UK startup leaders head to London for meetings with policymakers on digital rules

Thirty-six startup founders and tech leaders from across the United Kingdom are in London this week for face-to-face meetings with Members of Parliament, peers and government officials, seeking to share firsthand views on digital regulation and how to help small firms scale.

The effort comes as UK regulators continue to develop what organizers describe as a collaborative and pro-growth approach to digital policy. The delegation represents 30 member companies of ACT, a global technology trade association for startups, scaleups and small and medium-sized enterprises.

ACT says the UK’s startup and small tech ecosystem drives significant economic output and supports more than 400,000 jobs, and argues that regulation and investment are closely linked for early-stage companies. “When policymakers in Parliament and the Ministries understand the practical impacts of regulation, they can reduce barriers to growth instead of erecting new ones,” said Stephen Tulip, ACT’s UK country manager.

“Policymakers can achieve their goals of increasing UK competitiveness and prosperity by creating an environment where small tech teams can thrive. Our members are the experts on what small tech teams need.” According to ACT, its members will focus their discussions on five policy priorities during the London visit.

The meetings coincide with ACT’s Global App Economy Conference, which the association says brings founders together for three days of networking and direct engagement with policymakers on rules shaping the digital economy. Organizers say direct insight from startups, scaleups and SMEs is intended to inform ongoing policy work, with the aim of reducing barriers to growth while maintaining regulatory goals.

The group frames the conversations as part of efforts to ensure the UK’s next generation of tech companies can scale, not just start.