Amid Britain's surprise decision to leave the European Union, technology industry leaders are speaking out, explaining their viewpoints, and trying minimize the fallout. Among those sharing strong views: Julian David, CEO of TechUK, an IT association with a heavy SMB membership.
David's perspectives are shared here in their entirety. He wrote:
"Today the British public has decided that the UK should leave the European Union. This is not the outcome that the majority of techUK members were hoping for. It opens up many uncertainties about the future. However, the UK tech sector will play its part in helping the UK to prepare, adapt and thrive in a future outside the European Union.
"Today, just as it was yesterday, the UK remains a great place to start, locate and grow a tech business. It is full of talented, skilled and passionate people with the ideas and creativity to make great things happen. Its consumers are eager and enthusiastic early adopters of new technology. Its world class universities are powerful engines of science and innovation and its politicians and regulators have a strong record of supporting market-led investment. We must now harness these assets like never before and build a world-beating ecosystem for tech that continues the great British tradition of inventing the future.
"Today, at techUK we start work with our members to map out this new future. There will be a long to-do list with many policy and regulatory issues requiring urgent action. Tech companies will need to come together and speak with one voice to ensure their needs are understood and acted upon. To succeed, the UK tech sector needs great people, great infrastructure, world-class science and research, unfettered access to global markets, and a world-class smart and predictable regulatory environment. Without the benefits of EU membership, the UK needs to be at its very best to succeed. That remains our purpose. To make the UK the best place in the world for tech."
Brexit's Impact on Financial Services
No doubt, TechUK will play a key role as Britain strives to remain an economic power. However, many pundits are worried about the financial services vertical in particular. Several major banks have said they will reduce headcount in London and relocate some employees because of the Brexit fallout.
The situation could therefore become challenging for VARs, MSPs, IT service providers and technology companies that specifically serve financial customers.
