Artificial intelligence is fast becoming a cornerstone of the UK government´s vision for revitalising the industrial sector, with professional and business services set to receive significant investment in digital infrastructure. The push comes as part of a broader industrial strategy targeting the acceleration of technology uptake and artificial intelligence integration throughout the sector.
Central to the plan is the expansion of the Made Smarter Adoption programme, which forms a segment of a £150 million investment package. This UK government-backed initiative has traditionally focused on digital transformation for small and medium-sized manufacturers, but it will now broaden its scope to bolster consulting and advisory firms. Many such firms are currently expanding their digital offerings, even as market fluctuations prompt some of the largest players to cut back on headcount and defer promotions. According to Hywel Pegler, head of professional and business services at RSM, the strategy aims to double sector investment to £65 billion by 2035, further cementing the UK´s global status as a trusted adviser.
The professional and business services sector currently employs 14% of the national workforce and is pivotal in supporting firms across diverse industries. However, the sector faces persistent recruitment challenges, especially for senior and specialist positions. Expanding digital adoption, particularly in artificial intelligence, promises to unlock more tailored, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for clients while also addressing skills shortages. Further, the government intends to reform the Professional and Business Services Council, empowering it to promote technology best practice throughout the UK and overseas. This council will also play a role in balancing the drive for automation with sustaining a robust pipeline of future talent, as firms weigh the prospect of artificial intelligence replacing entry-level roles.
Hywel Pegler cautioned that upskilling in technology should be matched by an ongoing focus on human-centric client engagement. He emphasised the importance of advising firms to set clear, collaborative parameters with clients around the use of technology so that artificial intelligence becomes an enabler for more meaningful interactions, rather than a replacement for in-person relationships. The government´s strategy underscores an aspiration: to blend technological advancement with the enduring value of human expertise in shaping the future of professional services.
