The Infrastructure Imperative
A growing number of UK chief executives are placing digital infrastructure at the top of their strategic agendas in 2026. According to the latest CBI survey, 73% of FTSE 350 CEOs now rank connectivity as a top-three business risk — up from just 41% in 2023.
Regional Disparities Driving Action
The digital divide between London and the rest of the UK continues to shape business strategy. Companies headquartered outside the M25 corridor report significantly higher frustration with broadband reliability, particularly in Scotland, Wales, and the rural Midlands.
The Scottish Government's R100 programme, which aims to deliver superfast broadband to every premises in Scotland, has made progress but still leaves gaps in the Highlands and Islands where businesses depend on alternative solutions from specialist rural broadband providers.
What Leading CEOs Are Doing Differently
Forward-thinking executives are taking a multi-pronged approach:
- Diversifying connectivity — maintaining multiple ISP relationships and exploring 5G fixed wireless as backup
- Investing in edge computing — reducing dependence on centralised cloud infrastructure
- Lobbying for policy change — working through industry bodies to accelerate rural rollout
- Auditing supply chains — ensuring critical suppliers have adequate digital infrastructure
The Policy Landscape
The UK Government's £5 billion Project Gigabit programme continues to reshape the broadband landscape. Ofcom's latest Connected Nations report shows 97% of UK premises can now access superfast broadband, but full fibre penetration remains at 62% nationally.
For businesses in underserved areas, the Shared Rural Network agreement between the four major mobile operators promises to close coverage gaps, though progress has been slower than anticipated.
Looking Ahead
As AI adoption accelerates across UK businesses, the bandwidth demands on corporate networks will only increase. CEOs who treat infrastructure investment as optional risk finding their organisations unable to compete in an increasingly digital economy.