 00:17:08 : How is AI affecting leisure and hospitality businesses behind the scenes?

00:17:09 - 00:22:48 : The tech driving efficiency in leisure and hospitality businesses

00:22:49 - 00:24:36 : What do the next 10 years in leisure and hospitality look like?

00:24:37 - 00:25:02 : Closing

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Is modern tech a convenience or a fraudsters playground? The rapid innovation of tech has presented us with a double-edge sword.

On one side, tech promises a stronger defence against fraud through artificial intelligence, data analytics and behavioural biometrics. On the other side, the same advancements are being used against us. Fraudsters are getting smarter and more sophisticated with less, in the last three years alone we’ve seen deepfake scams increase by 2000%.

How can you balance the dynamics between cutting-edge technology and ever-evolving tactics of fraudsters? Join Ben Bilsland and Erin Sims, a director in the fraud risk team at RSM UK as they unravel the complexities and explore strategies on how to stay ahead.

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More insights from Erin n how to navigate the failure to prevent fraud regulation coming into effect in September 2025: https://bit.ly/4j0iax0

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📖 chapters

00:00:00 - 00:00:55 : Introduction

00:00:56 - 00:01:36 : How does fraud impact the economy?

00:01:37 - 00:04:56: What is tech's role in fraud?

00:04:57 - 00:08:05 : Deepfake technology and fraud

00:08:06 - 00:08:34 : Insurance fraud 00:08:35 -

00:11:06 : Financial services fraud

00:11:07 - 00:14:40 : How is tech helping to protect against fraud

00:14:41 - 00:19:12 : How can you protect yourself against fraud?

00:19:13 - 00:22:10 : What do businesses need to do to protect themselves?

00:22:11 - 00:23:40 : UK online fraud charter

00:23:41 - 00:26:36 : Fraud regulation

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Within weeks of releasing our first episode on the importance of the technology industry to the UK economy, a Chinese AI start-up called ‘DeepSeek’ released DeepSeek-R1, a generative AI model. Its release hit financial markets, stock prices, and is now poised to influence the global economy and the speed that AI can change the way our world operates. Why? Because ‘DeepSeek’ was created at a fraction of the cost of previous models. Filmed in March, we asked our host Ben Bilsland and Tom Pugh, RSM UK’s Chief Economist, to sit down again to unpick what this means, not only for the geopolitical consequences but also to ask whether this is a ‘game changer’ moment or rather just the natural process of innovation. And whether it’s a kind of innovation UK tech businesses will be able to replicate.

🔗 Links

Watch Ben and Tom's first episode

For more insight from Tom on the economy read our 'Economic Voice'

📖 chapters

Introduction 00:00:00 - 00:01:28

Why was DeepSeek revolutionary? 00:02:29 - 00:04:46

Why did the market react in the way they did to DeepSeek? 00:04:47 - 00:09:37

Can UK tech firms catch up in the AI race? 00:09:38 - 00:12:18

Does DeepSeek change the impact of AI? 00:12:19 - 00:15:29

Can the UK government encourage AI development? 00:15:30 - 00:19:16

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What is a smart city? A city where technology helps anticipate your every need. Pre-booked transport based on your personal diary, living spaces that adapt and respond to your routine, and buildings that generate and supply their own energy. Advancements in technology are creating more convenient and sustainable urban environments - welcome to smart city living! 

But, with progress comes challenges. How much personal data are we willing to share? Can our cities' existing infrastructure keep up? And how does the construction industry build the cities of tomorrow with an aging workforce? 

Join Ben Bilsland and Kelly Boorman, RSM UK’s Head of Construction, as they dive into the world of smart cities - exploring how tech is transforming the way we live for the better.  

For more insight into the construction industry read our latest real estate 360 report. 

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Technology significantly influences our daily lives, but what role does it play in shaping the UK economy? In this episode join Ben Bilsland and Thomas Pugh, RSM UK’s Economist as they unpack the productivity and profitability trends within the tech sector. They compare the tech ecosystem of the UK and the US and break down the UK’s government ambitious AI initiative designed to position the UK as a global powerhouse. But the challenge remains, does the UK have the right infrastructure to support these bold plans? It’s a £47 billion question!Tune in and reshape your understanding of how technology is set to revolutionise the UK economy. This episode was recorded before Deepseek was launched.

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