UK Businesses Warn: “Without Tech Investment, We Might Not Last 5 Years”
More than three-quarters of UK businesses fear they could be out of business within five years—and the reason is simple: they’re falling behind on technology.
That’s the alarming takeaway from a recent study by Dell Boomi, which surveyed 250 IT decision-makers at large UK firms. The message was loud and clear: 81% of respondents believe they won’t survive the next five years unless they step up their investment in technology. And nearly three-quarters said they are heavily reliant on data to keep their operations running.
Let’s unpack what this means, and why so many companies are sounding the alarm.
📉 What the Research Reveals
The poll, conducted by OnePoll, looked at how integrated and connected these organisations really are—and the findings are a wake-up call. While digital transformation is high on the agenda, most companies are still struggling with outdated systems, disconnected data, and budget pressures.
Here are the key findings:
- 🔌 Legacy software is a top concern: Nearly 60% of companies say old, outdated software is holding them back.
- 🔄 Lack of integration is a serious problem: More than 1 in 3 companies want better integration between their applications.
- 🧱 Data silos are a common headache: Nearly 1 in 4 companies are dealing with siloed data that prevents smooth operations.
- 📊 Transparency and connectivity matter: Businesses want clearer, more connected systems that allow for better communication and visibility across all apps and departments.
🧠 Expert Insight: What’s Going Wrong?
According to Derek Thompson, Vice President of EMEA at Dell Boomi:
“Most large organisations are juggling hybrid IT setups. They’re trying to move to the cloud, but they’re still stuck with older, on-premise systems. The problem is, these systems often don’t talk to each other. And when your data and apps aren’t connected, it’s impossible to get a full view of your business.”
He goes on to explain that only 1 in 4 companies see themselves as ‘very connected,’ despite most of them being extremely dependent on data. This disconnect is what puts their future at risk.
The opportunity, Thompson says, lies in platform-based solutions that allow organisations to integrate and manage data across both cloud and legacy systems, giving them one unified view of their entire IT landscape.
☁️ The Shift to the Cloud Is Happening—But Slowly
Digital transformation isn’t a new buzzword—it’s a current business reality. And while companies are starting to move toward modern solutions, it’s often in small, fragmented steps.
The research revealed that:
- One-third of companies are focused on cloud adoption, especially hybrid cloud strategies.
- Cybersecurity is also top of mind, alongside concerns around tight budgets.
But unless companies tackle the underlying integration issues, even the best cloud tools will fall short. Disconnected systems, legacy software, and siloed data remain major roadblocks.
🔑 What Businesses Need to Do Next
To survive—and thrive—in the next five years, companies must start treating IT modernisation as a business-critical priority, not just an I.T. project.
Here’s what that means in practical terms:
- Invest in unified platforms that allow data and applications to communicate across all environments—on-premise, cloud, and hybrid.
- Retire or upgrade legacy software that slows down operations, increases risk, and blocks innovation.
- Break down silos by creating better data flows and interdepartmental integration.
- Prioritise visibility and transparency, giving teams access to the data and tools they need in real time.
- Train your workforce so they can actually make use of these systems effectively.
❓ FAQs: Technology & Business Survival
Q1: Why are so many UK businesses worried about going under in five years?
Because most of them are falling behind on technology. Without proper investment in modern tools and integration, they risk becoming outdated and uncompetitive.
Q2: What are data silos and why are they a problem?
Data silos are isolated pockets of information within a company. When systems don’t talk to each other, it creates inefficiencies, slows decision-making, and leads to costly errors.
Q3: What is a hybrid IT landscape?
It’s when a company uses a mix of on-premise (legacy) systems and cloud-based solutions. Many companies are in this “in-between” stage and struggle with integration.
Q4: Can legacy software really impact business success?
Absolutely. Outdated software is harder to maintain, less secure, and typically doesn’t integrate well with modern tools. It holds back agility and innovation.
Q5: What is a “single pane of glass” in IT?
It refers to a unified dashboard or platform where a business can view and manage all their systems, data, and operations in one place. It boosts efficiency, reduces errors, and speeds up decision-making.
✅ Final Thoughts: Adapt Now or Risk Falling Behind
UK businesses are facing a critical crossroad. With technology evolving rapidly, the companies that embrace digital transformation will gain speed, flexibility, and long-term resilience. But those clinging to old systems and disconnected tools may find themselves out of the race entirely.
This isn’t just about “modernising I.T.”—it’s about future-proofing your entire business. From cloud adoption and system integration to data transparency and cybersecurity, the need for unified, strategic technology investment has never been more urgent.
In short, the companies that connect, adapt, and modernise today are the ones that will still be here tomorrow. Don’t let outdated systems decide your company’s future. Start building a smarter, more connected business now—before it’s too late.