Minister of state for digital and culture Caroline Dinenage has called on the UK and global tech sector to carry on innovating in response to the growing coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking at yesterday’s launch of the Tech Nation 2020 report, Dinenage said: “The tech sector will be at the heart of the response to Covid-19. So please, please keep inventing, keep innovating and keep inspiring and we will be right by your side as you do.
“We have already seen so many cases of technology being used in the effort against Covid-19. From community-led social media groups to provide help and comfort to the vulnerable to home-working technology that is helping to keep so many of our businesses running and, of course, the health tech that is being used by the NHS every single day.”
Her comments were echoed by chief executive of Tech Nation Gerard Grech who dubbed the tech sector “an incredibly powerful leader with the power to positively transform societies and local economies.”
The launch of Tech Nation 2020, supported by BNP Paribas Real Estate and Openreach, revealed that the last 12 months saw a huge uptick of activity in the UK tech sector, which grew six times faster than any other sector in the UK last year.
Dan Bailey, head of tenant representation at BNP Paribas Real Estate, added that the UK real estate sector was well placed to support the tech sector as it continues to grow.
He said: “The right real estate is critically important for the survival of the tech sector. The UK has one of the most innovative approaches to real estate in Europe. Conventional landlords are increasingly competing with serviced offices and the tech sector’s demands have pushed the property sector to deliver what is required.”
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