UK tech start-ups increase almost 16%
Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM has found the number of new UK tech start-ups has risen by almost 16% this quarter.
A total of 10,435 software development and games businesses have been incorporated so far this year, according to data held by Companies House. In quarter three 2020 there were 3,641 tech start-ups incorporated, up by 15.5% since quarter one, when 3,150 were recorded.
Commenting on the findings, David Blacher, head of RSM technology, media and telecoms team, said: “At a time when many sectors are feeling crippled by the impact of the pandemic, it is encouraging to see the tech industry experiencing growth. This can be attributed in part to the lockdown, which drove an increase in demand for technology to support remote working. The huge increase in working from home, as well as leisure time spent at home, has meant far greater need for digital technology and a growing demand for digital entertainment.”
Regional figures demonstrated strong growth in many areas of the UK, with Scotland seeing a 57% increase in the number of tech start-ups in quarter three compared with quarter one figures. Second highest was the west midlands with a 48% rise, and Northern Ireland saw a healthy 44% increase. The east midlands grew by 36%, while the north east has seen 29% growth since quarter one.
While most areas saw at least some growth in tech start-ups, in some regions the technology sector may be declining. Wales had a 6% reduction in the number of tech start-ups in quarter three compared with quarter one figures, while the east of England dropped 1.4%, and Yorkshire and the Humber was down by almost 1%. The south east saw signs of growth, as London grew by 16% and the south east of England grew 11%.
Tech company incorporations by quarter
| Region | Q 1 2020 | Q 3 2020 | % increase/decrease |
| East Midlands (England) | 89 | 121 | +36% |
| East of England | 213 | 210 | -1.4% |
| London | 1,618 | 1,875 | +16% |
| North East (England) | 42 | 54 | +29% |
| North West (England) | 182 | 221 | +21% |
| Northern Ireland | 32 | 46 | +44% |
| Scotland | 103 | 162 | +57% |
| South East (England) | 320 | 355 | +11% |
| South West (England) | 128 | 154 | +20% |
| Wales | 61 | 64 | +57% |
| West Midlands (England) | 140 | 207 | +48% |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | 117 | 116 | -0.8% |
| Unknown | 105 | 63 | -40% |
| UK Total | 3,150 | 3,641 | 15.5% |
