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 Melbourne companies that have successfully internationalised between Australia and the West Midlands, this seminar will explore:

• Why the UK is an attractive location for Australian 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) can support Australian companies seeking to scale up and accelerate growth in the UK, including soft landing packages available.

Our Speakers

• Jon Baty – Head of Inward Investment, West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC)

• Leonie Ladgrove – Director of carbonTRACK

• Ben Hare – Director & Chief Operating Officer, Tinyme