Digital Economy Council (DEC) met for the first time this week with the aim of bringing academics and senior figures from major technology firms together to collaborate with the government on the implementation of its UK Digital Strategy.
Established by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport, the DEC includes leading UK digital businesses as well as global tech firms and representatives of the broader digital economy, including industry giants such as Google, Facebook, Cisco, BT, and Apple.
The first meeting, chaired by Culture Secretary Karen Bradley, focussed on building the UK’s £118 billion-a-year tech sector, with the aim of making the UK “the best place to start and grow a digital business”.
“I’m delighted to be bringing together this powerful group of tech experts, industry leaders, and global innovators to spearhead new growth in our thriving digital economy,” Karen Bradley says. “The Digital Economy Council will play a vital part in helping us achieve our aim of making the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a digital business with the benefits enjoyed throughout society and in every part of our country.”
According to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport the UK is already home to more than 200,000 digital businesses supporting more than 1.4 million jobs – with the fastest growing-digital hubs from 2010-14 in Southampton, West Cornwall and Dundee.
Jacqueline de Rojas, President of techUK, says: “Tech can be a powerful growth engine of the UK economy post-Brexit. For that to happen there is much that we need to get right. From the Digital Strategy to the proposed new Digital Charter, I’m happy Government is working with tech businesses to ensure that we unlock the next wave of digital growth.
“As the President of techUK, I am delighted to serve on the Digital Economy Council to ensure a strong voice for the whole of the tech industry, from the largest employers through to the innovative SMEs and start-ups.”
Being centrally located within walking distance of ‘silicon roundabout’, our technology business experts at Beavis Morgan work with many entrepreneurial businesses in the tech sector, helping them set up and run their own businesses and guiding them through each stage of the process, whilst navigating the challenges and advising them in making the right decisions both now and for the future.
We are also available to assist with ‘money back for research and development’ claims and our R&D* tax credit specialists are on hand to maximise the value of any potential claim and manage the often complex process on your behalf.
If you would like to find out more about how we can assist you and your tech business, contact Steve Govey or your usual Beavis Morgan Partner.
*Research & Development – Tax Credits for SMEs: Money back for investing in innovation