THE CITY VIEW

visa process to bring in genuinely ‘best and brightest’ talent was easier than they had suspected. All of that is now somewhat up in the air, with the tech visa scheme run by Tech Nation now facing an uncertain future. One can argue about the merits or demerits of an organisation which was so heavily reliant on government funding, but their work on the scheme seemed to be a thumbsup for all concerned. Last night, after Tech Nation announced plans to wind down, the Home Office was only able to commit to those already going through the process not being disadvantaged –hardly a ringing endorsement for its success, nor indeed its continuation. London needs a fresh injection of talent –it was ever thus. Bright ideas bounce around this city –and the City –until they collide with cash and experience and turn into the businesses of the future. It would be a crying shame if schemes like the global talent visa fall victim to a lack of due care and attention –or worse, are sacrificed on the altar of political expedience thanks to the ongoing and tragic use of small boats in the south east.

THE BIG SMOKE Workers install the Heart of the Empire by Niels Moller Lund (1904) on display at The Big City: London, a new exhibition held at London’s Guildhall Art Gallery