Scale-Up Policy

On Monday 10 November, techUK President Sheila Flavell CBE and the Invest in Women Taskforce's Head of Strategic Engagement Juliet Gouldman convened leading voices from across the tech ecosystem to address the persistent equity investment gap facing female founders.

The Women and Equalities Committee have published their report in response the enquiry exploring female entrepreneurship in the UK. The Committee calls for the Autumn Statement to unlock the economic potential of female entrepreneurs along with an ambitious Female Entrepreneurship Strategy to sit alongside the Industrial Strategy and Small Business Plan. 

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published a discussion paper examining how competition policy can support the UK's scale-up ecosystem as part of the government's industrial strategy. The paper is particularly relevant for high-growth sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy (IS-8), including the digital and technologies sector.

Last week, London Tech Week and the Spending Review brought much energy to the tech sector. But as we await the UK government’s 'full' growth offer – including the delivery of the modern industrial strategy - time to take stock on recent policy announcements relevant for scale-ups.

Yesterday, 13 May, saw seventeen of the largest pension providers pledge to unlock up to £50 billion for the UK economy, with commitments to increase investment in private British businesses.

VenturePath share their expert insight on the key to sustainable scale-up growth.

Yesterday evening, the Chancellor delivered her first Mansion House speech. This included a series of measures to supercharge financial services and promote ‘riskier investments’ to drive forward the UK Government’s economic growth mission. So what were the main announcements relevant for the tech sector?  

The Lord's Digital and Communications Committee launched an inquiry into scaling up AI and creative tech. The main aim of this inquiry was to identify key barriers to SMEs scaling in AI and creative technology and recommend practical changes to the Government and industry practices over the next five years. 

Last week saw the Chancellor's Autumn Budget, the first for this Government and a Budget that will define their term in office. In short, the Budget focused on 'fixing the foundations' of the economy and included details to increase Government spend, tax and borrowing to drive longer term capital investment. But what exactly did the Budget reveal for scaling tech and science firms?

In this guest blog, Barclays are proud to introduce Eagle Labs Academy, brought to you by Barclays Eagle Labs, providing scaling firms with access to free online learning designed to support start-ups and scale-ups on their entrepreneurial journey.

The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), in collaboration with Imperial College London and the Royal Academy of Engineering, has launched the second round of its Science and Technology Venture Capital Fellowship (VCF) programme

Last week, HMRC released research with Ipsos on access to talent issues faced by scale-up businesses. The research included 1,460 interviews with businesses and a 30-in depth interviews with businesses who had taken part in the survey.

Read this blog from Vanessa Ganguin Immigration Law to help techUK members work out if they may benefit from this useful option for overseas hires.

Free resource library launched by UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme to help scaleups capitalise on demand for UK innovation

Following a competitive set of elections, I am delighted to announce that techUK’s Scale-Up Council has now elected a new Chair and two Vice-Chair. Mireille Elhajj will lead the Council as Chair. The Vice-Chair position will be filled by Hollie Hodgson.

Ian Merricks, Founder and Proposition Lead at VenturePath shares his view on driving Scale-Up investment in the UK.

Robin explores the UK’s thriving tech start-up scene, highlighting London’s dominance, the growth of regional hubs, and the need for greater investment and talent to ensure nationwide competitiveness.

techUK’s Digital Economy blog series where we deep dive into defining trends across the tech sector.

techUK has elected a new Scale-Up Council and we’re delighted to have such a great calibre of individuals and organisations represented. This council exists to set the strategic direction for our work to support scale-up firms at techUK and will sit for a fixed term of 2 years.

Nominations are now open for 15 techUK members to join our Scale-Up Council. The Council is a group of representatives of companies in techUK's membership who work together to oversee the strategic leadership and direction of techUK's scale-up programme.