A symbolic end for Tech Nation

[Re: Tech Nation to shut down after government controversially gives funding to Barclays, yesterday]

Tech Nation’s collapse comes at a time when the UK’s future as a tech hub is under significant scrutiny. The industry body was created at a time when the UK’s tech scene was thriving, led by an exciting collective of scaling tech startups.

Now, it seems political uncertainty, market volatility and fears of a recession have symbolically brought to an end an industry body that once symbolised the burgeoning potential of the country’s tech scene. Chancellor Hunt has voiced clear intentions about making the UK the next Silicon Valley, and this vision is backed by the Prime Minister. While there is clear entrepreneurial potential and a new generation of companies in new industries like Web3 stepping into the limelight, the onus is on the government to make sure the conditions are in place for the UK to remain an attractive tech hub. Part of Tech Nation’s success was taking a regional approach that looked for talent and opportunities outside of London. This is integral to the UK’s future as a tech hub and something that needs to be emphasised as part of future government initiatives.

Rhys Merrett

The

PHA Group