techUK’s Market Access Brief: International Opportunities for tech companies
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.
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].
On day 2 of London Tech Week, join techUK as we explore the barriers and opportunities to scale a tech business in the UK, following the release of our Scale-Up Action Plan report. The UK is still the top destination in Europe for tech investment – but if we want to stay ahead, we need to do more to support the businesses driving innovation, jobs, and growth to successfully scale. This event will connect tech SMEs, scale-ups, investors and experts to share their insights on growth, and network with others from across the ecosystem. To register, click here.
Join us in collaboration with MDEC, HSBC and British Malaysia Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) for an exclusive roundtable session to gather potential investors that are a major interest in landing into Malaysia with H.E Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital of Malaysia on Tuesday 10 June. This event is ideal for top tier tech companies that are looking to land in Malaysia in the next 12 months. Join us to hear first hand insights and establish strategic partnerships with potential tech partners in Malaysia. Find out more and register here.
techUK is delighted to be working with the British Embassy in Paris and Business France to take our first-ever delegation to VIVATECH in Paris on 11-14 June 2025. VIVATECH is France's largest tech conference, with over 5000 tech companies and investors attending each year. In addition to access to VIVATECH, techUK will be organising a series of engagements for members on the sidelines of the event to provide members with opportunities to network, connect to the French business community and investment agencies and understand the French ecosystem and opportunities. Find more information and sign up here.
External events, opportunities, and trade missions
Made in the UK, Sold to the World Roadshows are touring six UK regions in 2025: Northern England, Midlands, Wales, Southern England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Each roadshow event will be spotlighting a different sector. Open to all industries, these dynamic events are designed to boost your confidence in global trade and fast-track your export growth. Whether you're new to international markets or scaling up your global presence, if you have an export-ready product or service, these roadshows offer direct access to buyers, sector experts, and overseas market specialists. Each event features a flexible programme of seminars, commercial zones, and business support led by senior representatives from the Department for Business and Trade. Sector themes include clean energy in Blyth (24 April), life sciences in Oxford (16 July), advanced manufacturing in Birmingham (15 May), technology in Cardiff (13 June), creative and digital in Belfast (11 September), and financial services in Edinburgh (25 September). Register your interest here today.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is delighted to invite businesses from the North of England to a speed networking event with customs specialists from DBT, Expeditors, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC). Focusing on the consumer and retail sector, the event will offer the unique opportunity for businesses to access tailored advice and support on entering Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) markets. Find out more and sign up here.
From 9 to 13 June, London will become the epicenter of global innovation, hosting London Tech Week 2025. Join over 45,000 tech enthusiasts, visionary startups, influential investors, and forward-thinking policymakers as they converge to shape the future of technology. The UK Government is looking for European tech businesses to join us on a dedicated mission. Whether you're a tech start up, scale up, venture capitalist, or looking to procure world-leading tech solutions, this year's London Tech Week is bigger than ever and you're invited to join. Find out more and register here.
United by Innovation: The UK–Ukraine Tech Forum is a special side event of London Tech Week, spotlighting Ukraine’s tech ecosystem and future tech leaders. Bringing together leaders from government, business, finance and the tech sectors of both the UK and Ukraine, the forum will explore strategic opportunities for collaboration in digitalisation, emerging technologies, and innovation. The event is organised by Diia.City United in collaboration with the UK Government and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine through the UK–Ukraine TechBridge, with the support of the London Stock Exchange. Find out more and sign up here.
Join Department for Business and Trade, Think&Grow and Oury Clark for a candid, founder-led breakfast session designed for UK tech businesses eyeing expansion into Australia. Whether you’re mapping out your first market move or wrestling with the next phase of growth, this is your chance to connect, learn, and be part of a raw and relevant conversation with others on the same path. This event is for founders and decision makers in tech, who are actively looking at the Australian market and the broader APAC region, or have started to sell into the market. Find out more and sign up here.
MHA and Baker Tilly are hosting a briefing led by Professor Joe Nellis (Cranfield Business School), focusing on the intersection of economic trends and geopolitical risks currently impacting the UK. This short briefing will provide valuable up-to-date insights for fiscal planning, including capitalising on the right investments, optimising your business model and navigating key risks. This event is designed for senior executives and NEDs seeking to enhance their strategic foresight at MHA’s and Baker Tilly’s office in London on 10 June. It will also be an opportunity for networking at a time of unprecedented global volatility, where understanding the intricate interplay between geopolitical risks and economic stability is paramount. Find out more and sign up here.
HLTH Europe is holding their annual health event, where global expertise meets local insights to address Europe’s unique healthcare challenges and opportunities. This year key focuses will be on innovation, connected health, and data and AI. The Department of Business and Trade will be running a UK pavilion at the event to support digital health companies from the UK looking to expand into European markets. DBT’s exhibit package is expected to cost approximately €4000 for a company branded stand (with screen) on the UK pavilion and two entry tickets. The general admission to the conference is €1,795 so being part of the delegation is a cost-effective option (see ticket prices for start-ups / public sector / buyers here). DBT will allocate places on a rolling basis, so responding as soon as possible is advised. Express interest in exhibiting with DBT here. For members-only discounts, please contact [email protected].
The webinar series will highlight Alberta’s strengths across sectors including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology – all well as a general overview session on Alberta’s economy. Exploring Canada’s fastest-growing economic region and how businesses can benefit from the opportunities it presents. Find out more about all four webinars and sign up to them here.
COMEX – Global Technology Show showcases the trends & breakthrough technologies that impact the way people live, communicate, work & network in the 21st century. For 33 years COMEX, has been serving as a sourcing and networking hub for Oman technology market and continues to be one of the Gulf’s leading platforms for ICT procurement, new product launches and technology demonstrations. Join top ICT elites, innovators and entrepreneurs from the world in showcasing the most advanced and innovative ICT products, attracting more than 5,000 local and international trade visitors from Government and private sectors. This year, a special emphasis is being given this year to Oil & Gas, Transport & Logistics, Investments in ICT, Education, Healthcare, Banking & Finance, Tourism, Retail and Manufacturing. Sign up here.
Whether you're a seasoned cybersecurity supplier or a newcomer navigating the digital maze, International Cyber Expo is your gateway to the latest security innovations, expert insights, and powerful business connections. Bursting with innovation, this two-day event offers immersive workshops, live demonstrations, and free content designed to keep you ahead of cyber threats. From hands-on experiences to expert-led discussions, International Cyber Expo is where the future of cybersecurity takes shape. Find out more and sign up here.
The British High Commission Canberra, in association with Defence and Security Exports (UKDSE) and ADS Group, invites you to join a trade mission to meet and engage with stakeholders in Australia’s cyber ecosystem and identify business and collaboration opportunities. Please submit your Expressions of Interest to [email protected] with [email protected] & [email protected] copied by the 30 May.
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.
The International Trade & Investment All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) is launching an inquiry to delve into the challenges which UK trading businesses can face with supply chain resiliency. This inquiry aims to evaluate a wide range of business feedback and make practical recommendations to government to ensure that UK businesses are supported in the best ways possible. Deadline for input is Friday, 6 June. Please find more information and questions the APPG are keen to hear thoughts on here.
Intralink’s Government-backed UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme provides support for UK firms to expand in 11 APAC markets: Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. Intralink’s teams on the ground in APAC can identify participants’ business opportunities, provide market entry advice and help companies sell their products, forge partnerships and raise investment. The services on offer are either free of charge or heavily subsidised by the UK Government. They include skills workshops; in-market visits and trade missions; opportunities to pitch to APAC corporates looking to adopt and invest in UK tech; and 10-week ‘business development initiatives. Find out more and apply to participate in the programme here.
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.
International business development consultancy Intralink has expanded its global presence to India to help UK technology companies secure customers and partners in this rapidly-developing market, and to enable Indian businesses to grow overseas. With Intralink now operating from New Delhi and Mumbai, this is the latest step in the company’s plans to enable even more companies around the world to expand in international markets. Read more 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.
The Scottish Government has published a Gender Export Gap research report to further understand what difference greater participation by women in exporting could make to the achievement of Scotland’s wider trade and economic targets. Reducing the gender export gap in Scotland could increase total turnover by up to £10.3 billion over two years. The report also put forward 10 recommendations to the Scottish Government on how to address the gender export gap. Read the report here and the response to recommendations 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.
At the start of 2024, the UK rejoined Horizon Europe. That means that Horizon Europe applicants can take their bids to the next level by utilising the UK's thriving R&D infrastructure. The UK Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) is encouraging the brightest thinkers with the biggest ideas from across Europe to partner with UK scientists, researchers and businesses through the world-leading Horizon Europe programme, as part of a new international campaign that launches today (Thursday 14 March). Further information can be found at the UK's Horizon Europe Hub, which includes a tool for searching for Horizon Europe partners.
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]
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.
Sabina Ciofu is Associate Director – International, running the International Policy and Trade Programme at techUK.
Based in Brussels, she leads our EU policy and engagement. She is also our lead on international trade policy, with a focus on digital trade chapter in FTAs, regulatory cooperation as well as broader engagement with the G7, G20, WTO and OECD.
As a transatlanticist at heart, Sabina is a GMF Marshall Memorial fellow and issue-lead on the EU-US Trade and Technology Council, within DigitalEurope.
Previously, she worked as Policy Advisor to a Member of the European Parliament for almost a decade, where she specialised in tech regulation, international trade and EU-US relations.
Sabina loves building communities and bringing people together. She is the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club and co-organiser of the Young Professionals in Digital Policy. Previously, as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, she led several youth civic engagement and gender equality projects.
She sits on the Advisory Board of the University College London European Institute, Café Transatlantique, a network of women in transatlantic technology policy and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club designed for women.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Daniel Clarke
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.
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 Local and General Election and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation. As well as working for multiple charities on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from 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.
