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A survey of business leaders , by researchers at Censuswide , indicates the proportion of UK businesses using transformative new technologies such as AI , automation , cloud computing and data and analytics will almost double this year , from 22 % to 40 %.

Almost a fifth ( 18 %) of companies are introducing technologies to transform their products , services and operations in 2024 , driving up demand for critical resources . Beaming ’ s study suggests that :

• Computing power : UK businesses will require 19 % more computing capacity in 2024 than in 2023 . One in six small , medium and large firms anticipate their demand for computing power will at least double this year . Demand looks set to increase most in the manufacturing , finance & accounting and hospitality & leisure sectors .

• Energy consumption : UK businesses will use 21 % more energy for IT needs this year , with large companies predicting a 98 % rise . The finance & accounting and hospitality sectors forecast nearly double their current energy consumption . Just 11 % of firms told researchers that reducing environmental impact was a consideration in their IT investment plans .

• Internet / network capacity : Demand for Internet and network capacity will increase by 30 % to handle the extra data and communications traffic associated with Digital Transformation . Large businesses anticipate a 95 % increase in network traffic , while small and medium enterprises project increases of 76 % and 75 % respectively .

Around one in seven companies progressing Digital Transformation initiatives could not say how their technology adoption plans would affect their need for computing resources , energy and connectivity .

Sonia Blizzard , Managing Director of Beaming , said : “ Digital Transformation represents a fundamental shift in how businesses operate , and that shift is accelerating . Our research shows that while many businesses are making significant strides with technology , there ’ s a pressing need for additional resources to support them to make cost-effective , sustainable and humane choices .

“ The growing demand for energy , computing power and network capacity could place significant strain on existing infrastructure and resources , potentially leading to higher costs , environmental impact and the risk of overburdening current systems .

“ Digital Transformation should align with your broader business strategy and consider the impact for both IT and people . Approaches to new tech , like Generative AI , must reflect company values and consider staff and customer needs . With thoughtful planning and expert support , businesses can harness Digital Transformation to stay competitive .” x

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