AI in Business – Insights from Industry Professionals within NOF

Posted on 06 May 2026

Westray Recruitment Group engaged with 60 industry professionals within the NOF to explore awareness, attitudes and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across their businesses. The findings highlight a sector that is both curious and cautiously optimistic, yet still largely in the early stages of AI integration.

Understanding AI in Today’s Business Landscape

The results show that familiarity with AI varies across the sector. Around 70% of respondents described themselves as somewhat familiar with AI and its business applications, while the remaining 30% were evenly split between those who were either very familiar or not familiar at all.

Despite this variation in understanding, sentiment towards AI is broadly positive. 60% of professionals believe AI represents a positive force for business, compared to 25% who disagree and 15% who remain uncertain. This suggests that while enthusiasm exists, there is still a need for greater clarity and education around AI capabilities.

Current Adoption and Use Cases

AI adoption is already underway in many organisations, though often in targeted areas rather than across entire operations. Chatbots and virtual assistants are currently the most widely used tools, followed by predictive analytics and machine learning applications. Only a small number of businesses reported no use of AI at all.

These findings indicate that companies are beginning with practical, accessible technologies that deliver immediate efficiencies, particularly in communication and data-driven decision-making.

Workforce Impact and Concerns

The impact of AI on jobs continues to divide opinion. While a portion of respondents expressed little concern, others remain wary of potential displacement. Roles in HR, recruitment and administration were most frequently identified as being at risk, alongside planning and cost analysis functions.

At the same time, recruitment challenges persist. Skilled trades remain the most difficult roles to fill, followed by technical and engineering positions. This highlights a critical tension: while AI may reshape certain job functions, the demand for specialised human skills remains strong.

Encouragingly, respondents also identified ways AI could enhance recruitment processes. Key opportunities include improving CV screening and shortlisting, automating onboarding tasks and using predictive analytics to assess cultural fit.

Competitiveness, Regulation and Readiness

Businesses appear split when assessing their position in the AI landscape. 55% believe they are ahead in adoption, while 45% express concern that failing to manage AI effectively could leave them at risk of falling behind.

Preparation for regulation is another mixed area. While half of respondents feel ready for future regulatory challenges, a notable proportion admit they are not yet prepared. However, there is strong overall support for government regulation of AI, suggesting businesses recognise the importance of clear frameworks.

Looking Ahead: AI as a Strategic Priority

AI is firmly on the strategic agenda for most organisations. Over two-thirds of respondents consider it extremely important to their long-term plans. Common priorities for the future include:

• Upskilling and retraining employees
• Investing in new AI technologies
• Forming partnerships with AI-focused organisations

When it comes to mitigating risks, the majority emphasise the importance of employee retraining, alongside transparency and stronger cybersecurity measures.

Westray’s Perspective: What This Means for Your Business

“AI is set to play a pivotal role. I have been advising fellow members in the NOF how it can in reshape and address the current engineering and technical skill shortages. Rather than simply replacing jobs, AI will amplify productivity, streamline project delivery, and shift demand toward higher-value skills. This will be particularly in digital engineering, data analysis, and advanced manufacturing. Within the renewable energy sector, the organisations aiming to create thousands of jobs in the decades ahead, the challenge isn’t just filling vacancies, but evolving the workforce itself. This means investing in upskilling, embracing AI-enabled workflows, and attracting talent that can work alongside these technologies. From a recruitment perspective, those who adapt early – by aligning hiring strategies with emerging skill demands – will be best positioned to meet their growth targets and remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven sector.” Harry Mann our Engineering Recruitment Manager adds.

If you would like to explore how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping recruitment and how Westray can help future-proof your workforce, contact us at info@westray.co.uk or call 0191 492 6622.