"Outsourcing looks set to remain a large part of IT spend in the UK, but suppliers should not take it for granted that clients will remain willing to put their hands in their pockets," says Lee Ayling, partner in KPMG's shared services and outsourcing advisory practice.

"Up to this point, continued spend has been fuelled by a need to respond tactically to the difficulties brought about by tough economic circumstances, but complacency is not an option."

He added: "The survey highlights that buyers are now using multiple service providers where they didn't before - hence service providers have to respond to shifting preferences for how IT is delivered if the current trend is set to continue."