The UK remains the most attractive investment destination in Europe, and 3rd globally for growing and scaling businesses. The UK tech sector is now valued at over $1 trillion, and in 2021, one-third of £89.5bn raised by all start-up and scale-up businesses across Europe, was raised by UK-based companies.

As the 5th largest economy in the world and home to 67.1 million people, the UK offers Australian companies a significant market opportunity and a familiar cultural environment. It also remains one of the simplest countries in the world in which to set up and scale a business.

The ambitious, new Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the UK will further unlock key opportunities and market access for ambitious Australian services and digital businesses throughout the UK.

A third of the UK’s tech unicorns are now based outside of London, and the UK Government recently identified Birmingham and the West Midlands as the UK’s fastest-growing cluster of digital & technology companies and skills.

Why Attend?

Featuring key speakers from two companies that have successfully internationalised between Australia and the West Midlands, this seminar will explore:

• Why the UK is an attractive location for Australian services companies looking to expand their global presence and enter international markets.

• Why Birmingham in the West Midlands is the fastest growing tech cluster in the UK, and how the region’s tech capabilities are fostering innovation across multiple existing and emerging industries.

• Why global tech companies (such as Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Tata Technologies, carbonTRACK, and EnergyOne) have chosen to establish major functions, or their UK or European headquarters in the West Midlands.

• How the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) and Investment NSW can support Australian tech companies seeking to scale up and accelerate growth in the UK market (including soft landing packages).

Our Speakers

• Grace Kneafsey – Senior BDM ‘Low Carbon Sector’, West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC)

• Johnny Henwood – Tech Export Adviser, Investment NSW

• Ross Attrill – Chief Innovation Officer, EnergyOne

• Lucy Fogarty – Strategy and Customer Engagement, Evari