WIREDGOV

techUK Policy Director Charlotte Holloway responds to 2016 Autumn Statement.

Commenting on the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, Charlotte Holloway, Policy Director at techUK, yesterday stated:

“A Match-fit Britain must be a Tech-fit Britain, and today the Chancellor gives UK tech a series of welcome announcements. The Chancellor’s focus on backing tech and unleashing a new wave of productivity is exactly the vision needed for an uncertain period ahead.

“Investment in innovation is absolutely critical for driving tech-led growth and productivity, and it’s great to see the £2bn extra investment in R&D for new technologies by 2021 and a £23bn National Productivity Investment Fund to give a focal point to the level of the UK’s national ambition. Similarly, £1bn to boost the UK’s leadership in 5G and fibre networks can help ensure the UK connectivity credentials shift from good to great, aided by a welcome rates relief for new fibre network rollout.

“Government has rightly taken action to mediate uncertainty arising on the European Investment Fund for start-ups and venture capital, by allocating £400m into British Business Bank specifically for UK scaling tech companies.

“Build on the UK’s competitive edge in science and tech, plans to invest £100 million to develop autonomous vehicles, as well as greater support for UK fintech abroad, will help play to UK strengths and reputation internationally.

“However, there was a real gap when it came to additional support for boosting the UK’s digital skills. Similarly, there was a missed opportunity to ensure that the benefits of digital are at the heart of the Government’s devolution ambitions. We will be looking to the Government to reconsider these areas in the next Budget.”

>> Read what techUK called for in the Autumn Statement
>> Read techUK Deputy CEO Antony Walker's vision for a new industrial strategy
>> Check out techUK's response to announcement of £1bn of funding for fibre broadband and 5G mobile technology