Tech startups hit record high as East leads the UK

The figures suggest the region’s tech sector remains resilient despite broader economic challenges, according to analysis by audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK.

Laragh Jeanroy, office managing partner, RSM Bury St Edmunds said: ‘The tech ecosystem in the East of England provides a great environment for early-stage businesses to thrive, with access to cutting-edge ideas and research, funding, and collaboration.

“So, it will come as no surprise that the region is leading the way with a record increase in the number of new technology companies incorporated in the year – a trend we expect to see continue.”

The national data shows a total of 51,017 tech companies were incorporated in the UK last year, up 22 per cent from 41,972 the year before. Key sub-sectors that saw significant growth included software developers, data businesses and IT consultancies.

All regions in the UK saw an increase except for Wales which still incorporated 1,150 businesses, a small decrease from 2022. Tech incorporations in London rose by more than a quarter (26 per cent) on the previous year’s figure to 26,060.

Ben Bilsland, partner and technology industry senior analyst at RSM UK, said: “Our research is testament to the resilience of the UK’s tech sector despite global challenges. The rise in tech incorporations shows there is cause for optimism in this key industry.

“Whilst it’s impossible to ignore AI as a driving force behind UK tech incorporations, especially for businesses working in data, there will be other factors to consider.

“London projects itself as a leading global authority in tech, and that strength is reflected across the UK by a vibrant and energetic sector that consistently supports early-stage businesses.

“But the sector has, and continues to be, marked by layoffs, so it may be that these members of the workforce have been confident enough to go it alone, thereby fuelling incorporation growth.

“The Government has an important role to play if this trend is to continue. Making valuable resources, including AI compute, accessible for universities and early-stage entrepreneurs is critical.

“Funding and policy changes, including innovation reliefs, that ensure a world-class tech workforce are crucial both in terms aiding education and skilled immigration. For those businesses working in AI, clarity on future regulation will assist the ability to forward-plan.”