The Industrial Strategy reveals an increase in tech adoption and AI integration in the Professional and Business Services sector, including expansion of the Made Smarter Adoption programme, as part of a £150m package to support the sector.

The strategy also outlines prioritised business investment in the sector, doubling business investment from £30bn to £65bn, with Professional and Business Services recognised as supporting other businesses to increase productivity. The government is making further plans to reform the Professional and Business Services Council (PBSC), to act as a champion for the sector in the UK and overseas.

Hywel Pegler, Head of Professional and Business Services at RSM UK, said: “The Industrial strategy recognises the role of Professional and Business services in driving UK productivity, by helping other businesses to become more productive and resilience. We know that the sector is already a key driver of UK growth, contributing millions to the UK’s economic output. The strategy also makes clear there’s expectations for a significant increase, by doubling business investment in the sector to £65bn, which will help to realise the government’s ambition for the UK to be recognised as the world’s most trusted adviser globally by 2035.

“The sector employs 14% of the UK’s workforce, advising businesses in other industries on scaling up, raising finance, exporting, managing risk and investing. However, it still faces recruitment challenges, particularly towards hiring people in more senior and specialist roles. The expansion of the Made Smarter Adoption programme, as part of a £150m package to support the sector, will therefore ensure greater adoption of tech and AI, which will enable more cost-effective and tailored solutions.”

He added: “Despite the focus on upskilling in tech and AI, it’s important that firms aren’t solely data-led, but find the most effective use of the technology to enable more meaningful, human-led client engagement. This requires setting clear, collaborative parameters with clients to ensure technology enhances, rather than replaces in-person interactions. The reformed Professional and Business Services Council will play a key role in aligning these efforts, ensuring that best practice towards tech and AI adoption is shared and scaled across the UK and overseas, harnessing the expertise within hubs and the Made Smarter pilot across the North of England.”