One in three firms spend ‘significantly’ more on the technology than they did last year

The percentage of consultants saying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is “extremely important” to the transformation of their business has grown for the third successive year.

Top 150 Consultants 2026 3x2

Building’s annual Top 150 Consultants survey findings published on Friday will show 54% of respondents say it is “extremely important”, up from 50% last year.

A total of 91% of firms say AI is “extremely” or “very important”, up from 75% three years ago.

This importance is reflected in the fact 87% of firms have invested more in AI this year compared with last, with over a third (36%) investing “significantly” more.

Two in three respondents (66%) said they have invested more in cyber security compared with last year.

Building will publish more analysis showing how individual firms are using AI tomorrow (Thursday).

The full Top 150 Consultants tables to be published on Friday will include a ranking of the largest firms by UK fee income while there will be separate list for the Top 50 architects, project managers, engineers and surveyors.

Our exclusive analysis will show fee income growth across the industry split by sector and will also reveal which firms have grown the fastest over the past 12 months.

Our sentiment survey will reveal consultants’ biggest risks and investment priorities along with trends around recruitment and pay.

We will be publishing Top 150 findings throughout the week, including looking at what firms want to see from the Labour government.