techUK’s Market Access Brief: International Opportunities for tech companies
See upcoming events, opportunities, news, and updates from techUK's International Trade Programme… See upcoming events, opportunities, news, and updates from techUK's International Trade Programme…
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.
We have two final events for the year, one on the morning of the 4th December, a webinar on how to win business in Ukraine, and another, in the afternoon, our annual UK-China Tech Forum. Please sign-up using the links below.
In recent months we have made changes to the way we send emails. Please sign up to our mailing lists for India (here), Japan (here), China (here), APAC (here) to make sure you are still receiving emails for areas of focus that you are interested in.
If you want to receive these updates in your inbox each month, you can sign up to our newsletter here.
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 us for the UK-China Tech Forum, co-organised by techUK & China-Britain Business Council, taking place at techUK's 10 St Bride Street Office in Central London on Thursday 4 December, 2:30–5:00pm. The Forum will bring together tech companies, government representatives, and industry leaders from the UK and China to foster meaningful dialogue on tech, trade, and areas for non-politically sensitive cooperation. Tickets are free and open to all, to sign up please click here.
Join techUK, in collaboration with the Government of Ukraine, for our upcoming webinar on How to Work with Ukraine: Opportunities for UK Tech, on Thursday, 4 December (10:00 - 11:00). The webinar will bring together senior representatives from the Government of Ukraine, the Brave1 defence-tech cluster, the UK–Ukraine Tech Bridge team, and a UK exporter to explore how UK tech firms can connect. For UK companies, this is a chance to understand real commercial opportunities, hear directly from decision-makers, and learn from a peer already exporting to Ukraine. Find out more and sign up here.
External events, opportunities, and trade missions
DBT Vietnam are organising the UK Health Innovation Mission to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from 26-29 January 2026. This mission is Phase 3 of the Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Health Innovation Development Project, a multi-year programme designed to deepen UK-Vietnam collaboration in healthcare innovation.
The mission will include a Digital Health Transformation Capacity Building Conference, structured B2B matching sessions, site visits, and high-profile networking events with key Vietnamese stakeholders. They are now seeking to recruit around 10 UK private sector companies to join the delegation. Participation is self-funded, but networking meals and group transport for site visits will be provided as part of the official programme. Find out more here and register interest here.
UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week 2026 is the UK’s flagship annual event on science, innovation and technology in Southeast Asia. This year’s event will run from Monday 9th February to Friday 13th February 2026 in the Philippines (Manila), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) and Singapore. This year, the UK is taking a delegation of cutting-edge UK AI and data companies to meet with stakeholders and potential partners in Southeast Asia. The companies represent the UK's tech prowess - we are home to a $1 trillion tech sector with over 150 unicorns. Find out how you can get involved here.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT), in partnership with the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO), invites UK companies to participate in a targeted trade mission at the NASPO Exchange 2026 conference in Orlando, Florida from 9–12 March 2026. This mission will offer direct access to US state and local procurement leaders, enabling UK firms to showcase capabilities, build relationships, and explore high-value contract opportunities. Find out more here and submit your expression of interest by 12 December 2025 to [email protected].
Apply to join the UK’s Department for Business and Trade’s AI Delegation to Texas, with engagements in both Dallas and Austin. This opportunity will spotlight the best of UK innovation in Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Advanced Software. Home to more than 21 Fortune 500 companies—including AT&T, Texas Instruments, American Airlines, and Caterpillar—the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) region has established itself as a global hub for AI innovation. Delegates will be exposed to showcase and pitching opportunities to key investors, buyers, and other technology ecosystem stakeholders in Dallas & Austin. As well as invitations to receptions, networking events with DBT & fellow trade mission participants. Deadline to apply is 28 November. Find out more and apply here.
The UK's Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is excited to announce this Engineering Biology Trade Mission to South Korea in March 2026. South Korea aims to become a global leader in the bioeconomy by 2035, driving growth through advanced biotechnology, digital innovation, and sustainability. This creates exciting opportunities for UK engineering biology companies to engage with one of Asia's most dynamic markets. Participation will include networking opportunities with Korean stakeholders, pitching sessions to potential buyers, as well as participation in a roundtable discussion between UK and Korean government, industry, and academic stakeholders. Find out more and register here.
The Business Year is proud to launch a pivotal new initiative to advance economic and investment ties between the United Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council. This dual-format project combines a comprehensive special report with a high-level event designed to deepen strategic partnerships across both regions. With UK–GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations advancing, this forum will bring together ministers, sovereign wealth fund leaders, CEOs, and financial institutions to explore collaboration in trade, investment, energy, technology, and sustainability. Find out more here.
PUBLIC is running a demonstrator project to support UK TradeTech SMEs working in the APAC region, to showcase how UK innovation in trade digitalisation is delivering real-world impact. They are reaching out to UK TradeTech SMEs who are keen to scale-up their footprint, capitalising on the UK's deepening trade relations within the APAC region and create new opportunities for innovative digital trade solutions. To find out more please email [email protected] or schedule a meeting with the team to discuss how you can get involved.
The Digital Trade Corridor (DTC) Programme is a UK government-sponsored pilot programme running live, digitalised goods shipments involving data-driven processes between the UK and key European partners, starting with France and Germany. We take one of your real shipment lane trade flows and replace selected commercial paper trade documents (e.g. commercial invoices) with electronic ones in a way that works across different platforms and partners. You can find more information about trade digitalisation here: Understanding electronic trade documents | Export Support - business.gov.uk. Express your interest in the programme here.
The MUFG Startup Bridge Programme, delivered in partnership with NTT DATA UK&I, is a brand-new initiative designed to give ambitious startup founders the opportunity to showcase their solutions to senior decision-makers at MUFG – one of the world’s largest banks. As two global organisations with Japanese heritage and a history of innovation, MUFG and NTT DATA are exploring ways to engage with startups to find new value and opportunities for MUFG. Founders will have the opportunity to pitch live at the Showcase Event in London on 13 November 2025. Find out more here.
At Star for Life Ukraine, we meet children where they are – emotionally and physically – and help them grow again through a simple but powerful model. Through school-based tech ‘Labs’, structured learning courses in coding, English, & design as well as the ‘Girl in Tech’ project, they have already reached out 22,000 young students in war-affected zones. Whether you're a small team or a multinational company, we work with you to make your support meaningful, visible, and easy to communicate. Find out how you can get involved here.
The UK-Ukraine Tech Bridge Investment Accelerator is a hybrid program that prepares Ukrainian startups for expansion into the UK market. It aims to equip the cohort with in-depth knowledge of the UK’s investment landscape, refined fundraising strategies, and expertise from influential UK-based VC funds with a focus on securing investment deals.
Updates and News from techUK Members & Stakeholders
Santander’s Trade Barometer is a twice-yearly survey of over 1,000 UK businesses with a minimum £1m turnover. Amid the rapidly evolving global trade landscape, the Barometer offers valuable, timely data to help government advise businesses wanting to trade internationally, as it covers business sentiment towards international trade and identifies regional and sectoral differences. Read the full results of the survey here.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation and the Lviv IT Cluster, present CodeUA, a national tech marketplace, enabling international businesses to connect, collaborate and partner with verified Ukrainian tech companies, strengthening global networks and fostering growth across borders, without financial risk. With over 2100 verified IT-companies, around 2000 startups and over 300,000 skilled professionals, the Ukrainian tech sector is a vital driver for the European tech market. Find out more here.
DBT are conducting some research on how the Singapore Digital Economy Agreement has been working in practice for businesses. The outcome of this engagement will feed into government-to-government discussions with our counterparts in Singapore. The agreement committee meeting with Singapore is expected to take place this year. Their aim is to support this forum by gathering information and feedback from UK businesses regarding their experience with the agreement, particularly any issues or barriers that have encountered that’s within scope. If you have any experience (good or bad) of trading with Singapore please complete our survey here.
On 15 December 2024, the UK officially became a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), marking a significant achievement as the first non-founding and first European county to join. techUK’s insight outlines the benefits and opportunities this membership provides for UK businesses seeking to strengthen their presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, the UK Government released guidance documents to help businesses navigate the agreement’s provisions. Read 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.
techUK Report - Enabling Growth and Resilience: the UK Tech Sector in an Uncertain World
New techUK report outlines key policy recommendations to boost the UK’s growth through the tech sector amid global challenges, emphasising resilience, trade leadership, and strategic investment.
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.
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.
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.
Lewis' programmes cover a range of policy areas within Market Access (international trade regulation, sanctions and export controls, technical standards and product compliance, supply chains) and Consumer Tech (media and broadcast policy, consumer electronics, and connected home technology).
Prior to joining techUK, Lewis worked in government affairs and policy roles for international trade associations in Southeast Asia including the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia.
He holds an undergraduate degree in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Cambridge and an MSc in Public Policy & Management from SOAS University of London.
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.
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.
