In London, leaders in the tech industry are advocating for the prioritization of skills related to the advancement and utilization of artificial intelligence, along with proactive fiscal measures aimed at growth.

As the British populace gears up for the impending elections on July 4th, voices from the business sector are urging the dominant political parties to champion economic expansion, foster a regulatory landscape conducive to technological innovation, and unveil a forward-looking vision to solidify the U.K.’s global position.

Regardless of whether it is Prime Minister Rishi Sunak or Labour chief Keir Starmer who claims leadership at Downing Street, the prevailing sentiment is that the incoming government is expected to uphold the interests of high-growth tech enterprises.

One of the chief requests from U.K. tech leaders is the encouragement of breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and the cultivation of AI-centric competencies among people of all age groups.

Industry experts stress the significance of equipping individuals with proficiencies in handling sophisticated AI tools, emphasizing responsible utilization under the appropriate checks and balances.

During Salesforce’s World Tour London event, a prominent tech gathering where the American tech giant convenes major clients and partners, the focal point was on advancing growth and prosperity through cutting-edge technologies such as AI.

At a media briefing held on the sidelines of the occasion, separate from the lively mascots flaunting full-body costumes of Einstein and Astro, the raccoon character key to navigating users through Salesforce’s customer relationship management tools, the company’s U.K. head delineated the expectations from the forthcoming administration.

Although many tech leaders remain reticent about disclosing their electoral preferences for the upcoming July 4th polls, an increasing cohort is beginning to declare their political leanings openly.

Last month, a cohort of business luminaries, entrepreneurs, and investors penned an open declaration pledging their allegiance to the Labour Party in the imminent elections. “We, as leaders and investors in the British business realm, believe it is time for a transformation,” they affirmed in the missive.

Esteemed signatories of this declaration encompassed influential figures in the U.K. tech arena: Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, Jonathan Goodwin, co-founder of Founders Forum, and Mark Mullen, CEO of Atom Bank.

Signatories argued that the British economy has languished over a decade due to a lack of both political security and a coherent economic strategy.

Amidst the turmoil and economic precariousness witnessed by the U.K. over the last four years — from the far-reaching impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict disrupting global supply chains, to the escalating costs affecting both consumers and enterprises — what technology leaders are now seeking is a bedrock of stability and assurance.

In the wake of the catastrophic “mini budget” under Liz Truss, Sunak’s predecessor in 2022, British tech magnates underscore the imperative of predictability and confidence going forward.

“In recent years, both political factions have significantly converged in recognizing the pivotal role of businesses in national growth — underscored by the significance of business, fintech, and entrepreneurship,” elucidated Rishi Khosla, CEO of British digital bank OakNorth.

“The fervent hope is for the incoming government to stay committed to this trajectory, ensuring continuity in narrative and action, be it in terms of immigration, taxation, or refraining from adopting populist stances,” Khosla emphasized.

Presently, a cause of consternation for U.K. tech leaders lies in the absence of detailed strategies from the major political entities on how they intend to bolster the business sector — not to mention the entrepreneurial community and the thriving tech industry.

Tech executives who spoke with good find themselves unable to pinpoint specific policies and blueprints from either of the primary political camps.

Recently, British Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt unveiled a series of fresh tax incentives and investments designed to position the U.K. as a frontrunner in high-growth domains.

Hunt hinted at potential new tax reductions in case the Conservatives secure a repeat victory, stressing that the primary focus will be on “business taxes that stimulate investments” alongside growth. However, he refrained from elaborating further on the specifics of his proposals.

Labour had previously committed to capping the standard corporate tax rate at the current 25%, pledging to sustain certain tax reliefs including those for full expensing and research and development (R&D).

They further stipulated that if they assume power, a comprehensive blueprint for business tax reforms will be unveiled.

— Contribution to this report by Jenni Reid of good