New research suggests Britain is increasingly seen by its own technology leaders as one of the best places in the world to build and expand a business.
According to Barclays’ latest Business Prosperity Index, a majority of UK tech executives believe the domestic market offers greater opportunities for scaling than international alternatives. Sixty-two percent ranked the UK ahead of mainland Europe, 61% preferred it to the Asia-Pacific region, and 60% considered it a better option than the United States.
Why the UK Stands Out
Respondents pointed to several key advantages:
- Market opportunities fueled by rapid adoption of technology by consumers.
- Access to talent, with a workforce that is both skilled and diverse.
- Strong ecosystem for growth, making the UK an appealing base for scaling up operations.
At the same time, the sector remains globally minded—95% of surveyed firms reported that they are actively engaged in exports.
Voices From the Industry
“There’s a clear sense that the UK is holding its own on the global tech stage, with founders and leaders increasingly seeing the UK as one of the best places in the world to grow and scale,” said Helena Sans, head of technology, media, telecoms, and innovation banking at Barclays UK Corporate Bank.
However, Sans also stressed the need to address lingering challenges: securing more funding, attracting international investors, and encouraging greater risk-taking within the sector.
What’s Needed to Stay Competitive
When asked how Britain could strengthen its global position, 72% of tech leaders pointed to government support as a deciding factor. Nearly half (44%) specifically called for more tailored funding programmes aimed at supporting technology companies.
thetechtrident.com 