AI Insights 23 Jan 2026 8 min read

Beyond the Hype: Unleashing Agentic AI for Real Enterprise Business Impact

Let us be honest - AI has promised a great deal, but how often does it actually deliver for large organisations? Many business leaders are feeling the pressure to prove that AI is more than just another costly experiment. This guide will show you how agentic AI is quietly redefining automation for UK enterprises - not just in theory, but with proven ROI and a clear path to scale.

What Exactly Is Agentic AI? A New Kind of Autonomy

Agentic AI marks a real turning point - it is AI that acts, not just reacts. Rather than waiting for endless human prompts, agentic AI operates with genuine autonomy. It can reason through complex goals, break them down into manageable tasks, and then execute those tasks using external tools or software. Where traditional AI might summarise a report, agentic AI can run the entire procurement process or resolve a tricky customer dispute from start to finish. No wonder Gartner predicts that agentic AI will underpin 30 percent of enterprise automation by 2027.

Agentic AI acts independently, not just in response to prompts.
It can reason, plan, and use external tools to get work done.
Gartner expects agentic AI to power 30 percent of enterprise automation by 2027.

Measuring Real Business Impact: ROI That Matters

For CIOs and business leaders, the value of agentic AI is not just a talking point - it is about real, measurable results. Take DPD, for example: Olivia AI-powered automation unlocked over 248,000 pounds in monthly recurring revenue by automating high-volume engagement.

Track both operational efficiency and direct revenue growth.
Case studies show agentic AI delivers ROI in high-volume areas.
Treat AI as a revenue generator, not just a cost centre.

Scaling Agentic AI: How Leading Enterprises Succeed

The most successful organisations start with custom agents in high-impact, repeatable areas, whether that is sales, HR, or customer service. MyClaim Group is a great example: they now manage over 100,000 emails a month using autonomous agents. Platforms like Olivia AI, delivering over 52,000 intelligent interactions daily, prove that reliability and compliance are the bedrock of enterprise-scale automation.

Start with pilots in sales, HR, or other high-volume functions.
Prioritise security and compliance from day one.
Use structured workshops to assess readiness and scale confidently.

Future-Proofing Your Organisation: The Next Wave of Automation

Looking ahead to 2030, agentic AI is set to drive over 150 billion dollars in enterprise automation spend. Building the right infrastructure means shifting your teams from 'doers' to 'orchestrators' of AI agents. Upskilling is not optional.

Agentic AI will be a 150 billion dollar market by 2030.
Invest in upskilling your workforce to manage autonomous agents.
Foster a culture where AI and human talent work together seamlessly.

Conclusion