Harbr Data has published research showing that 61% of large UK firms cannot fully explain how sensitive data is used once it is processed by AI systems overseas. The findings point to a governance gap in cross-border AI data handling.

The survey covered 250 UK IT and data decision-makers, including CIOs, CTOs, Heads of Data, Chief Data Officers and IT Directors, at organisations with 500 or more employees and about £100 million or more in annual revenue.

Nearly three-quarters of respondents said their data is processed by AI systems outside the UK at least weekly, while one-third said this happens daily. The research suggests cross-border data movement has become routine for many large organisations rather than an occasional exception.

That trend is putting pressure on internal governance structures. Boards remain responsible for the outcomes of AI-related decisions and compliance failures, yet only 20% of respondents said boards were ultimately accountable for cross-border AI governance. Instead, 58% said responsibility sat with the CIO or CTO.

Governance gap

The findings suggest many organisations are still struggling to build the staffing, controls and oversight needed to track sensitive data once it leaves domestic systems. Nearly half of respondents, 47%, said their organisations did not have enough qualified staff to manage cross-border AI.

A further 28% cited unclear ownership, saying responsibility was spread across multiple teams. More than 40% were unsure whether their systems fully complied with international regulations, and 38% said they faced difficulties auditing AI-driven decisions that rely on data from multiple regions.

The concern extends beyond internal processes. Half of respondents said limited visibility could lead to breaches of international compliance rules. Some 36% cited potential fines or regulatory investigations, while 35% pointed to strategic or geopolitical exposure. Commercial or contractual disputes were flagged by 31% of organisations.

Regional confidence

Confidence in managing AI-driven data also varied sharply by geography. Seven in 10 respondents said they felt confident handling such activity within the UK, while 62% said the same for the EU and EEA.

That confidence dropped outside Europe. Only 31% said they were confident in North America, and just 12% expressed confidence in Asia-Pacific. The figures suggest legal complexity, differing regulatory regimes and geopolitical concerns are shaping how companies assess overseas AI data processing.

External pressures are also shaping technology decisions. Data localisation laws have influenced AI architecture decisions for 91% of organisations, while 87% said geopolitical factors were affecting how and where data is processed.

The backdrop is a tougher compliance environment for businesses using AI across borders. As enforcement under the EU AI Act develops, companies operating internationally face closer scrutiny over governance, accountability and the movement of sensitive data between jurisdictions.

For large UK organisations, AI governance is moving beyond a narrow technical discussion and into broader operational and board-level risk management. The survey suggests many businesses are still working through how to assign ownership, document decision-making and maintain oversight when data is handled by systems outside the UK.

Harbr Data argues the issue lies less in the use of AI itself than in the difficulty of tracking and governing data once it enters global AI environments. The company works with organisations managing cross-border data ecosystems, with a focus on oversight of data sharing across systems, regions and business partners.

Anthony Cosgrove MBE, founder of Harbr Data, said: “AI systems are global by design, but accountability remains national. Cross-border AI processing is fundamentally an issue of how to govern data sharing. Organisations need a robust operating model for how sensitive data is accessed and used across systems, legal entities and national borders. Without that, boards risk being caught off guard by compliance breaches, fines, or international disputes.”

Woodgate & Clark has expanded its broker support operations with new hires and an association with BIBA, as the claims specialist seeks closer ties with insurance brokers.

It has become an associate of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, appointed Jack Steel as Director of Major Loss Operations, and hired a client relationship manager in Manchester to develop broker relationships across the North West.

The changes are part of a broader push to strengthen its position with brokers, at a time when demand for external claims and loss adjusting support has risen as firms seek responsive service and clear communication with policyholders during claims.

Woodgate & Clark has also expanded its major loss and liability operations. Alongside Steel’s appointment, Gary Eaton has joined as Technical Director in Third Party Property Damage and Gareth Hadfield has been promoted to Technical Director for Injury.

The business operates in loss adjusting and claims management, serving insurers and brokers across personal and commercial lines. Since joining parent group Van Ameyde in 2015, it has gained access to wider European claims handling and survey expertise.

Broker focus

The Manchester-based broker relationship role reflects the company’s regional approach as it looks to build links with intermediaries outside London. The North West remains a significant insurance hub, with a concentration of regional brokers and claims activity.

Becoming a BIBA associate also gives the firm a formal route into the UK broker network. Trade body associations often help raise supplier visibility in the broking market, particularly for service providers that rely on nominated partnerships and long-term claims relationships.

In recent years, loss adjusting firms have faced pressure to demonstrate not only technical expertise in complex claims but also strong customer communication, especially in property, business interruption and liability cases where claims can become prolonged and contentious.

The recent investment is intended to respond to those expectations. The business works across specialist personal lines, commercial property, business interruption, entertainment and media, the London market and contractor networks.

Mike Higgins outlined the company’s approach to broker relationships.

“BIBA is always an important event for us and we are really looking forward to connecting with brokers from across the market. As a nominated loss adjuster and claims partner, our expertise across the claims lifecycle can help set brokers apart, supporting their relationships with insurers while boosting customer retention rates. Our aim is to give brokers confidence that when a claim occurs, their clients will receive expert, responsive support,” said Mike Higgins, Managing Director of Woodgate & Clark.

The appointment of a Director of Major Loss Operations points to continued focus on large and technically complex claims, where insurers and brokers often seek experienced external specialists. In liability, the addition of senior technical roles in property damage and injury suggests the company is also strengthening discipline-specific oversight.

Across the insurance market, claims service has become a more visible factor in brokers’ selection of external partners. Poor claims handling can affect client retention and insurer relationships, particularly when customers judge an insurance product by the quality of support they receive after a loss.

Woodgate & Clark serves most parts of the insurance market, including heritage and high-net-worth personal lines as well as commercial risks. Through Van Ameyde, it also has access to marine and non-marine claims handling services, loss prevention consultancy and technical surveys across Europe.

Salamander Voyages, based in Belfast, offered “exclusive” private gulet holidays in Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Croatia.

In a post on Instagram, the company said: “Every voyage is private, personal and entirely yours – from the destinations you choose to the memories you create.

“Salamander does not just provide holidays. It helps guests write stories they will remember for a lifetime.”

Salamander Voyages closes after falling into administration

Now, after 23 years in business, Salamander Voyages has closed after falling into administration.

Scott Murray and Ian Davison of Keenan Corporate Finance Ltd were appointed joint administrators on April 22, according to Companies House and The Gazette.

Salamander Voyages posted the news of its closure on its website, saying: “After 23 years of wonderful sailing in the Aegean Sea, we are very sad to announce Salamander Voyages has taken the difficult decision to close its doors.

“Please note that on 22 April 2026 Scott Murray and Ian Davison of Keenan Corporate Finance Ltd were appointed as Joint Administrators of the Company.

“For any creditor queries, please contact the Joint Administrators’ office by telephone (028 9023 3023) or email (info@keenancf.com).”

What happens when a company goes into administration?

When a company enters administration, it means that it is unable to pay expenses, debts, or other liabilities, according to SquareUp.com.

Companies House adds: “When a company goes into administration, they have entered a legal process (under the Insolvency Act 1986) with the aim of achieving one of the statutory objectives of an administration. This may be to rescue a viable business that is insolvent due to cashflow problems.

“An appointment of an administrator (a licensed insolvency practitioner) will be made by directors, a creditor or the court to fulfil the administration process.”

A statutory moratorium is put in place once a company enters administration, giving it “breathing space” to allow for financial restructuring plans to be drawn up free from creditor enforcement actions.

A company can continue to trade while in administration, but daily management and control are handed over to the administrators.

Companies House continues: “Within 8 weeks it is the administrators’ role to formulate administration proposals.

“Creditors are then asked to vote by a decision procedure to approve the administrators’ proposals.

“If the administration involves a sale of all or part of the company’s business, the proceeds (after the costs of the procedure) will be distributed to creditors in a statutory order of priority.”

Administration will end automatically after 12 months unless the administrator asks the court or creditors for an extension.

Through administration, a company can be:

• Rescued and passed back to the directors
• Enter liquidation
• Be dissolved

Other UK travel companies that have closed in 2026

Four other UK travel companies have already closed in 2026:

All four have ceased trading, according to Companies House, and have lost their Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL).

Meanwhile, EcoJet Airlines, billed as “the world’s first Electric Airline”, also entered liquidation after just three years, resulting in the cancellation of all planned flights.

Did you ever book a holiday through Salamander Voyages? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.