Prime Minister Theresa May is today celebrating the UK tech industry at London Tech Week.
May will also make a number of ambitious commitments that will ensure the UK remains the largest tech hub in Europe.
These commitments include £153 million government funding, with an additional £205 million pledged by industry, to unlock the potential of quantum technologies, including accelerated drug development from quantum computing; 2,500 places available for the first time for AI and data conversion courses starting next year, to equip tech-driven businesses and people across the country with the skills they need; and launching a study into tech competitiveness to identify opportunities and support for digital businesses to ensure the UK remains the most attractive place to build a tech business.
Speaking about the British tech sector, the Prime Minister is expected to say, “Already we are one of the best places in the world to start and grow a tech business.”
“British Tech is growing over one and half times faster than the rest of the economy, adding more than one hundred and thirty billion pounds to our economy every year…”
“But if we are going to maintain our position as a global leader, our challenge is how we develop British Tech and make it even better.”
“We want this to be the place everyone thinks of – and comes to – first when they want to develop their world changing tech ideas.”
“This is a challenge shared between industry and Government…”
“Today, as we sit on the cusp of the next great industrial revolution, we have the opportunity to work together and ensure that the advances we see transform our world for the better, and for the benefit of everyone.”
“Government will back you all the way.”
Later today, the Prime Minister will host a roundtable for leading tech companies, including Microsoft UK, Google and Monzo, where they will discuss opportunities to fully harness the power of technology to enhance competitiveness, boost the economy and tackle societal challenges.
This comes as thirteen businesses choose to invest in the UK as the top destination for tech innovation and talent. These include plans for a £1 billion investment by VMware over the next five years; a £12 million investment by Mastek in a new digital skills programme for graduates in Leeds; and a £150 million investment in a new data centre by Markley Group which will create 200 jobs.
