techUK has welcomed the unprecedented focus on the digital economy in the Conservative’s Manifesto, released last week.

Indeed, Antony Walker, deputy CEO of techUK, said: “It is a political first to have such a significant focus on security and prosperity in the digital age. Tech firms will sit up and take note of this ambitious digital agenda.”

“It is a political first to have such a significant focus on security and prosperity in the digital age. Tech firms will sit up and take note of this ambitious digital agenda.”

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“This manifesto puts securing the UK’s digital future at heart of the Conservative’s programme for Government. techUK applauds the recognition of opportunities and challenges in a digital age. The next Government will need to work closely with the tech industry to navigate the best possible path for the UK.”

This is a manifesto focused on building a 21st century economy. However, many of the recommendations will need careful and balanced handling to ensure they do not tip the scales in the wrong direction. Now, more than ever, the UK needs the innovation and productivity growth that digital leadership will provide.

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“Putting these commitments into practice will not be easy,” continued Walker. “There is a fine line between creating an enabling framework that supports a thriving digital nation and over reaching regulation that constrains the creativity of businesses and citizens. The UK cannot afford to get this wrong – one of the main reasons that the UK is a global tech hub is due to its environment of regulatory certainty and that must continue.”

techUK additionally warned that meeting the ambition to make the UK the best place in the world for digital businesses to locate, scale and invest will be difficult to achieve if UK firms can’t access the best global talent.

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“We welcome the strong focus on increasing R&D investment and tackling the UK’s productivity challenge. However, the Conservatives’ ambitions to create more scientists, increase international trade and make the UK the most attractive place to do business sit ill at odds with policies that target businesses’ ability to recruit and retain the best global talent,” concluded Walker.

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