Nations & Regions
Our Nations and Regions programme connects technology organisations with local authorities, devolved governments and policymakers across the UK. We help members build relationships, shape policy and deliver digital solutions to local challenges. Our focus:
- Connecting tech with local decision-makers
- Championing place-based digital growth
- Building stronger local economies
Technology-led growth must work for every part of the UK.
We believe the UK’s technology-led growth will be stronger when every nation and region can build on its own strengths. That requires digital investment, innovation and skills to connect with local priorities, organisations and public services.
We work with local authorities, devolved governments, policymakers and communities across the UK to understand what matters locally and connect it with the expertise of the technology sector. By bringing organisations together, we build partnerships, identify opportunities and support digital solutions to local challenges.
Through our Local Digital Capital work and Local Digital Index, we help industry and policymakers understand the conditions for strong local digital economies, from adoption and infrastructure to data, investment, research and development (R&D) and trade support.
This programme supports our wider Digital Economy work, helping turn technology-powered UK economic growth into practical action across the nations and regions.
Influence local and devolved policy
We bring member expertise into conversations with local authorities, devolved governments and policymakers. Members contribute to consultations, local digital strategies and policy discussions, helping make technology part of the solution to local challenges.
Connect across the UK
We connect technology organisations with local and devolved government and partners across the public, private and third sectors. Through events, introductions and partnerships, members build relationships around local priorities and opportunities.
Access regional insight
We help members understand opportunities and challenges across different UK markets. Our Local Digital Index provides evidence and insight into Local Digital Capital, while our programme helps organisations explore investment, funding, R&D and market opportunities.
Build regional connections
Members can take part in regional events, contribute to reports and consultations and share expertise with local decision-makers. We help organisations strengthen their profile and build relationships with partners and stakeholders across the UK.
Upcoming events
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Meet the team
Stephanie Barr
Senior Programme Manager - SME Engagement Nations and Regions
Stephanie is the Senior Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK. Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies. Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.
Matthew Robinson
Head of Programme - Nations and Regions
Matt is techUK’s Head of Nations and Regions. Matt joined techUK in June 2021 and leads techUK’s engagement with Devolved Government, Combined Authorities and Elected Mayors across the UK. He works with techUK’s members on growing and strengthening the digital economy across the UK including devolution, regional growth and developing tech ecosystems. Matt was a City Councillor for 16 years (2010-2026), a former Parliamentary candidate and West Yorkshire mayoral candidate, he brings a first-hand understanding of how national policy is received and delivered locally. Matt sits on a number of boards and bodies to help the tech sector including as a Non-Executive Director for the Tech for Good Alliance and a member of Manchester Digital Strategy Advisory Board. Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.
Luke Newcombe
Programme Manager - Nations & Regions and Local Public Services
Luke joined techUK in September 2025 as a Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions. Luke works closely with members and stakeholders across industry and government at local, regional and national levels to support collaboration, drive innovation and strengthen tech-enabled public services. His work supports the development of strong local and regional tech economies by helping organisations to engage with public sector challenges, explore emerging technologies and build impactful partnerships. Prior to joining techUK, Luke worked at Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s export development agency. He began by advising SMEs on export strategy to the UK and later focused on connecting Irish businesses with multinational organisations to foster strategic partnerships, drive international growth and support economic development. Luke holds an MSc in Political Economy from the University of Amsterdam and a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.