The Trump presidency has injected a sense of urgency and pace, meaning ‘business as usual’ no longer works in today’s unusual times.

Having heard where the money is coming from, UK tech businesses now need the debate to shift to economic growth and productivity. New policies are needed, and the Spring forecast offers the Government the perfect platform, says accountants, business and wealth advisers Kreston Reeves.

Paul Strutt, a creative, technology and media lead for Kreston Reeves comments: “The Government is right to focus on AI, yet it is a tough ambition given the weight of US investment and its tech titans. It can, however, take comfort from Deepseek and others that world-class AI software can be delivered at low cost.

“The Government’s AI Action Plan is a good starting point, but it needs to be backed up by solid cash and an investment landscape that encourages AI technology and keeps AI innovators here in the UK.

“That AI Action Plan also needs a clear legislative agenda to both promote growth and investment and to protect all parties from, as yet, unknown risks. It is not an easy task as the recent debate to weaken copyright laws has shown.

“Sitting alongside AI is quantum computing. The UK is widely regarded as a world leader. It should continue to look to nurture and support this industry to build on the National Quantum Strategy.

“The UK has long been a leader in green tech and the change in narrative from the US offers the UK a unique opportunity to further entrench that position. It can do that through greater incentives and support for early-stage green tech companies and larger-scale renewable projects.”

Digital infrastructure and skills

“The Government has made great play for the need for investment in the UK’s physical infrastructure, with a focus, rightly, on energy and housing building. But that should not be at the expense of the nation’s digital infrastructure – it is fundamental to the future success of the UK technology sector. The government should set out a clear plan for the wider roll-out of superfast broadband and the 5G network.

“The final piece of the tech sector jigsaw is a national digital skills strategy, looking to what businesses need today and over the next decade. It should inform education, provide increased incentives for businesses to invest, train individuals with the digital skills they need, and start a national debate on skilled immigration.

“The world economic and political landscape has changed. The Government’s Spring forecast needs to recognise that through introducing policies that encourage, support and allow technology businesses to grow.”

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