2026 is set to be a big year for small businesses as they are still grappling with the effects of the latest government Budget, struggling high streets and ongoing cost of living challenges. Andy Fishburn, Managing Director of Virgin StartUp, has shared comments on three key trends he expects to emerge this year.
Purpose-driven entrepreneurship becomes the norm
“In 2026, we’ll see purpose-led start-ups become the norm rather than the exception. Purpose is no longer a “nice-to-have” or a marketing strategy, it’s proven to be a business growth driver. Since the pandemic we’ve seen a growing number of small businesses successfully embed sustainability and social impact into how they operate and these businesses are thriving – proving that purpose and profit are not mutually exclusive. As expectations from consumers and investors increase, even start-ups that haven’t previously considered themselves “purpose-driven” will begin to look more closely at the communities in which they operate and start to measure and report on the impact of how they do business.”
AI as the backbone of efficiency for start-ups
“In 2025, Virgin StartUp’s Founder Barometer report showed that 45% used AI tools this year, compared with only 34% in 2024, and 46% are planning to integrate AI tools within their business over the next 12 months. In 2026 we can expect this figure to increase further still, with many founders no longer seeing AI as just a ‘tool’, but as a ‘co-founder’ – sitting alongside them as a practical, always-on partner helping to make smarter decisions and bring sharper focus in those critical early stages. While AI can never truly replace experienced human mentorship and business support, it is undoubtedly helping founders to streamline their operations and provides future entrepreneurs with the knowledge and confidence to start and scale their ideas into a fully-fledged business.”
Dyslexic Thinking gains momentum
“Dyslexic Thinking isn’t a disadvantage in business, it’s a strength. In the last few years, we’ve seen a growing number of entrepreneurs speak openly about how Dyslexic Thinking can work as a “superpower” when building a business. Analysis by Made By Dyslexia in 2025 revealed at least one in three entrepreneurs are dyslexic, with dyslexic entrepreneurs contributing at least £4.6bn to UK GDP each year. In 2026, I predict that more small businesses will cotton-on to the fact that having Dyslexic Thinking in teams can unlock creativity and growth. At Virgin StartUp, we’re committed to supporting dyslexic founders through our Momentum accelerator programme, offering tailored guidance and advice to help dyslexic founders tap into their inner entrepreneurial spirit.”
Virgin StartUp is Virgin’s home of entrepreneurship in the UK that has helped more than 7,000 small businesses start, scale, and succeed since 2013.