techUK Announces Advisory Panel to Ensure Brexit is a Success for Tech

19 Jan 2017 03:51 PM

Leading figures from economics, venture capital, legal, civil service and more join forces to help ensure the UK Digital Economy thrives post-Brexit.

Today, techUK announces the launch of an independent Advisory Panel, which will provide techUK with expert advice as to how UK tech can make a success of exiting the European Union.

As the UK forges a new global path and negotiates its exit from the European Union, it is critical that the UK remains a global leader in tech adoption, innovation and investment in the tech sector. This independent panel is comprised of figures from economics, legal, venture capital, civil society, a senior MEP and a former Head of the UK Civil Service and will help shape the work of techUK’s ongoing Brexit programme.

Building on techUK’s response to the Prime Minister’s Brexit Plan, techUK is delighted to confirm the following experts have agreed to join its Brexit Advisory Panel:

The panel will provide additional insight to inform techUK’s work and a cut-through view on the issues of most strategic importance to the future of the UK digital economy. This analysis will shape techUK’s future direction and will ensure policy makers in the UK, Brussels and beyond, are aware of the key issues facing the tech sector as the Brexit process develops.

Commenting on the formation of the Advisory Panel techUK CEO, Julian David, said: “It is fantastic that these experts will help shape our work on ensuring we have a Brexit that works for the most dynamic and fast-moving part of the UK economy, providing greater insights on the impacts of exiting the European Union on the UK tech sector.

“It is critical that we not only make a success of Brexit for the tech sector, but help other industries successfully navigate the process and create a landscape that allows us to capitalise on the benefits of the digital economy for all.

“With the breadth and variety of these figures alongside the vibrancy of companies in techUK’s membership, I am confident that techUK and the Government can work together in making that vision a reality.”

Quotes from techUK’s Brexit Advisory Panel members:

“The UK is a world leading tech hub and its digital businesses will be vital to the UK’s economic success post Brexit. Over the months ahead digital businesses will need to work closely with government to help navigate a route through to a smooth exit from the European Union. I am delighted to be working with techUK’s Advisory Panel to help support what must be a collaborative effort to understand the key issues and prepare the ground for a successful negotiation.”Lord O’Donnell, Chairman, Frontier Economics and former Head of UK Civil Service

"I have been excited about tech since writing machine code at university. London's start up community is vibrant, exciting and dynamic, and it must stay that way. Of course there will be challenges but by getting Brexit right, we will be able to keep the doors open to the best global tech talent and create more jobs, prosperity and opportunities in our city. I look forward to working with TechUK as a Brexit Advisory Panel member." Syed Kamall MEP, Leader of the Conservatives in Europe

"Productivity and growth depend crucially on the extent of innovative activity in an economy. Anything that could potentially constrain investment in technology and adversely impact competitiveness would be bad for the UK economy as a whole. I am therefore delighted to be part of this Advisory Panel to help create an innovation-friendly future and to address the challenges the UK will face outside the EU in this crucial area." Vicky Pryce, board Member, CEBR and former Joint Head of the Government Economic Service.

"The tech sector has enabled British businesses to grow quickly and find new markets. As we prepare for Brexit, it is important that the industry comes together to share expertise and discuss the policy roadmap, so I'm pleased to join techUK's Brexit Advisory Panel." Tom Hulme, General Partner, GV

“The Tech sector is undoubtedly a crucial sector in its own right and as a foundation for all other sectors. It is therefore crucial that the government prioritises the sector as part of its Brexit industrial strategy. Participation on techUK’s Brexit Advisory Panel will provide us with an invaluable forum to collate industry views and help inform the government’s thinking on an industrial strategy for the Tech sector.” Tudor Aw, Partner, KPMG LLP

“If we’re going to succeed outside of the EU we need to seize a new future, not retreat to the past. To make Brexit work, we must remain open and participate internationally. Our state and national infrastructure should be fit for the digital age and policy makers must understand and appreciate the technology at our disposal. Brexit makes all these things more urgent and more necessary, but we’re not seeing them high enough on the agenda." Rachel Coldicutt, Chief Executive Officer, Doteveryone

"Technology is changing the fabric of the economy and it's essential for the future prosperity of all parts of the UK that tech thrives. Brexit is going to pose a major challenge to an inherently cross-border industry and so I'm pleased to contribute." Professor Diane Coyle, Professor of Economics, University of Manchester

“When clients ask me for guidance on whether they should locate a new database in the UK, I want to say yes and that the UK continues to be a great home for data-driven businesses. Unfortunately there is a concerning lack of certainty on data flows as part of the UK’s future relationship with the EU. Securing free and open data flows after the UK’s exit from the EU will be fundamental to the success of the UK digital economy”. Ruth Boardman, co-head International Data Protection Practice, Bird & Bird LLP

>>> Learn more about techUK’s Brexit Advisory Panel here

>>> Take a look at our Brexit Hub to see our recent work