EY found that 87% of UK business leaders expect quantum computing to disrupt their industry by 2030. The finding came from a survey of 500 leaders at companies with revenue of £150 million or more.
More than a third of respondents, 35%, said quantum computing is already a strategic priority for the next five years. The figure was much higher in financial services, at 67%, but fell to 17% among businesses in real estate, hospitality and construction.
Strategic focus
The research suggests many executives expect the technology to drive change but are holding back on near-term operational plans. A majority, 59%, said quantum computing was unlikely to mature enough to play a significant role in core operations until 2030 or later.
That caution is also reflected in hiring plans. Only 13% of UK business leaders said they planned to recruit the talent they expect to need within the next two years, even though 83% said the main risk of failing to adopt quantum computing was a loss of competitive advantage.
The survey covered businesses in digital and technologies, financial services, professional and business services, real estate, hospitality and construction, manufacturing, and retail. It was carried out with the National Quantum Computing Centre.
Risk concerns
Business leaders identified several risks linked to the rise of quantum computing beyond competitive pressure. Some 81% pointed to the rapid obsolescence of existing IT systems, while 80% cited compliance with future regulation.
They also identified barriers to adoption. Complexity was the most common concern, selected by 80% of respondents, followed by market uncertainty at 66%, integration challenges at 60%, and current talent shortages at 47%.
Industry uptake
The findings indicate that many large UK companies view quantum computing as a long-term strategic issue rather than an immediate operational shift. In sectors such as finance, where firms are already under pressure to improve fraud detection and anti-money laundering systems, interest appears more advanced.
Other industries are also testing possible uses. The research highlighted work by automotive manufacturers on electric vehicle battery development and traffic flow optimisation as examples of how companies are exploring potential applications for quantum methods.
Piers Clinton-Tarestad, Technology Risk Partner, EY UK, highlighted the tension between long-term expectations and short-term hesitation.
He said: "Our latest report shows that, while UK businesses are continuing to invest in and evaluate the impact of quantum computing, expectations of its maturity remain cautious. This means that although long-term disruption from quantum computing is widely expected, including its impact on cyber security, the proportion of companies taking immediate steps to prepare remains relatively small."
"For some business leaders we speak to, hesitation stems from not knowing where to begin exploration. One effective first step is to identify one or two practical ways in which quantum can be used, linked to existing pain points, before assessing which teams or processes would be most affected, and any gaps in skills, tools or data."
Readiness plans
"In the same way that an orchestra needs a conductor, effective quantum implementation needs a senior sponsor within a business with cross-functional oversight to coordinate efforts, secure resources, and help ensure quantum readiness becomes part of broader digital transformation plans," added Clinton-Tarestad.
His comments point to a broader issue for companies weighing emerging technologies: how to invest early enough to avoid being left behind without committing resources before systems, standards and skills are in place.
For UK businesses, that balance is likely to shape how quantum computing moves from research and pilot work into mainstream planning over the rest of the decade. The survey suggests many boardrooms now accept that disruption is coming, even if they remain uncertain about the pace.
Simon Plant, Deputy Director for Innovation, the National Quantum Computing Centre, said: "Quantum computing is moving from long-term promise to strategic business consideration. Organisations that begin building awareness, skills and practical use cases now will be better positioned to respond as the technology matures over the coming decade."