The CEOs guide to strategic growth

23/02/26 Wavenet
Hands above a laptop keyboard pointing to a rising digital-growth icon emerging from a strategic growth plan page beside the laptop.

From industry insight to impact: winning moves for 2026

2026 is not a typical planning cycle, it is a structural shift. AI is becoming a core drive or enterprise value1, cyber risk now sits firmly on the board agenda, and regulatory pressure is reshaping how organisations scale and compete. The leaders pulling ahead are those who move fast, secure their digital core, and align technology with growth. 

This guide distils the key trends CEOs must prioritise, collated from industry insight, and the actions that create competitive advantage. 

1. AI becomes the engine of enterprise value

AI has evolved from isolated pilots to a foundation for growth and efficiency1. Leading organisations are embedding AI across operations, decision making, customer experience, and risk, supported by clean data, modern architecture, and domain specific models2.

For CEOs, the mindset shift is critical: 

AI is not an innovation project; it's a fundamental operating principle. 

Key questions about AI for CEOs:

  • Where will AI change our economics?

  • How do we scale AI responsibly?
  • Who owns AI value, ethics, and risk? 
  • How will AI reshape our competitive landscape?

2. Leading faster in an AI-driven volatile market

AI, and soon quantum, will accelerate market volatility, not reduce it2. Winning leaders act quickly, use data to spot early shifts, and move into gaps before competitors3. 

This requires shorter planning cycles, dynamic strategy, and the ability to reallocate capital and talent continuously. 

C-suite priorities:

  • Faster governance loops
  • Tight integration of tech and commercial strategy
  • Risk teams focused on existential threats vs. smart bets

3. Use security as a growth enabler

Security now underpins trust, regulatory confidence, and digital innovation4. Reactive models are no longer enough. 

Leaders are moving to: 

  • Predictive, AI-driven threat detection
  • Autonomous, rapid response
  • Security built into every product, workflow, and data stream.

As a CEO, ask yourself: 

Is our security posture strong enough to support the pace and direction of our growth? 

If the honest answer is anything less than a solid, confident "yes", it's time to seek trusted, comprehensive advice from a proven cyber security partner. 

4. Competing in a hyperconnected ecosystem

Value is created across digital networks - customers, suppliers, partners, regulators, and platforms. To remain competitive, organisations need infrastructure that delivers: 

  1. Scale - growth without complexitity.
  2. Compliance - residency, privacy, and geopolitical alignment.
  3. Resilience - protection from outages, cyber events, and supply chain shocks.

Cloud 3.0 and hybrid, sovereign architectures are key enablers5. 

5. A 2026 CEO action plan

  1. Build an AI-native digital core
    Modernise platforms, fix data quality, scale high value use cases, and set clear AI governance.
  2. Shift to predictive, autonomous security
    Prioritise AI driven defence, resilience KPIs, and security embedded from the start.
  3. Embrace intelligent operations
    Automate friction, optimise cloud value, and redeploy talent to high impact work.
  4. Invest in Cloud 3.0 and digital sovereignty
    Design for compliance, resilience, and flexibility across regions and providers.
  5. Lead with agility, curiosity, and strong ecosystems
    Adopt rolling strategy, scale successful experiments, and partner to accelerate execution.

Conclusion

By 2026, competitive advantage will belong to organisations built on AI native cores, predictive security, and resilient, scalable infrastructure. CEOs who align strategy, culture, and governance around these capabilities will define the next ear of growth. 

For most organisations, executing this agenda alone is unrealistic; partnering with the right managed service provider can accelerate progress while controlling risk. 

References

  1. Gartner, Top Strategic Technology Trends 2026
  2. Capgemini, Technology Trends 2026: The Year of Truth for AI
  3. IBM, Business and Technology Trends 2026
  4. IEEE, Future Directions: Technology Predictions for 2026 and Beyond
  5. Capgemini, Cloud Evolution: Towards Cloud 3.0 and Intelligent Operations

 

Find out how we can help you prioritise 2026's critical trends for strategic growth

Talk to us

AI, Cyber Security, Cloud, Digital Strategies

Latest blogs

See all posts
azure-cloud
Managed Azure Services: Why your business needs them for growth and efficiency

As more organisations move their workloads to the cloud, Managed Azure Services have become essential. They provide expert support for your Azure environment, helping businesses reduce costs, strengthen security, and focus on what matters most - growth and innovation. What are Managed Azure Services? Managed Azure Services refer to the professional administration, optimisation, and monitoring of Microsoft Azure cloud resources. A managed service provider (MSP) handles critical tasks such as: Cost and resource optimisation Security and threat protection Compliance management (GDPR, ISO, HIPAA) 24/7 monitoring and issue resolution Technical support and cloud governance This allows businesses, including SMBs to access enterprise-grade cloud expertise without hiring specialist in‑house teams. Why businesses choose Azure expert managed services providers Companies partner with Azure experts because of the specialised skills, cost benefits, and strategic guidance they bring. Key reasons include: Deep technical expertise in Azure architecture, automation, and security Reduced costs vs. maintaining a full internal IT team Predictable monthly pricing for easier budgeting Tailored cloud strategies aligned to business goals Proactive monitoring to prevent downtime For growing businesses, especially in competitive regions like Daisy and the surrounding areas, working with a certified Azure MSP ensures your cloud environment is optimised from day one. Cost optimisation and predictable IT spending One of the biggest advantages of Managed Azure Services is the ability to control and reduce cloud costs. Providers offer: Continuous resource monitoring Automated scaling Regular cost reporting Elimination of unused or oversized resources With fixed or tiered pricing models, organisations benefit from predictable IT spending and improved ROI. Enhanced security and compliance Security remains a top concern for any business operating in the cloud. An Azure managed services provider ensures: Advanced threat detection & protection Automated updates and patching 24/7 security monitoring Compliance with standards like GDPR, ISO 27001, and HIPAA Regular vulnerability assessments This is particularly important for regulated industries and UK businesses handling sensitive customer data. 24/7 support, monitoring & incident response Managed Azure services provide: Real-time performance insights Immediate alerting Rapid incident response Proactive issue prevention This results in higher uptime, fewer disruptions, and smoother operations. Scalability, flexibility & future-proofing Azure’s cloud platform is built for scale — and managed services make that scalability seamless. Benefits: Automatic resource scaling Flexible capacity for seasonal or unpredictable workloads Access to the latest Azure features and innovations Support for long‑term digital transformation This helps businesses remain agile and competitive in a fast‑moving digital marketplace. Improved operational efficiency through automation Azure enables automation for: Backups Updates Deployments Monitoring Disaster recovery Automating routine tasks reduces human error, increases productivity, and accelerates project timelines. Access to the latest technology & expert guidance Working with an Azure expert ensures your business always has access to: Cutting-edge cloud technology Best‑practice architecture Strategic cloud roadmaps Ongoing staff training This combination empowers your team and boosts overall digital capabilities. Business continuity, disaster recovery & high availability Azure Managed Services include: Custom disaster recovery plans High-availability architectures Geo-redundant backups Fast recovery times (RTO/RPO) This ensures your business remains operational — even in the event of outages or cyber incidents. Strategic value: Innovation, agility & digital transformation Managed Azure Services support: Rapid deployment of new solutions Process modernisation Cloud-native innovation Agility to respond to market changes This makes them a key driver for long‑term growth. Unlock the full potential of Azure Managed Azure Services give businesses the tools to operate more efficiently, securely, and cost-effectively. With expert support, by partnering with Wavenet, your organisation can: Reduce cloud costs Strengthen security Improve performance Enhance scalability Accelerate digital transformation

Read more
cyber security Q&A
Cyber security in action: key questions and expert insights

What keeps security leaders awake at night? This Q&A answers the most common and most critical cyber security questions raised in our Cyber Security in Action webinar. It delivers clear, expert advice on preventing the attacks that cause the greatest disruption, helping organisations turn complexity into confident, informed action.

Read more
checkout till
3 ways retailers can reduce downtime with retail connectivity

Downtime is more than a technical inconvenience in retail. When systems go offline, sales stop, queues build, staff become frustrated, and customers lose confidence in the brand. From card payments failing at the till to stock systems not updating in real time, even short periods of disruption can have an outsized impact on revenue and customer experience.

Read more
ransomware
Top ransomware protection tips for everyone

Secure your personal data We are all personally, ransomware targets, so we're taking the time to offer some top tips, that each and every one of us can follow to protect our personal data from a ransomware attack. Imagine turning on your computer to find a startling message: all your files - family photos, tax documents, everything - are locked. You cannot open a single one. To get them back, a stranger on the internet is demanding hundreds of pounds. This isn’t a scene from a movie; it’s a real and increasingly common threat called ransomware.

Read more
sd-wan
SD-WAN benefits for education: enhance school, college and university networks

Online learning platforms, cloud-based applications, virtual classrooms, and bandwidth-heavy multimedia resources have become essential to modern education. As these demands grow, many institutions are turning to SD‑WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking) to support their digital transformation.

Read more
it in education
Best IT support for schools: enhance education

The right IT support services help schools and colleges operate smoothly, prevent downtime, and enhance the overall learning experience. This guide breaks down the most effective IT solutions for educational institutions and explains how to choose the right IT partner. Why IT support is essential in modern education Schools and colleges depend on technologies such as cloud platforms, WiFi networks, learning management systems (LMS), and safeguarding tools. Without strong IT support, everyday learning can easily be disrupted. High‑quality IT support ensures: Consistent uptime for learning platforms Secure protection for student and staff data Smooth operation of classroom hardware Reliable connectivity across campus A strategic roadmap for future IT improvements Top IT support services for schools and colleges 1. Managed IT support Managed IT support gives schools access to a fully equipped technical team without needing an in‑house department. Typical features include: 24/7 help desk Device and server management Cyber security monitoring Backup and disaster recovery Software updates and patch management This approach reduces costs, increases system reliability, and frees educators to focus on learning—not technical issues. 2. Student technology support Students rely on devices and online platforms every day. Student tech support ensures they can access lessons without interruption. Common services include: Device troubleshooting (laptops, tablets, Chromebooks) Login and password resets Connectivity support Assistance with online learning platforms Safety filtering guidance This support is especially vital in hybrid or remote learning environments. 3. Classroom technology solutions Modern classrooms need fully supported and integrated digital tools. Classroom IT solutions typically include: Interactive whiteboards Projectors and AV systems Classroom management software WiFi optimisation Digital collaboration tools These technologies make lessons more engaging and interactive. 4. Microsoft education support Microsoft remains one of the most widely used platforms in schools. Supporting these tools effectively helps ensure seamless digital learning. Key areas include: Office 365 management Teams for Education Intune device management Azure cloud services Identity and access management 5. Microsoft education training Empower your teaching and facilitate innovative learning for your students with Microsoft education training. Key areas include: Microsoft 365 Education Tools Training Microsoft's Showcase School Programme How to choose the right IT support provider When evaluating IT support services, schools should consider: Budget and funding constraints Current IT infrastructure Scalability needs Security and compliance requirements Provider’s education-sector experience Availability of both remote and on‑site support Choosing a specialist with education experience ensures better safeguarding compliance, user-friendly solutions, and long‑term value. The benefits of outsourcing IT support Practical and operational benefits More schools now outsource IT due to benefits in security, performance, management and cost: Lower long‑term costs Access to specialist expertise Faster response and issue resolution Stronger cyber protection A strategic, future-proof technology plan Learning benefits Technology is enabling and facilitating better learning experiences and outcomes, empowering teachers, increasing pupil engagement and enriching the classroom experience: Personalised learning paths Instant access to learning resources Better collaboration among students Support for SEND and diverse learning needs Preparation for a digital workforce Schools that invest wisely in IT create stronger educational outcomes. The growing demand for IT skills in education As digital transformation accelerates, technology is playing a key role in enhancing learning and schools increasingly require IT professionals skilled in: Networking Cyber security Cloud infrastructure EdTech implementation Support and troubleshooting Online IT certification programmes are helping build the next generation of education‑sector IT specialists. Wavenet: A trusted IT partner for UK schools and the public sector For educational institutions seeking a reliable and experienced IT services provider, We are one of the UK’s leading education technology specialists. With over 30 years of experience delivering designed‑for‑schools solutions, we supports more than 4,000 education establishments nationwide across cloud platforms, cyber security, communications, safeguarding, and network services. We provide ICT services, broadband, WiFi, audio‑visual systems, remote support, and fully managed IT services - all delivered by DBS‑checked staff and supported with clear, transparent SLAs. By partnering with us, schools gain access to expert guidance, best‑practice ICT strategy, robust cybersecurity, and a long‑term technology roadmap - helping them create a connected, secure, and future‑ready educational environment.

Read more