1 Sept 2025
3. Horizon Scanning: See What’s Coming, Shape What’s Next
Horizon Scanning is a structured way to look beyond the day to day and prepare for multiple futures. We track sector signals, competitor moves and emerging practice, we combine machine analysis with expert judgement, then we bring leaders together to test futures and choose smart bets. The result is not a trend report, it is a repeatable way to see shifts early, make sense of them, and connect them to your roadmap.
Why it matters
Every leader asks the same question: what’s next? New technologies reshape markets, customer expectations evolve faster than legacy systems can handle, regulation adds risk overnight, and a rival moves first.
Ambition is not the problem, visibility is. Without a disciplined scan, strategy is driven by instinct, guesswork or the loudest voice in the room. Horizon Scanning replaces noise with a defensible view of signals and scenarios, so you can act before disruption lands.
What you get
Horizon Scanning produces decision-ready outputs, all in one place.
Deliverable | What It Gives You |
|---|---|
Signals digest | A clear view of technology, market and regulatory shifts that matter to you. |
Competitor lens | Insight into what rivals are launching, what partners are doing, and how the field moves. |
AI-enhanced patterning | Machine-detected trends and anomalies across curated datasets. |
Scenarios pack | Best, worst and likely case futures with implications and triggers. |
Workshop outputs | Expert panel notes, alignment decisions and the reasoning behind them. |
Action shortlist | Investments to explore, risks to mitigate, experiments to run, with owners named. |
Feedback loop | A cadence for ongoing scanning so signals keep updating strategies and plans. |
Optional extras | Deeper roundtables, expert interviews, market sizing and ROI frames for opportunities. |
What this changes for you
Scanning is not just about foresight, it changes how your organisation makes choices.
Without Scanning | With Scanning |
|---|---|
Bets are made on instinct or the loudest view. | Bets are evidence-led, scenarios are tested, risks are named. |
Surprises come from law, customer need or rivals. | Fewer fire drills, more calm motion, because shifts are seen earlier. |
Roadmaps drift away from reality. | Plans align with live signals, and boards gain confidence in the direction. |
Culture is reactive, focused only on today. | Culture becomes forward-looking: people spot signals, share them and use them. |
How it works
The scanning process blends machine analysis with human judgement in a structured way.
Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
Mobilise and frame | Confirm domains that matter, set guiding questions, agree data sources. |
Research & AI scan | Track publications, launches and datasets; run pattern detection and anomaly checks. |
Expert panels & workshops | Stress-test futures, surface trade-offs and explore options. |
Scenario planning | Map best, worst and likely cases, define triggers, early warnings and guardrails. |
Translate to action | Prioritise opportunities and risks, define experiments, set owners and dates. |
Establish feedback | Build checkpoints so new signals update strategies, portfolios and budgets. |
Scope and shape
We are clear about inclusions and exclusions, so leaders know what to expect.
In Scope | Out of Scope Unless Agreed |
|---|---|
Industry and market tracking, competitor launches, regulatory watch. | Full programme delivery or large-scale primary research. |
AI-enhanced scanning across curated datasets with human review. | Deep technical due diligence. |
Scenario planning with triggers and early warnings. | |
Leader workshops and panels, with decision capture and alignment notes. | |
Action shortlist and feedback rhythm, so scanning updates strategy not slides. |
Assumptions: Named sponsor, access to relevant plans and portfolios, willingness to schedule leaders for short workshops.
Who it is for
Leaders who want to stop reacting and start preparing. Horizon Scanning is ideal for organisations that:
Feel the market shifting beneath them.
Need a clearer view of risks and opportunities.
Want a rhythm that keeps strategy live rather than static.
How long and how much
Horizon Scanning is delivered as a fixed-price package, typically within three to four weeks door-to-door. Optional travel at cost, payment terms as per MSA.
Organisation Size | Price |
|---|---|
Small (50–100 people) | £11,500 |
Mid (101–249 people) | £21,000 |
Large (250–500 people) | £41,000 |
Enterprise (501+) | Price on application |
Ready to start
Bring one strategic question. We will show you how scanning reframes it, which signals to watch, and what actions to take first.
If you want clearer signals and more confident choices, start here.