Making BrITain Great Again - a technology manifesto

Making BrITain Great Again

18 March 2010

Government should rebalance the tax system to foster growth and create 250,000 new jobs in the information technology sector, according to leaders of some of the UK’s most prominent technology companies.

Intellect, the trade association for the technology sector, has published Making BrITain Great Again, a manifesto for the technology industry, which makes the case for targeted investment in the business environment for the UK technology sector.

The manifesto is the first stage in a campaign to encourage sustainable growth, employment, and wealth from the intellectual property (IP)-rich technology industries.

The campaign has been endorsed by leading technology businesses and timed for release ahead of the Budget and the forthcoming general election. Ernst and Young provide the economic case for action in the manifesto.

The manifesto will be sent to the major parties today, along with a standing offer on behalf of the industry to help the UK in the race for growth.

The manifesto makes six recommendations on creating an environment for technology businesses to thrive in the UK :

Radically change the tax incentives available to companies and individuals who want to invest in growing technology businesses in the UK - a 30% tax relief rate on Corporate Venturing investments could realise a tax revenue and wider economic benefits worth £559m

Implement specific fiscal incentives for UK-based tech companies seeking to accelerate world-leading Research and Development (R&D) – extending the R&D scheme to all ICT companies would increase investment and create 131,368 jobs in the ICT industry and 63,605 more in the supply chain.

Actively encourage international technology companies to invest in UK hubs – a 10% increase in returns to investments in Foreign Direct Investment would increase ICT’s Gross Value Added to over £4,200m and increase tax revenues by approximately £700m.

Increase the supply of world-class technology talent in the UK

Harness the expertise and goodwill of successful leaders around the world to mentor leaders of UK-based emerging technology businesses

Deliver digital infrastructure to boost UK jobs and the economy

Director General of Intellect, John Higgins who is leading the campaign said:

“Software and technology can make a more significant contribution to Britain’s GDP and deliver the high value jobs of the future. We must put them at the heart of economic growth in this country.”

He went on to say:

“However, in order for high tech businesses to thrive in the UK we must create the right tax environment, a healthy supply of skilled workers and ensure that we have a first-class digital infrastructure. This manifesto asks why, when the UK has world-class science, managers, software engineers and international tech companies working here, are we not reaping the rewards? Why are there still too few UK tech companies in the FTSE 250?”

Download the Making BrITain Great Again manifesto (PDF 810KB)

Press releases

IT companies call for tax relief - Financial Times
UK tech companies call for government tax breaks - Register
Technology Manifesto plans to boost UK IT industry - Rackspace
IT industry launches new Technology Manifesto -NetworkWorld.com
IT firms call for tax breaks -BCS
Technology to lead UK to 'future growth,' says Intellect - Computeach
UK Tech Companies Request Tax Breaks - eWeek Europe UK
Technology tax breaks could create 250000 jobs, says Intellect - ComputerWeekly.com

Opinion piece

Opinion: IT industry prepares manifesto to make Britain great again - ComputerWeekly.com

For more information please contact the press office:
T 020 7331 2178
E This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

PR Mailing List

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 23 March 2010 )

Username:		Password: