5 Business Trends Every Company Must Prepare for in 2026
2026 will be shaped by fast-moving developments in AI, personalization, sustainability, and the future of work. This article from futurist Bernard Marr outlines five business-critical trends organizations must prepare for along with insights to help you stay ahead of the curve.
Read the article to understand what's coming and how to align your strategy. Contact Swerve Limited to explore how we can help you adapt and lead through change.
What role will AI play in business processes by 2026?
AI is expected to be a significant catalyst for change in 2026, with autonomous AIs managing complex tasks across various business functions. For instance, in finance, AI could handle invoicing and transaction reconciliation, while in HR, it might streamline onboarding and training processes. This shift will enable companies to scale more effectively and allow human workers to focus on more strategic and creative tasks.
How will cybersecurity evolve in 2026?
With cyber attacks becoming more frequent and sophisticated, businesses will need to adopt a proactive cybersecurity strategy. This includes building robust defenses and fostering a security-aware culture throughout the organization. Companies must not only defend against attacks but also develop resilience to maintain operations even after an incident occurs.
What is the significance of the skills gap in 2026?
Closing the skills gap will be essential for businesses in 2026, as organizations that successfully reskill their workforce can achieve significant benefits. For example, companies like Ikea have reported generating substantial new revenue by upskilling employees to work with AI. This trend highlights the importance of investing in employee development to enhance productivity and drive business growth.
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5 Business Trends Every Company Must Prepare for in 2026
published by Swerve Limited
Swerve is a responsive, 100% Kiwi-owned technology business. We are headquartered in Auckland and service clients across New Zealand.
Our customers are diverse, from the engineering firms that build the infrastructure of the nation, to the Hobbiton team in Middle-earth that warm the hearts of countless international (and local) visitors.
No matter their business, each client enjoys big team capability, delivered with small team agility - and the simplicity of one responsive IT partner for everything.
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Our purpose: To put people at the heart of technology, as we design, deliver, and support exceptional IT experiences that keep business humming.
Swerve was founded in 1999 and for over 25 years we've taken care of technology because we know IT matters.
IT matters because it powers the engine rooms of the Kiwi economy. Businesses like yours, that is.
IT matters because it protects IP, data, and the lifeblood of livelihoods in an age of sophisticated cyber crime. IT matters for productivity, for communication, for healthy communities, and for everything that keeps New Zealand humming in a digital world.
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