The UK government is set to announce new measures to boost access to global talent and support high-growth sectors.
At a global talent reception on Wednesday, the chancellor will set out two new schemes, including visa fee reimbursement for scale-ups in digital and tech, life sciences and clean energy with the goal of helping firms attract exceptional skills and strengthening the UK’s global competitiveness.
It will also launch an OfI fast-track referral for a UK expansion worker sponsor licence, helping high-potential international businesses set up in the UK more quickly.
Together, the government says these schemes complement wider visa reforms and talent measures. Earlier this month, the government expanded its global talent visa fast-track route as part of its efforts to encourage researchers and tech workers to live and work in the country.
“The ScaleUp Institute welcomes the package of measures announced by the government today, which should lead to more proactive and structured engagement with scaleups and high-potential scaling firms – an approach we have long evidenced,” says Irene Graham OBE, CEO at ScaleUp Institute.
“The introduction of concierge structures to help fast-track these companies to the connections, opportunities, and support they need, alongside dedicated services, represents a significant step forward.”
Elsewhere, business secretary Peter Kyle is set to unveil a bespoke concierge service for the businesses of the future to start, scale and stay in the UK as part of the government’s goal to nurture the UK’s first trillion-dollar firm.
The new concierge service, which will offer tiered support, will strive to accelerate promising scale-ups and build a strong pipeline of high-growth firms, ensuring that the current support for businesses is joined up and delivering targeted support.
The government says this approach will help to unlock deals, unblock delays and create jobs, growth and opportunity for businesses across the UK.
