AI, cost pressure, skills gaps and shifting customer expectations are already reshaping how businesses operate. But beyond the noise, one thing is clear – the winners in 2026 will be those who stay human, focus on adapting and act with purpose.
We asked South Yorkshire business owners and entrepreneurs for their thoughts on what the year holds for their sectors.
Andy Hanselman
Andy Hanselman Consulting
As we move into 2026, it’s becoming increasingly clear that human, personalised customer experiences are growing rarer. And when something people truly value becomes scarce, its worth inevitably increases.
In a world where many feel lonely or disconnected, the businesses that recognise the growing demand for genuine human connection – and take a dramatically and demonstrably different approach – are likely to stand out.
Yes, 2026 will undoubtedly be dominated by conversations around AI – but not just the kind you might be thinking of. I believe we’ll see a renewed focus on a different kind of AI: Authentic Interactions. These are the genuine, personal moments that make customers feel truly seen and valued.
The businesses that successfully combine both kinds of AI – Artificial Intelligence and Authentic Interactions – could be the ones that thrive the most in the year ahead.
Hannah Duraid
The Great Escape & Gameshow All-Stars
After 11 years running The Great Escape Game, and more recently Gameshow All-Stars, it’s clear the entertainment and leisure sector is moving away from passive consumption and towards shared, experience-led moments.
People are prioritising connection, play and memory-making over “just another night out.”
We’ll continue to see growth in immersive, competitive and social experiences that blend technology, hospitality and live human interaction.
Rising costs and staffing pressures remain a challenge, but the venues that succeed will be those that are sharper, more values-led and genuinely human – places people choose with intention, not habit.
Matt Hill
EDGE
2026 will be a pivotal year for the construction sector. With net-zero deadlines approaching, retrofit and decarbonisation will remain central, driving demand for low-carbon materials, modern methods of construction and BIM-led delivery.
Logistics, industrial and data centre projects are set to stay strong, while housing is expected to regain momentum as planning investment helps unlock stalled schemes.
Public sector programmes across education, healthcare and defence will also grow as institutions seek to modernise and decarbonise.
Digital adoption will accelerate, with AI and data-led tools improving cost certainty and risk management. However, skills shortages persist, making investment in talent and apprenticeships essential.
Chetna Raniga
Roundabout Sheffield
For nearly 50 years, Roundabout has stood by one unwavering mission: no young person under 25 in South Yorkshire should ever have to sleep rough. The demands on our services continue to rise, but our commitment has ensured that Sheffield remains the only major UK city where no young person is currently facing rough sleeping.
As we look ahead to 2026, we know the challenges will grow. That’s why we’re inviting you to stand with us, champion our work and help protect the futures of young people facing homelessness across our region.
One simple way to show your support is by joining us at our city centre 'mega event', Krazy Races, this Father’s Day, Sunday 21 June. It promises to be a brilliant day out and a vital event for raising awareness and funds.
And as we approach our 50th anniversary in 2027, we’re preparing a series of exciting events leading up to this milestone year. We’d love you to be part of the journey. Together, we can make sure every young person has a safe place to call home.
Becki Ashley
Inc. Consulting
Looking ahead through 2026, recruitment demand is expected to remain cautious amid ongoing economic uncertainty, although activity is gradually returning towards pre-pandemic levels. With more people actively seeking work, businesses risk placing less emphasis on the passive candidate market, despite it often delivering the strongest alignment to their vacancy.
Changes to the Employment Rights Bill are also likely to result in longer, more thorough recruitment processes, as employers place greater importance on getting the hire right first time.
Alongside this, organisations will continue to ask more of fewer people, increasing demand for agile hires who can drive productivity through AI, automation and smarter use of technology.
Jade Liana March
Jade Liana Communications & The Co-Work Collective
In 2026, we’ll see an even greater rise in individual LinkedIn activity. Personal branding will continue to grow, with more people sharing not just work-related content, but personal insights too.
As a self-employed consultant, I find posting on LinkedIn extremely beneficial for accelerating my business. I draw on my own LinkedIn experience to encourage clients to empower their team members as ‘LinkedIn Ambassadors’, knowing that people engage more with people than with company pages.
While posting is free and not time-consuming, content must be relevant and purposeful. With increasing saturation, meaningful posts driven by a clear ‘why’ will be key to engagement.
Martin Singer
South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF)
This year, the voluntary sector in South Yorkshire will be more critical than ever. Demand for support is expected to remain high, particularly for services helping young people overcome barriers to training and employment.
Charitable organisations will play a vital role in supporting businesses and the public sector to grow the impact economy, as success will be increasingly defined by positive social and environmental outcomes, alongside profit.
Unlocking social value through partnership and collaboration via initiatives such as South Yorkshire’s Giving Network will be a key trend.
At the same time, funding will remain under pressure.
As SYCF marks its 40th year, we invite businesses to join us and to invest in communities so South Yorkshire can thrive.
Andrew Lofthouse
The Northern Wine Guy
The hospitality sector is notoriously difficult for not just making a profit but survival – and looking ahead to 2026, it is no different given the duty changes taking effect from the 1 February 2026. What this means for many who are selling alcoholic products is that all products will increase by a minimum of the Retail Price Index (RPI) which is 3.66%.
This is going to put further constraints on the hospitality sector with stock prices going up alongside a market environment that is ever increasing in supply chain costings. The net effect is likely to be an increase passed on to the consumer which will not be well received, despite being flagged by the statement from the government.
The good news is that the South Yorkshire community and population are driven to supporting local businesses and if you are optimal with your product and show and, more importantly, maintain that consistency and exceptional service level then there is still a good opportunity to increase business.
Despite all the consumer headwinds we are faced with and even tighter margins because of all round increases in costs for all of us, The Northern Wine Guy as a business is optimistic heading into 2026 and believes that it can grow in the region, but consumers should be aware of increasing price pressures from the government's latest statement which may hamper the wider sector and also employment within it.
Pete Shillto
Shillito Executive Search
I don’t believe that 2026 will be the year that the recruitment market will suddenly “pick up” but I do think that the recruitment businesses who adapt and evolve will continue to grow, with the more boutique agencies finding greater success.
I predict that employer confidence will remain broadly the same and companies will continue to recruit with caution and at a slower pace.
AI will dominate the recruitment process but those who purely rely on it will fall by the wayside and candidates will kick back against it.
Human interaction will remain vital.
James Marriott
Sound Media
I think we'll see more authenticity and organic storytelling in marketing – something which podcasting does really well.
One debate which rumbles on is the role of video in podcasting, but I want to see creators focus on understanding their audience overreacting to trends. Visualisation is absolutely correct for some podcasts. That doesn’t necessitate swanky studios and posh cameras; there’s a ton of ways to capture podcast content.
For others, just audio is right, and some sit in the middle – perhaps capturing visuals just to use for promotion.
Everyone is unique, every business is unique, every target audience is unique; therefore where visualisation fits in should also be unique.
