techUK, the trade body for the UK tech industry, has one major priority post-Brexit – to ensure the UK Digital Economy thrives.

To achieve this, the trade body is launching an independent Advisory Panel which will see leading figures from economics, venture capital, civil service and more join forces to provide expert advice to techUK.

Those on the panel will advise on how UK tech can make a success of exiting the European Union, helping to shape the work of techUK’s on-going Brexit programme.

The panel will work to provide techUK with a cut-through view on the issues of most strategic importance to the future of the UK digital economy. This analysis will shape techUK’s future direction and will ensure policy makers in the UK, Brussels and beyond, are aware of the key issues facing the tech sector as the Brexit process develops.

Already confirmed on the Brexit Advisory Panel is Lord O’Donnell, Chairman at Frontier Economics and the former HeLord O’Donnell, UK tech advisorad of the UK Civil Service. Commenting on the creation of the techUK panel, he said:

“The UK is a world leading tech hub and its digital businesses will be vital to the UK’s economic success post Brexit. Over the months ahead digital businesses will need to work closely with government to help navigate a route through to a smooth exit from the European Union. I am delighted to be working with techUK’s Advisory Panel to help support what must be a collaborative effort to understand the key issues and prepare the ground for a successful negotiation.”

Also confirmed on the panel is MEP Syed Kamall, Leader of the Conservatives in Europe, who spoke of how important it is ‘to keep doors open to the best global tech talent’ moving forward. Joining Mr Syed and Lord O’Donnel, confirmed panel experts include:

  • Professor Diane Coyle, Professor of Economics, University of Manchester
  • Vicky Pryce, Board Member, Centre for Economic and Business Research
  • Tom Hulme, General Partner, GV
  • Tudor Aw, Partner (Technology Sector Head), KPMG LLP
  • Ruth Boardman, co-head International Data Protection Practice, Bird & Bird LLP
  • Rachel Coldicutt, Chief Executive Officer, Doteveryone

“It is fantastic that these experts will help shape our work on ensuring we have a Brexit that works for the most dynamic and fast-moving part of the UK economy, providing greater insights on the impacts of exiting the European Union on the UK tech sector,” said techUK CEO, Julian David.

“It is critical that we not only make a success of Brexit for the tech sector, but help other industries successfully navigate the process and create a landscape that allows us to capitalise on the benefits of the digital economy for all.

“With the breadth and variety of these figures alongside the vibrancy of companies in techUK’s membership, I am confident that techUK and the Government can work together in making that vision a reality.”

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