A widening disconnect between business and IT leadership is threatening to stall digital transformation in the UK’s mid-market sector, according to new research from IT services and consultancy provider Thinc.
The report, Solving the UK’s Tech Productivity Puzzle, surveyed 650 senior leaders across UK organisations with between 5 and 500 employees and found that productivity is being held back less by technology itself, and more by confusion over what to prioritise. The data suggests that CEOs and CFOs often cite budget constraints (39%) as a key blocker to IT progress, while IT leaders are more focused on leveraging automation and AI to reduce workload and drive operational efficiency.
“Mid-market organisations don’t lack ambition—they lack clarity,” said Dominic Ball, Managing Director at Thinc. “Too often, businesses are trying to solve the right problems with the wrong tools, or they’re stuck debating whether tech or people are the answer. The truth is, the answer is different for every business, and looks different from every business role.”
The research highlights that a growing “advice gap” is exacerbating the problem, with executives drawing on conflicting sources of insight. While 62% of CEOs get their tech advice from trade shows and events, CTOs and MDs prefer established consultants and existing IT partners. With internal teams often too siloed to offer an objective view—and vendor recommendations seen as biased—many organisations are left without a trusted guide.
Despite the enthusiasm for AI—54% of business leaders see it as an immediate game-changer—many firms are still grappling with legacy systems, siloed data, and underutilised software stacks. The report warns that without integration, coordination and practical strategy, even advanced technologies risk becoming another layer of complexity rather than a productivity boost.
Ball added: “There’s never been more information out there about the power of technology. What businesses need is unbiased, practical advice that cuts through the hype.”
Thinc is positioning itself as that trusted advisor, helping SMEs align IT investment with business goals through a blend of independent consultancy, integration expertise and long-term partnership.