5 business trends to watch in 2026

Running a business means keeping an eye on what’s around the corner. And while no one — not even us! — has a crystal ball, there are certain shifts on the horizon that could shape how your business operates in 2026.

Whether you’re running a limited company or you’re a sole trader, keeping tabs on emerging trends can help you prepare, adapt, and spot new opportunities. 

So, with that in mind, here are five key things to be mindful of.

1. Making Tax Digital will continue its roll-out

Making Tax Digital (MTD) has been expanding, and April 2026 marks a significant milestone. From 6 April 2026, self-employed individuals and landlords with a combined gross income over £50,000 will need to join the system.

So what does this mean in practice? Rather than submitting one annual tax return, you’ll need to send quarterly updates to HMRC using compatible software. That’s four updates throughout the year, followed by a final declaration to confirm your total income and finalise your tax bill. 

If you’re approaching that £50,000 threshold, it’s worth getting familiar with MTD-recognised software sooner rather than later.

2. AI integrations will become more common – but human judgement is key

AI is here to stay. From automating admin tasks to analysing customer data, AI tools are being harnessed by businesses of all sizes. In 2026, that trend’s set to accelerate.

That said, everyone is still figuring out what AI can and can’t do well. While it might handle repetitive tasks efficiently, knowing when to step in with human oversight is crucial. The businesses that find the right balance between automation and judgement could have an edge in 2026.

3. Cybersecurity will move up the priority list

Cyber threats aren’t slowing down. According to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, 43% of UK businesses and 30% of charities experienced a cyber breach or attack in the past year. Those numbers suggest robust cybersecurity is becoming less of a ‘nice to have’ and more of a ‘need to have’.

Whether it’s updating passwords, training staff, or investing in better security software, the direction of travel seems pretty clear. Businesses that take cybersecurity seriously now could be better positioned to avoid costly disruptions further down the line.

4. Personalisation will become an expectation

People increasingly want the businesses they interact with to know them – what they like, what they don’t, and when they want to be contacted. Generic, one-size-fits-all approaches just don’t cut it anymore.

This might mean thinking about tailoring your marketing, remembering customer preferences, or simply being more thoughtful about comms. The tools that can help you do this are becoming more accessible, and the businesses that lean into personalisation could build stronger, more loyal relationships with their customers.

5. The human touch is coming back into fashion

AI is on the rise, but a counter-trend is also emerging: people still want to deal with people. Chatbots and automation have their place, but when it comes to complex queries, complaints, or building trust, an interaction with a human is often welcome.

The businesses that balance AI efficiency with a people-centric approach could stand out in 2026. It’s about using technology to handle the routine stuff while making sure there’s still a real person available when it matters.

What this means for your business

These trends aren’t set in stone, but they do give a sense of where things might be heading. Staying aware of these shifts can help you make more informed decisions about where to focus your energy and resources in the year ahead. 

The key is to stay curious, flexible, and remember that not every trend will be relevant to every business. Pick what matters to you and your customers, and go from there.