UK skills shortage blocking AI adoption – Allianz Trade

One in five UK businesses have reported a skills shortage in artificial intelligence (AI) positions as their biggest barrier to AI adoption.

A new survey from Allianz Trade, released today (27 June 2025), highlighted that 99% of UK businesses have adopted some form of AI and increasing the proliferation of the technology remains a key boardroom objective.

As a result, more than two thirds (68%) are planning to ramp up their recruitment efforts specifically to grow headcount in AI skills over the next year.

Allianz said this expected surge in hiring “further highlights the need to help close the skills gap and to build internal AI expertise and capability”.

Meanwhile, other AI concerns included data security and privacy risks, cited by 28% of surveyees, and uncertainty about return on investment and business impact, cited by 18%.

Appetite for innovation

Allianz polled 400 UK companies for the research.

Sarah Murrow, chief executive at Allianz Trade UK and Ireland, said: “As more UK businesses integrate AI tools into their operations, it’s clear that the appetite for innovation is strong.

“Businesses are increasingly turning to AI to unlock new efficiencies at a time when longstanding trade arrangements are being tested. However, many are finding that a lack of relevant skills within their sector stands as a barrier to further adoption.

“We’ve heard directly from these organisations that to make the most of AI and continue growing with confidence, access to the right talent will be just as important as access to the technology itself.

“Bridging this skills gap will support the drive for innovation, productivity and long-term growth in today’s competitive landscape.”