News in the Channel - issue #26

NEWS

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to outpace UK SME’s ability to protect against threats remains an issue for 60% of respondents, this percentage has decreased slightly in Q1 2025 compared to 64% who said this in Q3 2024, JumpCloud noted. Therefore, while UK organisations continue to approach AI’s implementation with caution, it is increasingly being seen as a force for good. In fact, the appetite for implementing AI initiatives has grown from 66% who had plans to do this in Q3 2024 to 75% in this report. IT budgets have shot up with 68% of UK SMEs expected budgets to rise in the last report, now 80% expect to

have more budget in Q1 2025. Likewise, 76% of UK SMEs expect cyber security budgets to increase in the next 12 months and 52% are planning to invest in cyber security tools and services in the next six months. This was higher than any other planned investment. MSP adoption and investment in the next 12 months has increased significantly since the previous SME IT Trends Report , from 67% in Q3 2024 to 79% in Q1 2025. In Q1 2025, more UK SMEs (31%) are using MSPs to completely manage their IT programme, including technology, process, and support, compared to 24% in Q3 2024.

Clearly IT professionals at UK SMEs face challenges on multiple levels, however, this time around we have seen three clear themes emerge.

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Channel leaders shifting sustainability mindset, research finds

Sustainability remains a core focus for businesses across the channel, with three quarters of respondents scoring seven out of a maximum 10, according to Agilitas IT Solutions’ latest Sustainability Report. While it remains on business agendas, its focus is yet to top the 7.8 out of 10 high seen in 2021. After a slump in 2022 and 2023, the number of companies setting sustainability as a priority is increasing again. But there is a divide in how different roles perceive and act on sustainability. Only 8% of junior managers considered sustainability to be a high priority compared to over half of CEOs and business owners. Respondents in more senior roles are also more engaged, with 34% of senior managers and 37% of CEOs stating they are confident in their organisation’s sustainable practices. The report highlights the industry is shifting from offsetting to carbon reduction strategies. In 2022, a third of those Agilitas surveyed were investing in offsetting strategies, but today this has dropped to less than a quarter, with channel firms placing more emphasis

on reduction strategies that, when done effectively, can reduce carbon and cost. Regarding what reduction strategies companies had in place, 36% had already implemented initiatives to become more sustainable with energy efficiency, streamlining business processes, remote and hybrid working models and working with eco-friendly suppliers highlighted as the key areas of focus. A further 37% were looking to implement strategies within the next 12 months, but over a quarter of recipients were not prioritising any carbon reduction activities soon. “Channel companies continue to face a number of challenges and opportunities regarding sustainability. While business leaders are focused on sustainability goals, there is a notable disconnect across organisations which needs to be addressed in order to create a culture of collaboration and innovation,” said Sara Wilkes, CEO at Agilitas. “We have been no stranger to overcoming challenges throughout our sustainability journey, and the importance of high-quality data collection cannot be underestimated. Ensuring data is accurate, well-logged and reviewed regularly is just the first step.”

Sara Wilkes CEO

agilitas.co.uk

AN URGENT IMPERATIVE SUSTAINABILITY :

No longer a distant goal for businesses.