2025 So Far: The Tech Stories Defining the Year

We’re half way through 2025, and there’s a certain optimism creeping in regarding the direction of the UK economy - with constant reminders that "the market is picking up" across multiple sectors in the UK.

But the reality is: while signs of recovery are there, we’re not quite out of the woods yet.

Amid this unpredictable market landscape, one thing that is becoming clear is that there are increasing opportunities for business growth. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the key topics we've observed and what we expect for the rest of 2025.

 

Mindset Shift: From Survival to Growth

For the past 18 months, many businesses have faced challenging times. The focus has been on profitability and ensuring stability through a poor economic climate. But the tide is turning.

The businesses that have pivoted, adapted and prepared for a new market are now better positioned than ever to push ahead, shake things up, and take real market share. These businesses are typically leaner, allowing greater flexibility - and they are now entering growth phases with a future-focused mindset.

 

The New Strategy for Growth

Remember 2020? The “grow-at-all-costs” rollercoaster that created a huge race for talent, inflated salaries and a fairly unstable technology ecosystem? Well, the view on talent has changed.

Growth is now smarter, not bigger. It's no longer about getting as many people in and going as fast as possible to win the race. It's about finding the right people who spark innovation, creativity and add genuine business value.

We've seen an increase in companies utilising contractors for specific projects – and this is no surprise. They bring in a wealth of skills; they’re quicker to onboard, offer specific expertise, and keep costs predictable.

The reasons behind this are consistent across the market. Businesses need to pivot quickly, and the skills they need today to deliver their products may not be the same ones they need in three months. By using experienced, skilled employees in this way, teams get up to speed quicker and products go live quicker; all while driving growth.

A phrase that rings true: "The person you need to get you off the ground may not be the person you need for the next phase of your journey, and that's okay!"

 

AI: The Disruptor or the Helper?

If you landed on Earth in January and opened LinkedIn even once, you'd be sitting here right now waiting for a scene out of iRobot to take place.

AI is, frankly, everywhere - and it’s powerful.

But while on the surface, many job roles are being delivered by AI, the businesses that are thriving are already evolving these roles and empowering their teams with AI to help their workforce become ever more productive.

They’re speeding up development, enhancing quality, and pivoting roadmaps faster than ever before.

AI is not just a tool – for many businesses, it’s a strategy; and those adapting best are turning it into a real advantage for growth.

 

What’s Next in H2 2025?

Of course we would love a crystal ball to give you this answer, but in the absence of one, here are our best views on what's to come for 2025.

• Growth continues - but cautiously. Founders and leaders are hungry to scale, but runway and sustainability remain front of mind.
  
  
• Freelancers & contractors remain pivotal. Flexibility with skills and talent continue to be key. Permanent hiring is only likely to occur once businesses have full clarity on the skills required for the long term, particularly in strategic technical positions.
  
  
• Investor interest is returning. With some of the larger technology companies struggling, opportunities are appearing for smaller organisations, particularly Series A and B, to evolve and disrupt the big players.

 

Looking Ahead with Purpose

Whether you’re scaling your teams, launching a new product, or just keeping pace in a fast-moving landscape – the second half of 2025 is about moving with intention. The businesses that thrive will be the ones that stay committed to their growth plans and ensure they get the right talent in at the right time.