Two-thirds of UK tech companies are based outside London
Two-thirds of all UK tech companies are based outside of London, according to data from Beauhurst, commissioned by UK Tech Week and Startup Coalition. With more than 83,000 active tech companies with 3.7 million tech employees across the UK, 54,000 of which are based outside London, the annual event aims to connect and promote regional tech communities and highlight tech innovation, expertise, and talent nationwide.
Further analysis by Startup Coalition indicates that the average number of employees per tech company outside London was 38, compared to 57 in London, suggesting a growing regional ecosystem of early-stage startups.
In addition to this research, polling from Public First found that 58% of Brits agree that it’s important for the UK that more tech businesses are founded outside of London and the South East. Respondents were 11% more likely to consider founding a tech business if based in London than in the rest of the UK, demonstrating the importance of supporting regional innovation to encourage more businesses to be founded elsewhere in the country.
Dom Hallas, Founder of Startup Coalition, said: “We see incredible companies being built across the UK, with many British cities beating some of Europe’s largest tech hubs. Yet too often we hear the rhetoric that London is the only UK city where you can build a world-leading technology business. UK Tech Week proves that the sector is strong across the country, and we are delighted to be co-organising this year, and helping to spotlight success from every corner of the nation.”
Kanishka Narayan, Minister for AI said: “The UK is home to some of the world’s most exciting tech talent and trailblazing businesses – innovators who are creating new technologies, new opportunities, and new jobs in our communities every single day. Our regional tech ecosystems are crucial to powering this success. That’s why events like UK Tech Week, and programmes like Government’s Regional Tech Booster scheme matter – they are about bringing tech ecosystems together, backing brilliant local talent and helping our regional firms scale, compete and thrive on the national and global stage.”
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