EXL Study: Only 12% of UK Firms Qualify as AI Leaders, Utilities Gain 27% Savings
EXLS•EXL's 2026 UK AI study found 75% of companies believe they're ahead in AI but only 12% qualify as AI Leaders and just 3% secured new AI budgets versus 60% in the U.S. Data issues challenge 77%, while utilities report 27% cost savings and 28% margin gains from AI.
1. Study Scope and Methodology
EXL surveyed 212 C-suite and senior decision makers across banking, finance, insurance, retail and utilities to gauge enterprise AI integration levels, perceptions and ROI outcomes in UK organizations.
2. Leadership and Budget Disparity
While 75% of firms believe they lead in AI integration, only 12% meet AI Leader criteria and merely 3% secured incremental AI budgets, highlighting a significant perception gap compared to 60% of U.S. companies receiving funding.
3. Data Challenges and Sector Performance
Data quality and accessibility emerged as the top obstacle for 77% of respondents, with utilities outperforming other sectors by delivering average AI-driven cost reductions of 27% and margin expansions of 28%, underscoring varied sectoral AI maturity and returns.
