The Scale UK Connect pilot scheme is set to provide 200 high-growth UK firms with expert advice, tailored connections, and international opportunities over a 12-month programme. This initiative aims to address common challenges faced by growing businesses, such as a lack of advice, capital, or connections needed to reach the next stage of development.
Businesses from various regions, including London, Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, the South West, Yorkshire, and Scotland, can apply for the programme. The goal is to foster a pipeline of high-growth companies that will contribute to the UK's economic growth and create skilled jobs across the country.
Chris McDonald, UK Science Minister, stated, "Britain is brimming with entrepreneurial talent that can benefit us all. But those who put their neck on the line to start the businesses behind jobs and growth need to know we’ve got their backs to take their ambitions further. Scale UK Connect will do exactly that."
This pilot is part of a broader package of support for entrepreneurs announced in the Chancellor's Budget, which includes measures to strengthen the UK's tax offer for founders and enhance procurement support for UK industry and innovation. The initiative is led by growth agency London & Partners, in collaboration with regional partners.
The programme builds on successful approaches, such as the Intelligent Lab on Fiber (iLoF) company's experience with London & Partners' trade mission to Japan, which resulted in a partnership with Japanese investor Hamamatsu. The Scale UK Connect pilot aims to replicate such successes by connecting UK entrepreneurs with the right people and opportunities.
Janet Coyle CBE, Managing Director at London & Partners, highlighted the programme's objective: "Scale UK Connect will help ambitious businesses find new customers, attract investors, and break into markets around the world. We’ll connect UK entrepreneurs with the right people and opportunities, helping them win overseas business in months rather than years."
Neil Rami, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, emphasised the importance of scaling high-growth businesses for regional and national prosperity, stating, "These firms drive innovation, boost productivity, and create skilled jobs, helping to strengthen our regional and national economies."
Enthusiasm for the initiative is already evident, with companies like Raven Controls from Glasgow, GeoPura from Newcastle, and CyberQ Group from Birmingham signalling their interest. Applications are open until January 2027, with the cohort officially launching in February 2027 for 12 months of support.
The Scale UK Connect pilot is an 18-month national initiative worth £3.4 million, managed by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade in partnership with London & Partners and regional delivery partners such as the Manchester Growth Company and the West Midlands Growth Company. Further support is provided by TechSPARK in the South West, Tech SY in Yorkshire, and Pathways Forward in Scotland.
