SMEs
Technology SMEs are the foundation of the UK's technology sector. They drive innovation, create jobs and bring new products and services to market. From ambitious start-ups to established specialist organisations, SMEs support growth, productivity and competitiveness across the economy.
We support SMEs, helping them access new opportunities, navigate policy and regulation, and build valuable relationships. Through our SME community, we'll help you raise your profile, access markets and connect with partners and decision-makers.

Innovation grows when ambitious organisations can scale and shape what comes next.
SMEs play a critical role in developing new solutions, strengthening supply chains and driving innovation across the economy. Their agility and specialist expertise help bring emerging technologies to market and accelerate technology adoption across sectors.
We work with industry, government and regulators to remove barriers to growth, creating opportunities for SMEs to access new markets, build partnerships and shape the policies that affect them.
Global Context
SMEs increasingly operate in a highly competitive international market, where access to talent, investment and customers determines future success. Countries that support innovative SMEs to grow successfully are more likely to attract investment, strengthen productivity and create globally competitive technology sectors. Digital technologies continue to create opportunities for SMEs to expand internationally, enter new sectors and build globally competitive organisations from the UK
UK Strategic Impact
SMEs contribute innovation, specialist expertise and employment across every region of the UK. Their success strengthens local economies, supports high-skilled jobs and encourages competition across markets. Supporting SME growth will remain essential to the UK's position as one of the world's leading technology economies, and a destination for entrepreneurship and investment.
Related Events
Related Insights
VIEW ALLRelated Policy Views
VIEW ALLRelated Groups
Cyber SME Forum
The CSMEF seeks to include a broad grouping of different SME companies working in the Cyber Resilience sectors.
Growth Council
The Growth Council lead our work on economic growth and act as a sounding board for the Government and MPs as the UK seeks to increase the rate of economic growth by leveraging technology and the UK tech sector.
Scale-Up Council
Working together to oversee the strategic leadership and direction of techUK's scale-up programme
Security and Public Safety SME Forum
Connecting with peers and potential collaborators across a broad range of SMEs from National Security and Justice and Emergency Services.
Related Members
VIEW ALL1Spatial Group Limited
Cambridge
Digital Regulation & Policy+21Spatial Group is a geospatial software and solutions provider that works across a range of sectors, including utilities, transport, and government. They offer products and services that help businesses manage and analyze their spatial data, including data quality management, data integration, and data automation. The company also provides consulting and training services to help clients get the most out of their geospatial technology.
learn more about 1Spatial Group Limited4TSec Limited
Sambourne
Cybersecurity+14TSec is a cybersecurity advisory firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions. The company provides services to businesses seeking to acquire, sell, or integrate cybersecurity companies. 4TSec offers expertise in security risk assessment, due diligence, and transaction support within the cybersecurity sector.
learn more about 4TSec LimitedACT | The App Association
London
Artificial Intelligence+5ACT | The App Association is a global trade association for small and medium-sized technology companies. Our members are entrepreneurs, innovators, and independent developers within the global app ecosystem that engage with verticals across every industry. We work with and for our members to promote a policy environment that rewards and inspires innovation while providing resources that help them raise capital, create jobs, and continue to build incredible technology.
learn more about ACT | The App Association
Our Subject Matter Experts

Ed Bevan
Head of SME Engagement
Ed is Head of SME Engagement and is responsible for shaping techUK’s proposition to our SMEs across the country, ensuring our policy work, market access activity and services benefit the SME community. Prior to working at techUK, Ed worked at the Department for International Trade, engaging with a variety of businesses, particularly SMEs, to understand the benefits of Free Trade Agreements and act as case studies in press and social media. Ed has also worked in policy and public affairs within the voluntary sector, namely the Alzheimer’s Society and the Men’s Health Forum. Ed holds a MA in International Relations from Leiden University, and in his spare time enjoys spending time with his son, travelling, and visiting historical sites.

Edward Emerson
Head - Digital Economy
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes scale-up and entrepreneurship policy, industrial policy, innovation and tech adoption. He also leads techUK's policy development process around major fiscal events such as the Autumn Budget, working closely with teams across the organisation. Prior to joining techUK in 2024, he worked as a DCMS civil servant covering parliamentary process, and spent a time as a public affairs consultant.

Stephanie Barr
Senior Programme Manager - SME Engagement Nations and Regions
Stephanie is the Senior Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK. Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies. Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.




