Pitcher Partners’ Business Radar Report shines a light on the forces reshaping Australia’s middle market and how business leaders are responding. Independently commissioned, the survey captures insights from nearly 150 owners and executives across industries, states and stages of growth.
The findings from its latest report published in October 2025 reveal how middle market businesses are demonstrating remarkable confidence in AI’s transformative potential while taking measured, strategic approaches to implementation.
AI awareness is high, but strategy is lagging. 93% of leaders are familiar with AI and 72% use AI tools, yet only 13% have turned adoption into a fully funded strategic priority.
Workforce change is accelerating. Half of businesses report shifting roles, with employees spending more time on creative tasks (42%) and less on administration (36%) – but anxiety about job losses has increased from 29% to 37% since 2023.
Growth-stage leaders are ahead of the curve. Businesses in expansion mode (63%) and those with 100–250 employees (61%) are driving early AI transformation.
Confidence holds steady. Despite disruption concerns, middle market leaders remain focused on innovation and opportunity. By contrast, mature businesses show declining confidence as they view their size and legacy as potential disadvantages in AI transformation.
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