techUK is also hosting a members-only webinar on 28 November where expert speakers will provide analysis of the Budget and what it means for the tech sector and wider economy.
In our response, developed in collaboration with our members, we highlight the importance of the tech sector to the government’s growth mission. Today, it is estimated that the digital economy represents around 13% of the total economy, is responsible for adding £286 billion in annual GVA, and employs over 2.9 million people. The first year and a half of this government has seen concrete plans put in place to grow the economy generally and tech ecosystem specifically, including the UK-US Tech Prosperity Deal, the Industrial Strategy and plans to digitise the public sector.
To support the further growth of the tech sector, what is needed now is for those plans to be enacted alongside other pro-business, confidence-creating measures that will boost the UK’s competitiveness and ensure there is a naturally high inflow of investment into the UK economy.
Since our submission to last year’s Autumn Budget, techUK has continued to call for measures to support the growth of the tech ecosystem and promote digitalisation across the wider economy (including the IS-8) to remain an innovative, globally competitive economy. We have been pleased to see the government adopt many of our recommendations. These included increasing support for high-growth businesses, pledging to maintain full expensing and stable corporation tax rates and a clear emphasis on the importance of driving digital adoption to support productivity. These are important tenets of stability that allow businesses to plan future investment.
Now though, despite the tight fiscal situation the government finds itself in, we must not undo the progress made with anti-investment measures for businesses.
In our response, developed in collaboration with our members, we highlight the importance of the tech sector to the government’s growth mission. Today, it is estimated that the digital economy represents around 13% of the total economy, is responsible for adding £286 billion in annual GVA, and employs over 2.9 million people. The first year and a half of this government has seen concrete plans put in place to grow the economy generally and tech ecosystem specifically, including the UK-US Tech Prosperity Deal, the Industrial Strategy and plans to digitise the public sector.
To support the further growth of the tech sector, what is needed now is for those plans to be enacted alongside other pro-business, confidence-creating measures that will boost the UK’s competitiveness and ensure there is a naturally high inflow of investment into the UK economy.
Since our submission to last year’s Autumn Budget, techUK has continued to call for measures to support the growth of the tech ecosystem and promote digitalisation across the wider economy (including the IS-8) to remain an innovative, globally competitive economy. We have been pleased to see the government adopt many of our recommendations. These included increasing support for high-growth businesses, pledging to maintain full expensing and stable corporation tax rates and a clear emphasis on the importance of driving digital adoption to support productivity. These are important tenets of stability that allow businesses to plan future investment.
Now though, despite the tight fiscal situation the government finds itself in, we must not undo the progress made with anti-investment measures for businesses.
Our Budget submission sets out how we can protect the gains made and bring further positive investment to the UK. It is divided into three pillars: Competitiveness, Public Sector Growth and Security and Resilience. Some of our most important recommendations from each pillar can be found below.
Support market dynamism and high-growth businesses:
Make share schemes work better to support access to talent for scale-ups: Modernise the Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme to ensure it remains fit for purpose for fast growing tech start-ups and supports their scaling here in the Uk by reassessing the financial and employee limits.
Ensure public markets are fit for purpose for innovative tech companies seeking to list: Strengthen the IPO pipeline, improving liquidity and competitiveness (through initiatives such as PISCES). Continue to accelerate Mansion House reforms where 2030 is often cited as being too slow.
Create better join-up to fully utilise Public Finance Institutions to catalyse private investment: Place the UK Strategic Public Investment Forum on a statutory footing.
Incentivise economy wide digital technology and AI adoption to close the UK’s productivity gap:
Use regulatory levers to support digital and AI adoption: Support the adoption of e-invoicing and introduced a phased approach to mandating, starting with B2B transactions for VAT-registered businesses.
Update the UK’s tax incentives to drive connectivity, digital and AI adoption – this should be part of a digital adoption package: Explore an explicit tax incentive to support adoption and reduce the costs of beneficial adoption, such as a rebate on NIC contributions for AI adoption.
Move ahead on a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) As-A-Service tool to support SME digital and AI adoption: This service should support with basic diagnostic tools and pointers to encourage SMEs to consider AI and digital products as they refine and develop their businesses. Use proven examples such as Singapore's SMEs Go Digital programme.
Public sector growth
Use tech to improve the delivery of essential public services
Instil a ‘tech first’ approach to solving problems in the public sector, including specific challenge-based pilots in the public sector as part of the ‘AI Exemplars’ programme.
Embed AI in public service delivery by embedding AI in every NHS clinician’s workflow by 2030 and funding pilot AI Helpers in job centres to assist jobseekers with applications.
Establish the National Data Library to start with, and to support the work of the NDL, this could involve establishing a cross-sector open data forum. Alongside common standards and APIs across government departments
Continue funding for LGA’s support programme for local government reorganisation to reconsider their digitisation efforts, combat legacy IT and ensure interoperable services, and help local authorities to determine the data they hold and any vulnerabilities, improving the outlook for future procurement.
Monitor and evaluate projects against outcomes, rather than measuring value for money on capital investment or upfront costs.
Commission a review of SIC codes to enable better policymaking. We note that there is existing ongoing work to capture the true digital economy, including the ‘RTIC’ model.
Security and resilience
Prioritise digital resilience as systems that underpin the modern economy:
Firmly establish cyber as an essential part of national security: Include cyber resilience spending in the 5% of GDP target for national security. This should also lead to increased public sector cyber resilience spending, to ensure to upgrade vulnerabilities in the public sector, as well as greater emphasis in procurement of cyber resilience.
Support in the delivery of secure and resilient digital networks: The ongoing commitment in funding around Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network is vital to ensure remote and hard to reach areas can use digital services on the most secure and resilient networks.
Increase infrastructure resilience: Work to ensure there is a reduction in the cost of energy for key sectors of the UK economy, for example by bringing both telecoms and data centres into the Energy Intensive Industries Scheme (EIIS) to reduce energy costs and allow emergency measures in case of interruption of energy supply.
You can click the button below to find the full budget submission.
techUK will be hosting a debrief webinar, where we will analyse what the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget means for the tech ecosystem. Attendees will hear from expert speakers to help improve members' understanding of what the Budget means, how the choices in the Budget reflect the UK Government and its priorities, and the evolving policy environment in the wake of this critical fiscal statement. Sign up via techUK website.
If you have any questions, please contact the Digital Economy team.
Antony Walker
Deputy CEO, techUK
Antony Walker is deputy CEO of techUK, which he played a lead role in launching in November 2013.
Antony is a member of the senior leadership team and has overall responsibility for techUK’s policy work. Prior to his appointment in July 2012 Antony was chief executive of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the UK’s independent advisory group on broadband policy. Antony was closely involved in the development of broadband policy development in the UK since the BSG was established in 2001 and authored several major reports to government. He also led the development of the UK’s world leading Open Internet Code of Practice that addresses the issue of net neutrality in the UK. Prior to setting up the BSG, Antony spent six years working in Brussels for the American Chamber of Commerce following and writing about telecoms issues and as a consultant working on EU social affairs and environmental issues. Antony is a graduate of Aberdeen University and KU Leuven and is also a Policy Fellow Alumni of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University.
Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.
With over seven years of Government Affairs expertise, Samiah has built a solid reputation as a tech policy specialist, engaging regularly with UK Government Ministers, senior civil servants and UK Parliamentarians.
Before joining techUK, Samiah led several public affairs functions for international tech firms and coalitions at Burson Global (formerly Hill & Knowlton), delivering CEO-level strategic counsel on political, legislative, and regulatory issues in the UK, EU, US, China, India, and Japan. She is adept at mobilising multinational companies and industry associations, focusing on cross-cutting digital regulatory issues such as competition, artificial intelligence, and more.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of London, where she founded the New School Economics Society, the Goldsmiths University chapter of Rethinking Economics.
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
Nimmi Patel is the Associate Director of Policy at techUK. She works on all things skills, education, and future of work policy, focusing on upskilling and retraining. Nimmi is also an Advisory Board member of the Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (digit). The Centre’s research aims to increase understanding of how digital technologies are changing work and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers, and governments.
Prior to joining the techUK team, she worked for the UK Labour Party and New Zealand Labour Party, and holds an MA in Strategic Communications at King’s College London and BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Manchester. She also took part in the 2024-25 University of Bath Institute for Policy Research Policy Fellowship Programme and is the Education and Skills Policy Co-lead for Labour in Communications.
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.
Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.
Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.
Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs.
Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.
With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.
A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.
She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.
Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.
Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.
Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.
Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam.
Mia joined techUK in September 2023 within the Digital Infrastructure and Climate team(s) before transitioning to the Digital Economy team in April 2024.
Before joining techUK, Mia worked as a Senior Policy Adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) sitting within the Policy Unit.
Mia holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Outside of work, Mia enjoys running, yoga, bouldering and art.
Oliver is a Junior Policy Manager at techUK, working across Public Affairs and Digital Regulation policy. He supports the organisation’s engagement with government and parliament, contributes to shaping techUK’s regulatory agenda, and plays a key role in coordinating political outreach, policy projects, and flagship events.
He joined techUK in November 2023 as a Team Assistant to the Policy and Public Affairs team, before stepping into his current role. He has been closely involved in efforts to ensure the tech sector’s voice is heard in the policymaking process.
Oliver holds a Master’s in Policy Research from the University of Bristol and a BSc in Policy from Swansea University. During his studies, he contributed to mental health research as a Student Research Assistant for the SMaRteN network.
Outside of work, Oliver is a keen debater and remains active in the UK debating community, having previously led the Swansea University Debating Union. He enjoys exploring complex issues from multiple perspectives and values clear, thoughtful communication in policy discussions.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.
Dani joined techUK in February 2025 as a Policy Manager in the Digital Regulation team.
Prior to this, Dani worked in political monitoring where she was a consultant for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In this role, she developed a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure, closely following all of the major developments in the tech centre and working with several key stakeholders and regulators.
She has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Bristol and an MPhil in Modern European History from the University of Cambridge.
Outside of tech, Dani has a strong interest in addiction policy, particularly towards drugs, having written her dissertation on the topic as well as several subsequent research projects. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and following all things motoring, whether that be F1, MotoGP or Formula E.
As Head of Public Affairs, Alice supports techUK’s strategic engagement with Westminster, Whitehall and beyond. She regularly works to engage with ministers, members of the UK’s parliaments and senior civil servants on techUK’s work advocating for the role of technology in the UK’s economy as well as wider society.
Alice joined techUK in 2022. She has experience working at both a political monitoring company, leading on the tech, media and telecoms portfolio there, and also as an account manager in a Westminster-based public affairs agency. She has a degree from the University of Sheffield in Politics and Philosophy.
techUK's Policy and Public Affairs Programme activities
techUK helps our members understand, engage and influence the development of digital and tech policy in the UK and beyond. We support our members to understand some of the most complex and thorny policy questions that confront our sector. Visit the programme page here.
Combatting Online Fraud: techUK's 2025 Report Launch Breakfast & Panel l 13 November
Join techUK for the launch of the Anti-Fraud Report 2025: Technology’s Role in Combatting Online Fraud. Our new report looks at how technology, government and law enforcement can work together to address this challenge, drawing on examples from across the tech sector.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Antony Walker is deputy CEO of techUK, which he played a lead role in launching in November 2013.
Antony is a member of the senior leadership team and has overall responsibility for techUK’s policy work. Prior to his appointment in July 2012 Antony was chief executive of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the UK’s independent advisory group on broadband policy. Antony was closely involved in the development of broadband policy development in the UK since the BSG was established in 2001 and authored several major reports to government. He also led the development of the UK’s world leading Open Internet Code of Practice that addresses the issue of net neutrality in the UK. Prior to setting up the BSG, Antony spent six years working in Brussels for the American Chamber of Commerce following and writing about telecoms issues and as a consultant working on EU social affairs and environmental issues. Antony is a graduate of Aberdeen University and KU Leuven and is also a Policy Fellow Alumni of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University.
As Head of Public Affairs, Alice supports techUK’s strategic engagement with Westminster, Whitehall and beyond. She regularly works to engage with ministers, members of the UK’s parliaments and senior civil servants on techUK’s work advocating for the role of technology in the UK’s economy as well as wider society.
Alice joined techUK in 2022. She has experience working at both a political monitoring company, leading on the tech, media and telecoms portfolio there, and also as an account manager in a Westminster-based public affairs agency. She has a degree from the University of Sheffield in Politics and Philosophy.
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
Nimmi Patel is the Associate Director of Policy at techUK. She works on all things skills, education, and future of work policy, focusing on upskilling and retraining. Nimmi is also an Advisory Board member of the Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (digit). The Centre’s research aims to increase understanding of how digital technologies are changing work and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers, and governments.
Prior to joining the techUK team, she worked for the UK Labour Party and New Zealand Labour Party, and holds an MA in Strategic Communications at King’s College London and BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Manchester. She also took part in the 2024-25 University of Bath Institute for Policy Research Policy Fellowship Programme and is the Education and Skills Policy Co-lead for Labour in Communications.
Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.
With over seven years of Government Affairs expertise, Samiah has built a solid reputation as a tech policy specialist, engaging regularly with UK Government Ministers, senior civil servants and UK Parliamentarians.
Before joining techUK, Samiah led several public affairs functions for international tech firms and coalitions at Burson Global (formerly Hill & Knowlton), delivering CEO-level strategic counsel on political, legislative, and regulatory issues in the UK, EU, US, China, India, and Japan. She is adept at mobilising multinational companies and industry associations, focusing on cross-cutting digital regulatory issues such as competition, artificial intelligence, and more.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of London, where she founded the New School Economics Society, the Goldsmiths University chapter of Rethinking Economics.
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.
Mia joined techUK in September 2023 within the Digital Infrastructure and Climate team(s) before transitioning to the Digital Economy team in April 2024.
Before joining techUK, Mia worked as a Senior Policy Adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) sitting within the Policy Unit.
Mia holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Outside of work, Mia enjoys running, yoga, bouldering and art.
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
Dani joined techUK in February 2025 as a Policy Manager in the Digital Regulation team.
Prior to this, Dani worked in political monitoring where she was a consultant for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In this role, she developed a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure, closely following all of the major developments in the tech centre and working with several key stakeholders and regulators.
She has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Bristol and an MPhil in Modern European History from the University of Cambridge.
Outside of tech, Dani has a strong interest in addiction policy, particularly towards drugs, having written her dissertation on the topic as well as several subsequent research projects. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and following all things motoring, whether that be F1, MotoGP or Formula E.
Oliver is a Junior Policy Manager at techUK, working across Public Affairs and Digital Regulation policy. He supports the organisation’s engagement with government and parliament, contributes to shaping techUK’s regulatory agenda, and plays a key role in coordinating political outreach, policy projects, and flagship events.
He joined techUK in November 2023 as a Team Assistant to the Policy and Public Affairs team, before stepping into his current role. He has been closely involved in efforts to ensure the tech sector’s voice is heard in the policymaking process.
Oliver holds a Master’s in Policy Research from the University of Bristol and a BSc in Policy from Swansea University. During his studies, he contributed to mental health research as a Student Research Assistant for the SMaRteN network.
Outside of work, Oliver is a keen debater and remains active in the UK debating community, having previously led the Swansea University Debating Union. He enjoys exploring complex issues from multiple perspectives and values clear, thoughtful communication in policy discussions.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
