12 Jun 2025
by Daniel Clarke

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.  

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]


techUK Events, Opportunities and Trade Missions: 

Contrasting UK and EU sustainability regulations; where is the divergence, and how are members approaching compliance; 23 June (Online) 

Join us on Monday 23 June for a webinar exploring how diverged the key sustainability regulations are affecting tech firms during London Climate Action Week. Specifically, the webinar will go in to detail on at ESG disclosures, sustainable supply chains, circularity, green claims and climate, and look at the overall direction of travel with the UK trying to ‘reset’ relations with Brussels and the EU becoming more interventionist across many policy areas. Find out more and sign up here

techUK Webinar: Debrief on the Spending Review & Next Steps for the UK Industrial Strategy; 27 June 

techUK is hosting a member-only webinar on Friday, 27 June at 12:30 – 14:00 to debrief on the Government’s Spending Review, where we’ll explore its implications for the technology sector and the future of the UK’s Industrial Strategy. This is an exciting opportunity to hear expert voices to unpack key announcements, discuss funding priorities, and examine how government plans align with long-term industrial and innovation goals. Find out more and sign up here. 

Call for Contributions - techUK International Trade Campaign Week 2025; 7 – 11 July 

techUK’s International Policy and Trade programme is inviting you to participate in our upcoming International Trade Campaign Week 2025 titled: Shifting Currents: Tech, Trade, and Security. From 7 – 11 July, we are looking for contributions and perspectives on how the technology sector can adapt to and shape the future of international trade while contributing to the UK's economic prosperity and security. Covering five themes, the week is designed to not only equip our members with insights, strategies, and practical approaches to navigate these complex disruptions, but to also showcase the cutting-edge solutions that can help businesses in the wider economy trade and grow internationally. Find out more and how you can contribute here. 

techUK Delegation to the WTO Public Forum 2025; 17 – 18 September 

techUK invites members to join our delegation to this year’s WTO Public Forum, taking place in Geneva on 17–18 September 2025. This year’s Forum comes at a crucial time for global digital trade. With the WTO’s next Ministerial Conference (MC14) scheduled for March 2026 in Cameroon, critical issues - including the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions - are on the table. The Forum will provide a unique opportunity to help shape the dialogue in the run-up to this pivotal moment. Find out more here

techUK Delegation to Washington DC 2025; 23 – 25 September 

techUK invites members to join our 2025 delegation to Washington DC, an opportunity to connect directly with senior US policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders shaping the future of technology and trade. Taking place against the backdrop of the recently signed UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal and ongoing discussions around digital trade, AI governance, and tech regulation, this visit provides valuable context and access for UK tech businesses and policy teams navigating the US landscape. Find out more here


External events, opportunities, and trade missions 

Made in the UK, Sold to the World Roadshows; April - September (UK-wide) 

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. 

HLTH Europe 2025; 16 - 19 June (Amsterdam) 

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]

Unlocking Alberta – Opportunities for UK Business; July 

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; 7 - 10 September (Oman) 

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

International Cyber Expo; 30 September - 1 October (London) 

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

UK Ukraine TechBridge Investment Accelerator 

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. 

Government-backed Intralink Programme helps tech firms grow into APAC 

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 

EU unveils its Startup and Scaleup Strategy 

On 28 May 2025 the EU Commission unveiled its Startup and Scaleup Strategy. The Strategy aims to make Europe a great place to start and grow global technology-driven companies. It will anchor itself in the broader “Choose Europe” initiative which launched on 5 May at Sorbonne University in Paris and aims to position Europe as a global hub for scientific research and innovation. The strategy sets out actions in five key areas. Read more here

UK-EU Collaboration on AI: Establishing an AI Factory Antenna 

Public research organisations can apply to host the UK’s AI Factory Antenna which would enable British research expertise to make use of Supercomputers across Europe. The AI Factory Antenna is a one of the many aspects of the EU’s AI Continent Action Plan which aims to position Europe as a global leader in AI. Read more here

Santander Spring 2025 Trade Barometer 

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. 

Intralink launches in India to help UK tech firms expand in world’s fastest growing major economy 

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

Connect with Ukrainian Tech Companies: How CodeUA is bridging the gap between  UK businesses and the Ukrainian tech sector 

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

Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) Survey 

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. 

UK Accession to the CPTPP: Benefits, Opportunities, and Navigation Guide 

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

Japan's Quantum sector - opportunities for UK companies 

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. 

Hiring in Asia – Skills workshop 

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. 

Launch of Horizon Europe International Campaign Stakeholder Toolkit 

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 14th March). Further information can be found at the UK's Horizon Europe Hub, which includes a tool for searching for Horizon Europe partners. 

eBook: Doing business in the UK 

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.  

Procurement opportunities;  

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.

 

 

Upcoming events

17 – 18 September 2025

techUK Delegation to the WTO Public Forum 2025

Geneva, Switzerland
23 – 25 September 2025

techUK Delegation to Washington DC 2025

Washington DC, USA

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Meet the team 

Sabina Ciofu

Sabina Ciofu

Associate Director – International, techUK

Daniel Clarke

Daniel Clarke

Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK

Theophile Maiziere

Theophile Maiziere

Policy Manager - EU, techUK

Lewis Walmesley-Browne

Lewis Walmesley-Browne

Head of Market Access and Consumer Tech, techUK

Tess Newton

Team Assistant, Policy and Public Affairs, techUK

 

Authors

Daniel Clarke

Daniel Clarke

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. 

Email:
[email protected]

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