techUK’s Market Access Brief: International Opportunities for tech companies
Welcome to the latest Market Access Brief insight. This is a new fortnightly insight which focuses on the events, opportunities, trade missions, as well as wider updates that we have within the techUK International programme and from our members and stakeholders.
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Separately, we wanted to note that if you are a techUK member, you are entitled to advertising events, updates, and opportunities to our wider network of members, prospects, and stakeholders, through this newsletter. To do this, please email [email protected].
Join techUK to hear from private and public sector experts on what you need to know about when exporting to the US. This event will assemble experts from the private and public sectors to give insights, focused on SMEs in particular, on what to do when exporting to America. This includes how to prepare to enter the US market, forging partnerships in the American market and entrenching your business as a new market participant. Find out more & sign up here.
External events, opportunities, and trade missions
Marking the entry into force of CPTPP between the UK and Mexico on 22 June 2026, this session will focus on the tangible opportunities the agreement brings for UK businesses engaging with the Mexican market. With improved market access, clearer trading rules, and reduced tariffs, CPTPP provides a platform for UK companies to expand exports, strengthen supply chain links, and build partnerships in Mexico. The session will highlight how businesses can actively leverage these advantages to support growth. Register your place here.
Join this year’s Privacy Laws & Business 39th International Conference, 6-8 July at St. John’s College Cambridge. Do fundamental rights apply to EU initiatives and EU-influenced laws around the world? Network with your peers and meet 70 speakers from 14 countries in 3 days. Companies, law firms, regulators, and privacy advocate from the UK, the EU, Asia, North America, Latin America and Africa will discuss these issues at the world’s longest running and favourite privacy conference. Find out more here.
On 1 April 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a Call for Proposals for the American AI Exports Program, inviting industry-led consortia to submit proposals for full-stack AI technology offerings for export.
Non-U.S. companies may participate as consortium members, subcontractors, or implementers (but not as the leaders of a consortium) and are subject to any specific requirements for particular elements of the AI technology stack. For further information, please contact [email protected].
Organised by ZEBOX , the incubator of French transport and logistics group CMA CGM, the initiative was designed to identify and support the most promising startups addressing key industry challenges in transport, logistics, and media.
This program aims to spotlight 50 high-potential startups and give them the opportunity to collaborate with the Group, access strategic support, and gain international visibility through the ZEBOX ecosystem. Applications close on the August 7. Finalists announced — September 2. Grand Finale — September 24. Link to apply before August 7: https://www.cmacgm-startup-awards.com/
On the occasion of Data Centre World Asia, 29 – 30 September 2026 taking place in Singapore, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) will be organising a 4-days data centre trade mission to Singapore and Batam from 28 September to 1 October 2026.
During this trade mission, you will have the opportunity to engage with data centre stakeholders in the region which include government agencies, DC operators, engineering consultancy firms and other partners/buyers from the data centre industry.
We would like to invite UK data centre companies in design & build, cooling technology & sustainability and AI solutions for DC management & automation to submit an application via the following link, Data Centre Mission to Singapore and Indonesia (28 Sep - 1 Oct 2026) by Friday, 24 July 2026. You will be notified by DBT team if you have been successfully selected. If you have any questions about this submission, please reach out to [email protected] and [email protected].
Updates and news from techUK members and stakeholders
Mexico has now ratified the UK’s accession to CPTPP meaning the UK will be able to access CPTPP provisions with Mexico from 22 June 2026. Mexico is the UK’s second largest trading partner in Latin America, with significant opportunities for UK businesses. CPTPP builds on the UK–Mexico Trade Continuity Agreement by improving market access through reduced tariffs and greater services market access, while offering greater certainty through clear and modern digital trading rules, helping UK businesses operate and expand in the Mexican market with confidence. To support businesses in making the most of these new CPTPP opportunities, the Department for Business and Trade have published a range of guides on the Mexico market page.
Research shows that 73% of businesses are optimistic about growing internationally over the next 3 years, but they often face challenges, including difficulty finding verified local partners and a lack of clarity around local regulations.
Navigator Global is a platform by Santander UK that gives you all the insight, tools and connections you need to simplify global trade, cut costs, and scale confidently. Whether you’re exploring your first international market or planning to scale globally, you can:
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The Tallinn Mechanism has launched the TM Platform, a new portal providing information on cyber delivery opportunities and collaboration in support of Ukraine’s civilian cyber resilience. Cyber companies can register to access tenders and partnership opportunities, with a dedicated webinar available for the UK sector to outline how to engage. Find out more here.
While Japan was at the forefront of quantum computing in the late 1990s, it has fallen behind in recent years and the Japanese government is now investing heavily to catch up. This is creating significant opportunities for UK firms specialising in quantum computing hardware, software and services to work with Japanese companies to bridge the gap between where quantum computing is today and real-world commercial applications. This report details these opportunities, recommends market entry strategies and covers different viable business models, all illustrated by high-value case studies and testimonials from in-market players. Click here to read the report.
Understanding how to manage your local talent is a crucial part of setting up shop in a new country and securing mid-to-long-term growth. In Asia, even experienced team builders often run into unexpected issues. Intralink invited experts in talent attraction and executive search from across Asia to advise you – talking Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Watch the skills workshop here.
Horizon Europe is the world’s largest research and innovation programme running from 2021 until 2027, providing over £80 billion in funding to address some of the greatest global challenges. It supports groundbreaking ideas across various fields, from curing diseases to safeguarding cultural heritage. Horizon Europe offers a unique chance for cross-border collaboration, expanding the UK’s research connections, access to funding, networks, and global talent. Check out the hub here.
techUK member Hawksford are pleased to announce the launch of their new eBook, ‘Doing business in the UK’. This publication provides an overview of what you need to know when considering doing business in the UK, including the fundamentals of investing, from setting up a company in particular jurisdictions to successfully running a business. Click here to read.
If you would like to put events, opportunities, or updates in this newsletter insight, and you are a techUK member or stakeholder, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected]
Daniel Clarke
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.
techUK International Policy and Trade Programme activities
techUK supports members with their international trade plans and aspirations. We help members to understand market opportunities, tackle market access barriers, and build partnerships in their target market. Visit the programme page here.
Exporting to America: what SMEs should know
Join techUK to hear from private and public sector experts on what you need to know about when exporting to the US.
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.
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.
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Daniel Clarke
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.
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.
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.
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.
Senior Policy Manager - 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.
