There have been significant challenges for tech companies in recent years, driven by shifts in global trade, rapid technological change, geopolitics, and diverging regulatory approaches. UK SMEs have often felt these pressures most acutely, with fewer resources to navigate increasingly complex international markets.
This year’s conference will centre on the launch of a new techUK report, bringing together in-depth qualitative insights from techUK SME members alongside clear, practical policy recommendations to help UK tech SMEs access new markets and grow their exports.
The report will:
- Draw on first-hand insights from techUK members, capturing real-world exporting experiences and the barriers SMEs face
- Identify international best practices in how governments and institutions support SMEs to trade and scale globally
- Bring together relevant research and quantitative evidence on what works in supporting international expansion
- Set out clear, actionable recommendations for the UK government to strengthen support for SME exporters
The conference agenda is designed to turn insight into action, including:
- The official launch of our new report
- A forward-looking panel on how SMEs can navigate global markets in 2026
- Dedicated breakout sessions focused on the European market and the US market
- Expert perspectives on export support, compliance, and accessing overseas opportunities
- A closing session and networking to help attendees build connections and take practical next steps
We are aiming to have a UK Minister from the Department for Business and Trade open the event, with a Minister from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology joining for a closing Fireside Chat.
Event information
Timings: 08:00 - 15:30 (Timings are subject to change as the agenda is finalised)
Ticket prices:
- techUK member ticket: free
- Public sector: free
- Non-member ticket: £170.00 + VAT
Please note: a refund will be given on cancellations received in writing 6 weeks prior to the event. Regrettably no refunds can be given after this date. Full terms and conditions can be viewed here.
For more information, please contact:
Sabina Ciofu
Sabina Ciofu
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.
She is a frequent traveler and a marathon runner.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +32 473 323 280
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
Daniel Clarke
Daniel Clarke
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]
Margot Stumm
Margot Stumm
Margot joined techUK in September 2022 as the Head of Events and Sponsorship, running the event programme for our flagship events, such as the techUK Annual Dinner, Defence Ethics Summit, Building the Smarter State etc
Prior to this role, Margot managed events and external affairs for the Centre for Policy Studies, a political think tank in Westminster and also worked at the D Group, a London-based business membership organisation, where she was responsible for the events programme, account management and business strategy.
She holds a BA in Technical Translation in English, French and Spanish from Paris 7 - Denis Diderot and a MA in International Relations from the London Metropolitan University.
Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, going to concerts and snowboarding.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Twitter:
- @margot_stumm,@margot_stumm
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/margot-stumm-82ba15128
Dora Pass
Dora Pass
Dora joined techUK in October 2019 as an Events Assistant, coordinating and delivering our flagship events.
Prior to joining the team, Dora worked as a Senior Events Coordinator at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors at Parliament Square managing conferences and high profile ministerial events.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2003
