Report 2018

From international competitiveness to jobs and skills, we are proud to provide cutting-edge data and information that helps move the UK’s digital economy narrative forward. Indeed, the UK’s digital economy has seen astonishing growth over recent years. But it has also experienced challenges, some shared by the economy more broadly. Amongst these, of course, is the UK’s changing relationship with the EU. Like the Tech Nation team itself, however, the tech communities we surveyed this year remain resolutely optimistic about the resilience of the UK’s digital ecosystem.

So as we power into that future, we must support founders, investors, international talent and our homegrown digital workforce. We should continue helping them to connect, learn and share – to ensure the UK remains the best place to start and scale world-class digital businesses. This is what Tech Nation is about; it’s not about creating tech hubs but connecting the most ambitious tech entrepreneurs across the UK, so they are successful in their own cities, inspiring the next generation of local tech entrepreneurs through programmes, event and insights.

This year’s Tech Nation survey received the largest response yet from members of the UK tech community. In more than 3,400 submissions, they told us about achievements they are celebrating and the challenges they face. The report also features over 70 business case studies — all online.

We would like to thank our Tech Nation community partners, our board, the UK Government, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and of course, the awesome Tech Nation team — a team we are incredibly proud to be part of.