Monday, 21 Mar 2011
“I want to show how attractive a destination the UK can be for innovators and entrepreneurs, and how much we have to offer investors. There is a real hub of impressive knowledge and skills that can benefit any company that chooses to come here”
Lord Green, Trade & Investment Minister
Businessman arrives at Heathrow
The UK - Entrepreneurs Welcome
The UK is the ideal location for entrepreneurs to achieve growth and success. With a rich history of innovation and a dynamic business environment, we value entrepreneurs in the UK - and we're pulling out all the stops to make things work for business.
The new investors’ and entrepreneurs’ visas will enable the brightest and best to set up in the UK, and initiatives such the Global Entrepreneurs Programme and London Tech City East will ensure their continued success here.
Visas for entrepreneurs and investors - fast and flexible
UK Government's new rules fast track settlement for high-value investors and entrepreneurs. Those who come to the country and invest large sums of money will be given the right to settle permanently in the UK faster.
Major investors will also enjoy more flexibility as they will be allowed to have spent up to 180 days a year, rather than 90, outside of the UK before they lose their right to settlement.
More information from UKTI on the new visa arangements
UKTI-recognised seed competitions related to the new rules
More details on the UK Border Agency’s website
Global Entrepreneur Programme – opening doors
Global Entrepreneur Programme – opening doorsEssentially a business accelerator, UKTI's Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP) creates high profit sustainable global companies from pioneering start-ups, using the UK as a strategic headquarters and base for international expansion.
The programme connects entrepreneurs with investors, management talent and strategic partners in the UK to turn their innovation into a global success. GEP is unique in that it combines commercial flair and acumen with the ability to open doors that only a Government department can offer.
More on the Global Entrepreneur Programme
Global Technology Task Force - supporting entrepreneurs and innovators
The UKTI-led Task Force harnesses the resources of the UKTI overseas networks and deploys a team of specialists from a business and entrepreneurial background to ensure the UK continues to be a magnet for technology led inward investment, talent and innovation.
One of its key objectives is to work with partner organisations to develop and deliver the East London Tech City Initiative.
More on the Global Technology Taskforce
More on locating in the UK
GO UK - some of UK’s leading investors share their views on why they chose the UK
Our brochure, Springboard for Success, explains why more and more global companies are choosing to locate and grow in the UK
London Tech City East - a world beater
In November 2010, the Mayor of London and the Prime Minister launched the joint Tech City East initiative to promote London as the digital capital of Europe, with the aim of transforming London's East End into a world-beating technology hub.
To support this activity UKTI has launched the Tech City Investment Organisation (TCIO) - a team of experienced entrepreneurs dedicated to helping early stage entrepreneurs and innovative companies to locate in East London. The TCIO draws together UKTI's international connections and knowledge, working with other partners including Government Departments and the Greater London Authority, to provide practical support for entrepreneurs setting up in London Tech City East.