Technology moves fast and with each new year comes fresh opportunities for businesses to improve productivity, security and efficiency. As we step into 2026, several key tech trends are set to shape how companies work, communicate and protect their data. At Edmondson's we spend every day helping businesses adapt to change, so here’s our insight into the biggest trends to watch and how they could impact your organisation.

1. AI Becomes Practical, Not Just Exciting

AI has been talked about for years but in 2026 it’s shifting from hype to practical business use. Instead of companies wondering what AI might do, they're now asking how quickly they can adopt it. The biggest area we’re seeing improvement in is efficiency. Automation tools can now handle repetitive tasks, help staff complete work faster and support customer communication.

More businesses will use AI-powered helpdesks, automatic data entry, smart document searching and predictive maintenance alerts. AI doesn’t replace IT support, but it does help teams operate more efficiently by reducing unnecessary downtime. At Edmondson's we expect to see most SMEs using AI in some form within the next two years, whether they realise it or not.

2. Smarter Cyber Security and AI Threats

Cyber threats are evolving rapidly and we’re now seeing attacks created using AI, which means businesses must upgrade their cyber security. Criminals are using AI to improve phishing emails, crack weak passwords and create convincing fake websites. In 2026, businesses that rely on outdated protection will be at real risk.

We expect to see a rise in managed security services, multi-factor authentication, data encryption and automated threat monitoring. Staff awareness training will also be more important than ever, because human error continues to be one of the biggest security risks. At Edmondson's we’re already helping clients stay ahead with layered protection, proactive monitoring and simple but effective defensive strategies.

3. Cloud Storage Continues to Expand

Cloud storage isn’t new, but in 2026 it’s becoming more advanced and widely adopted because businesses want secure and convenient access to data from anywhere. As hybrid working becomes a long-term reality, the cloud helps teams work efficiently without compromising security.

Businesses are also shifting away from “cheap and cheerful” cloud platforms and choosing reliable, controlled solutions that suit their needs. Storage redundancy, encrypted backups and secure file sharing are becoming standard. Edmondson's expect to see more companies moving away from local-only servers and combining cloud flexibility with strong security and professional management.

4. Server Upgrades and Legacy Hardware Replacement

One of the most common issues we see is businesses relying on ageing infrastructure that struggles to keep up with demand. Old servers may be slow, unsupported or vulnerable, and in 2026 more companies will prioritise replacement to reduce downtime and boost performance.

With Windows Server support cycles ending for older versions, many UK businesses will be forced to upgrade, but this isn’t a bad thing. New server solutions are often more energy efficient, faster and easier to scale when the business grows. Edmondson's already helps companies migrate systems smoothly with minimal disruption, and we expect this demand to increase over the next 12 months.

5. Productivity Tools for Better Collaboration

With hybrid working now established as standard, business communication needs to be quick, reliable and easy. In 2026 productivity tools are smarter, simpler and better integrated. Teams can collaborate in real time, share files instantly and jump on quick calls without complicated tech.

Tools like VoIP phone systems, cloud-hosted apps, CRM systems and project management platforms are becoming essential rather than optional. Edmondson's work with clients to choose and customise tools that genuinely boost productivity, avoiding cluttered apps that slow people down instead of helping them.

6. Greater Focus on IT Resilience and Backup

Data loss is more costly than ever, which makes resilience a priority. Businesses are already adopting multi-layer backups, automatic replication and disaster recovery plans. In 2026 more companies will expect their IT infrastructure to survive hardware failure, cyber attack or staff error without major disruption.

As we help businesses understand their IT risks, one of the most common surprises is how vulnerable a system can be when backups are poorly configured. A resilient approach protects not only data, but also productivity and reputation.

Final Thoughts

2026 will be a year where technology continues to improve everyday work for businesses that embrace it. From smarter cyber defences to cloud flexibility and powerful productivity tools, there are real advantages available for SMEs of every size.

At Edmondson's we believe that technology should make your business stronger, simpler and more productive, not complicated or stressful. If you want to explore how these trends could benefit your organisation, we’re always happy to help.

Let’s make 2026 a year where technology drives growth rather than holding your business back.