It was my pleasure to attend the inaugural International Investment Summit today at The Guildhall.
It was an opportunity to meet with Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, Jonathan Reynolds MP, Tulip Siddiq and Emma Reynolds and hear the new government’s firm commitment to supporting growth in the tech and financial services sectors. The UK is now one of only three countries in the world with a tech sector valued at over $1 trillion, and UK fintech firms have attracted more investment than the rest of Europe combined. The recent appointment of Poppy Gustafsson as Minister of State for Investment, a seasoned tech entrepreneur, is a strong signal that a technology-centred approach is on the horizon.
There was also a notable emphasis on unlocking UK pension fund capital, an area brimming with potential to fuel the next phase of growth for UK tech companies. The momentum is promising, but accelerating action remains crucial.
The launch of the Council of Nations and Regions, uniting leaders across the UK, promises to drive investment and growth throughout the country. Over the past few years, the Augmentum team and I have had the privilege of working with Fintech North, Fintech Scotland, and Fintech Wales, all of whom are making significant strides in building fintech hubs and cultivating fintech success stories across the regions.
Overall, it was a day filled with optimism and positive energy. However, as always, the real challenge lies in turning these encouraging words into tangible outcomes.
Department for Business and Trade HM Treasury Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
