RISK, REPUTATION AND REWARD IN 2026
In a high-risk, high-confidence environment, UK businesses are adapting faster than ever. Grayling’s Risk, Reputation and Reward 2026 report highlights the trends, pressures, and opportunities shaping business strategy and reputation this year. Explore the risks, pressures, and opportunities shaping UK business in 2026 with Grayling’s latest research exploring:
REGULATORY AMBIGUITY
MEDIA FRAGMENTATION
AI ADOPTION VS. TRUST
ENERGY TENSION
REPUTATION VALUE
REPUTATION RISK IN 2026 DEMANDS STRATEGIC FORESIGHT
Businesses must proactively embed governance, anticipate technological disruption and ensure their ethical foundations are resilient enough to withstand unprecedented scrutiny and complexity.
We polled CEOs/C-Suite level individuals across Energy, Tech, Retail, Finance, Health, Communications, Digital and Creative industries and here's what they had to say:
53%
of UK executives remain confident about growth and adaptability
9%
of business leaders do not have a media strategy in place
87%
of leaders are concerned about energy costs & supply volatility
48%
say government regulation is a major threat in 2026
39%
think that skills gaps remain a barrier to AI adoption