With the UK economic system treading water and rate of interest cuts nonetheless unsure, many companies are going through powerful selections. However relatively than pulling again throughout the board, finance leaders are adjusting their technique, ditching what doesn’t work and doubling down on what does.
That’s the image painted by Soldo’s newest Spend Index, which analyses actual spend knowledge from greater than 25,000 corporations throughout the UK and Europe. The findings suggests finance leaders are steering towards focused funding, particularly in areas that promise better productiveness and long-term influence.
“The neatest finance leaders aren’t simply chopping, they’re optimising,” says Sacha Herrmann, CFO at Soldo, a cost and spend automation platform. “Reasonably than sweeping cuts, they’re doubling down on spending that drives worth, particularly instruments and techniques that increase productiveness. It’s about tighter management over decentralised spend and clearer visibility, enabling development with out shedding monetary self-discipline. In powerful occasions, that steadiness is what builds resilience.”
AI spending surges
AI spending continues to be on the rise however companies are getting smarter about it. Amongst bigger UK corporations, funding jumped 130 per cent in early 2025, with finance groups backing instruments that increase productiveness relatively than chasing the following shiny factor.
Instruments like ChatGPT and productivity-focused AI platforms are seeing the most important beneficial properties. Spend on AI plugins rose by 148 per cent, whereas picture and video technology instruments have been up 70 per cent. Even presentation builders and transcription instruments noticed double-digit will increase (67 per cent and 21 per cent respectively).
Actually, the thrill round AI hasn’t pale however companies are actually extra targeted on easy methods to scale it, make it seen and hold it below management as completely different groups undertake instruments at their very own tempo.
“We’re previous the hype,” Herrmann says. “CFOs are beginning to see the worth of investing in AI instruments that ship actual influence, not simply those who sit within the limelight.
Software program and providers take centre stage
Software program spending is up 43 per cent within the UK, as companies lean into instruments that assist groups work smarter and hold efficiency on monitor. Skilled providers spend has climbed even sooner – up 59 per cent – with extra corporations bringing in outdoors consultants as guidelines tighten and priorities hold shifting.
“Rising spend on software program and providers reveals a shift to scalable, versatile fashions,” says Herrmann. In unsure occasions, CFOs are prioritising platforms that drive effectivity and perception, whereas chopping what not delivers worth.”
On the identical time, finance groups are being extra selective. Whereas software program is getting extra backing, recurring spend general has dropped by 30 per cent amongst massive corporations in an indication that underused instruments are getting the chop in favour of what really strikes the needle.
Journey is again… with a little bit of warning
Journey and expense (T&E) spending elevated 12 per cent within the UK throughout H1 2025, together with a 30 per cent spike in automotive rental amongst massive companies. Reasonably than a return to pre-pandemic habits, nonetheless, this marks a brand new section of managed mobility.
“It’s a little bit of each,” explains Herrmann. “Journey is again, however with objective. Spending is up, not as a result of companies are reverting to previous habits, however as a result of discipline groups, account managers and challenge leads must be cellular. What’s altering is how this spend is managed: extra visibility and a sharper deal with facilitating solely important journey that helps development.”
There’s additionally been a 49 per cent rise in motorcar prices and a 22 per cent improve in journey general, pointing to the rising function of discipline groups and challenge leads who must be on-site. In care, the place workers are continuously on the transfer between websites, T&E spend rose 26 per cent. In the meantime, leisure budgets have dipped barely – by 5 per cent – suggesting companies are nonetheless maintaining the non-essentials in test.
On a regular basis spending continues to be climbing
Outdoors of journey, companies are nonetheless spending steadily on the fundamentals. Operational prices, which cowl on a regular basis operating bills, rose 26 per cent throughout Europe and 23 per cent within the UK. Inside that, shopping-related spend jumped by a 3rd, and spending on providers was up 24 per cent.
In different phrases: the faucets aren’t off, however finance groups are watching each drop. Budgets are being assigned by group, challenge or location, and spending is tracked in actual time. It’s about maintaining issues shifting with out letting prices drift.
In manufacturing, for instance, general spend rose 23 per cent in H1, together with a 20 per cent rise in construction-related prices.
Spending smarter, not simply much less
If there’s one message operating via Soldo’s 2025 mid-year Spend Index, it’s that spending continues to be occurring but it surely’s much more intentional. Companies are backing instruments and providers that present a transparent return, whereas quietly dropping what doesn’t.
“Companies are recognising the significance of agility,” says Herrmann. “Finance’s function is to carry visibility and steer funding towards instruments that scale successfully and align with long-term objectives.”
