Navigating Growth in a Changing Economic Landscape
In a wide-ranging conversation at our City office, our business roundtable brought together representatives from real estate, banking, consumer goods, professional services and advisory to discuss how to maximise cash flows in a high-cost environment, the role of AI and funding and refinancing in the current climate.
Participants noted ongoing uncertainty driven by inflation, interest rates and geopolitical events, with many sectors seeing a move toward essential projects and cautious investment. Despite this, leaders expressed optimism about the resilience and agility of SMEs, highlighting opportunities for growth and acquisition during periods of volatility.
A key theme was the need for robust scenario planning. Attendees emphasised preparing for multiple outcomes—such as shifts in interest rates or the loss of key customers—rather than attempting to predict the future. Adaptability and resilience were repeatedly cited as the most important strategic capabilities.
AI featured prominently throughout the discussion. Businesses shared practical use cases demonstrating efficiency gains in data analysis, automation, customer service and even revenue generating functions such as genome selection in biotech. Alongside these benefits, concerns were raised regarding‑ overreliance, quality control, intellectual property, and the potential erosion of foundational skills. There was strong agreement that AI should enhance and not replace human expertise‑ and trust.
The group also explored generational shifts in the workforce. Leaders reported challenges in recruiting individuals with strong interpersonal skills, commercial instinct and drive, noting that younger employees are increasingly shaped by digital communication, social media and uncertainty around their future career paths. This has prompted wider conversations about the relevance of university education and the search for “AI resilient‑” roles.
Despite the pace of change and heightened uncertainty, the roundtable closed on an optimistic note. Attendees agreed that past crises have demonstrated the adaptability of entrepreneurs and SMEs. As AI reshapes industries and new career paths emerge, businesses that remain agile, invest in people and build strong client relationships will be best positioned to thrive.
In an environment defined by uncertainty and rapid technological change, the businesses that will thrive are those that embrace adaptability, strengthen resilience through scenario planning, and continue to prioritise human judgement, trust and interpersonal skills.
In other words: AI will transform how work gets done, but it won’t replace the value of human relationships, strategic thinking and the ability to adapt quickly.
Your next steps
If these themes are shaping your thinking, now is the time to challenge your assumptions. Whether it’s scenario planning, funding strategy or the practical application of AI, we’re working with businesses to turn uncertainty into opportunity. Get in touch to continue the conversation.
