Technology didn’t just evolve in 2024—it transformed how UK businesses operate. From hybrid workplaces to advances in AI, this year’s IT trends weren’t abstract concepts; they drove real, measurable change across industries. These developments challenged organisations to adapt quickly or risk falling behind. As the year draws to a close, let’s explore the trends that defined 2024 and their implications for your business in 2025.

Flexible working arrangements weren’t a novelty in 2024; they became standard practice for many businesses. This shift brought new demands on IT infrastructure. Offices needed to support smaller on-site teams while remote employees relied heavily on secure access to company systems.

Take PageGroup, a recruitment consultancy with offices across the UK. By introducing robust VPNs, encrypted file-sharing platforms, and Microsoft Teams, they streamlined collaboration across dispersed teams. Yet, challenges remained—ensuring cybersecurity, managing multiple collaboration tools, and controlling IT costs required ongoing adjustments.

The lesson? Hybrid work is here to stay. If your business hasn’t updated its IT policies and tools to reflect this reality, you’re already behind.

What You Should Do: Audit your IT policies. Check that they adequately support remote work and mitigate risks like unsecured devices and outdated software.

2024 saw a significant rise in cyberattacks targeting UK businesses. From ransomware holding data hostage to phishing emails tricking employees into revealing sensitive information, the risks were real and immediate.

According to the UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey, 42% of businesses experienced a cyberattack this year. Phishing alone accounted for the majority of these incidents.

One notable example involved, Addleshaw Goddard, a legal firm in Manchester. They suffered a ransomware attack after an employee clicked a malicious link, temporarily halting operations. The firm responded by implementing multi-factor authentication and scheduling regular staff training on spotting cyber threats.

What’s your takeaway? No system is invulnerable. Assess your cybersecurity measures now to avoid costly disruptions later.

What You Should Do:

• Use multi-factor authentication across all critical systems.
• Train your team to recognise phishing emails.
• Regularly update software to close known vulnerabilities.

Cloud computing isn’t new, but 2024 saw wider adoption among SMEs looking to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The shift was driven by the need for flexibility—whether accessing data remotely or scaling operations without hefty hardware investments.

For instance, Co-op Group, based in Manchester, moved its CRM and payroll systems to the cloud. This cut operational costs by 25% and improved remote access for their teams.

If you’ve been on the fence about moving to the cloud, think about the time and money you could save by reducing physical infrastructure and enhancing disaster recovery capabilities.

What You Should Do: Evaluate your IT infrastructure. Identify systems that could benefit from moving to the cloud to improve performance and resilience.

Artificial intelligence went from being an industry buzzword to a practical tool for many UK businesses. Automation in particular became a game-changer, helping organisations cut costs, save time, and improve accuracy.

For example, Ocado, the UK-based online supermarket, integrated AI into its supply chain systems. Predictive analytics allowed the company to optimise stock levels and reduce delivery delays during high-demand periods.

Similarly, HSBC UK adopted automated chatbots to handle customer service queries. This reduced wait times and freed up human staff for more complex tasks.

What You Should Do: Look for repetitive, time-consuming processes in your operations. Identify where automation could save time and reduce errors.

These aren’t futuristic concepts; they’re tools available today. How much time does your team spend on repetitive tasks that could be automated?

As businesses face mounting pressure to reduce their environmental impact, sustainable IT practices gained traction in 2024. From energy-efficient cloud platforms to recycling outdated hardware, organisations are aligning their IT strategies with sustainability goals.

In Leeds, ASDA launched a hardware recycling initiative, donating 500 refurbished laptops to schools and community centers. The program reduced e-waste and supported local education.

Meanwhile, BT Group reduced its data center energy consumption by transitioning to energy-efficient cloud platforms. This move not only cut costs but also aligned with the company’s sustainability commitments.

What You Should Do:

• Refurbish or donate old IT hardware instead of discarding it.
• Choose energy-efficient platforms for hosting and data management.

The IT trends of 2024 have reshaped how businesses operate, but they also offer opportunities to thrive. Strengthening your IT strategy now will help you meet the demands of a rapidly changing landscape while setting a foundation for long-term success.

Key Areas to Focus On:

1. Cybersecurity: Protect your systems and data with multi-factor authentication, employee training, and regular updates.

2. Cloud Solutions: Reduce costs, improve scalability, and ensure resilience with a cloud-first approach.

3. Automation: Streamline repetitive tasks and enhance decision-making with AI-driven tools.

4. Sustainability: Adopt energy-efficient technologies and recycle outdated hardware to align with modern expectations.

Businesses that adapt to these areas aren’t just responding to challenges—they’re preparing to outperform competitors.

For over two decades, Blue Saffron has helped UK businesses navigate IT challenges and turn them into opportunities. From the rise of cloud computing to the growing importance of cybersecurity, we’ve supported organisations across industries in adapting to change.

Our expertise lies in:

• Proactive Cybersecurity: We’ve implemented solutions that protect sensitive data and ensure business continuity.
• Cloud Transformations: From planning migrations to managing ongoing operations, we guide businesses toward flexible, efficient IT infrastructures.
• IT for Hybrid Workplaces: We understand the unique needs of dispersed teams and help businesses create seamless, secure systems for collaboration.
• Sustainable IT Practices: We’ve supported clients in reducing environmental impact through smarter hardware use and energy-efficient platforms.

Our approach focuses on understanding your unique goals and challenges, delivering practical, tailored solutions that make a difference.

Whether you’re addressing immediate IT needs or planning for the future, we can help you move forward with confidence.