The UK government has called for Australian and New Zealand startups to join the in-person trade delegation in London this year, with applications closing next week.
Europe’s largest technology festival, London Tech Week, brings together 20,000 of the most inspirational founders, global leaders and senior investors in the startup scene.
This will be the first physical trade mission since 2019 – last year a virtual event was held in September.
Australian and New Zealand companies from the educational, digital, financial and future technology (which includes artificial intelligence, big data and cyber security) sectors can apply to join the trade mission.
Companies selected will join the trade mission from 12-17 June while also receiving an additional tailored program of activity. This will include bespoke events and exclusive networking opportunities.
Applicants will go through a competitive selection process that is based on readiness for UK expansion. It should be noted that while there will be no charge to join the program or London Tech Week, flights and accommodation are not included.
“London Tech Week is the ideal platform for Australian and New Zealand tech companies to supercharge their expansion plans,” said British Consul General and Deputy Trade Commissioner Asia Pacific (Australia & New Zealand), Louise Cantillon.
“The UK has an extraordinary talent base and incredibly supportive business environment.
“Tech-led companies across the region are achieving tangible success in the UK and London Tech Week trade mission provides an opportunity to explore fresh opportunities in the UK – and make the most of our ambitious Free Trade Agreements”.
Booming UK tech scene
The world-leading UK tech sector is witnessing high levels of growth, currently growing at 2.5 times the rate of the rest of the economy. The country received over a third of total investment into Europe in 2021 – £89.5 billion (AU$158 billion) – with £29.4 billion (AU$52 billion) raised by UK scaleups and startups.
Last year, 29 US-dollar tech unicorns were created too. The UK’s total unicorn figure is now 115, meaning a quarter were created in 2021 alone.
Grow Impact CEO, Nick Saunders, who attended London Tech Week last year, said it was the best decision he made in 2021.
Trying to get info on visas, banking, regional opportunities, GDPR, setting up a new company, the support available, (the list goes on), would have been impossible on my own. Plus the opportunity to meet investors, tech companies, service providers, marketers, etc all in person – invaluable.
Nick Saunders, Grow Impact CEO
“Thanks to Kirsty (Packer) and her team we learned so much in a short time, it definitely helped us plan our international expansion, with the UK being the ideal starting place.
“If you are considering expanding to the UK I highly recommend attending London Tech Week – it will definitely accelerate your progress”.
