NCUB response to plans for a proposed £1bn UK Scale-up Fund

Welcoming the announcement that a consortium of major UK pension providers will explore establishing a proposed £1 billion UK Scale-up Fund to invest in high-growth UK science and technology companies, Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB), said: 

“The UK has made a concerted effort over many years to strengthen its scale-up environment. The £1 billion ambition is a welcome next step and demonstrates what becomes possible when successive governments, funders, universities, businesses, pension providers and investors pull in the same direction behind a shared national goal. 

Andy Burnham is right that enabling innovative companies to start, scale and remain in the UK is fundamental to reindustrialising the country. The impact could be particularly significant in places that have lost major employers and historic industries, where growing the next generation of successful businesses, alongside attracting and retaining established firms, will be an important part of rebuilding a strong and diverse business base.” 

If delivered at the scale envisaged, the fund could help unlock the growth capital that science and technology businesses – including university spinouts – need to commercialise cutting-edge research, attract investment, create high-skilled jobs and compete globally. 

Dr Marshall continues: 

“Success will depend on connecting long-term investment with the UK’s outstanding research and innovation strengths. No single institution can achieve that alone. Universities, businesses, investors and government all have a role to play in building a stronger scale-up ecosystem that turns British discoveries into British success stories. This announcement is an encouraging step in that direction.”