UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced plans to improve infrastructure in the region between Oxford and Cambridge to make it a leading centre for scientific and technological progress. Find out exactly what the UK government plans to change

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The British government has announced plans to transform Oxford and Cambridge into a technology hub that will become the “Silicon Valley of Europe”. Find out how the UK is set to become Europe’s leading IT hub.

What is the UK Silicon Valley?

The term “UK Silicon Valley” primarily refers to “Cambridge and the Oxford-Cambridge Arc”, often referred to as the “Silicon Swamp” or “Silicon Valley of Europe”.

The region is a leading centre for high-tech industries, including software, biotechnology, AI and pharmaceuticals.

The UK’s plans to transform the country into the Silicon Valley of Europe

The technology hub will see the development of transport and housing infrastructure between the universities, helping to attract funding and highly skilled talent.

Oxford and Cambridge are already the UK’s second-largest startup ecosystems after London.

However, the gap remains significant: in 2023, tech companies in these cities raised €2 billion, while London’s investment volume reached €17 billion.

The challenges facing UK leaders in creating Cambridge’s Silicon Valley

These ambitious plans have faced challenges. Concerns have been raised about the environmental impact, housing shortages and the need for sustainable development. Local leaders have stressed the importance of balanced growth and preserving the region’s unique character.

Despite these challenges, Cambridge continues to strengthen its position as a leading centre for life sciences and technology in Europe.

Companies already operating in Oxford and Cambridge

Cambridge’s leading companies include CMR Surgical (robotic surgery), Pragmatic (semiconductors) and Quantinuum (quantum technologies), which have collectively raised more than €2 billion.

Oxford is home to biotech companies Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Exscientia, as well as transport startup Oxa.

The government estimates that the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor could add £78 billion to the UK economy. The UK is also set to significantly increase investment in artificial intelligence, with the first AI Growth Zone, including data centres with priority access to the grid, to be set up in Oxfordshire.

Science Secretary Patrick Vallance will oversee the development of the project, but the timing and funding have not yet been revealed.

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Top 3 Visas for IT Professionals in the UK

1. UK Global Talent Visa

Highly skilled individuals who have made a significant contribution to science, research, the arts, culture or digital technology can apply for a Global Talent Visa. This visa is ideal for those who can demonstrate exceptional talent or promise in their relevant fields, offering them the flexibility to work, start a business or conduct research in the UK without restrictions.

Eligibility and Requirements

- The applicant must be endorsed by a UK body, such as Tech Nation (for digital technology) or the British Academy (for academia and research).

- A job offer is not required; applicants must demonstrate significant achievement or potential in their field.

- Provides flexibility to work, start a business or conduct research in the UK.

Key Benefits

- No restrictions on the type of work and employer.

- Offers a pathway to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) after three to five years.

- Ideal for highly skilled professionals and innovators.

It is worth noting that AI specialists can obtain this permit in the shortest possible time.

2. UK Innovator Founder Visa

Entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in the UK with an innovative, viable and scalable idea can apply for an Innovator Founder Visa. This visa is ideal for those who have a unique business concept that can contribute to the UK economy, allowing them to build and grow their business without requiring a prior job offer.

Rights and requirements

- You must have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea.

- The business must be approved by the relevant authority in the UK.

- There is no minimum investment required, but applicants must actively develop their business in the UK.

Key benefits

- The ability to set up and run a business in the UK.

- Provides access to the UK entrepreneurial ecosystem.

- This can lead to permanent residence in the UK after three years.

3. UK Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a work visa that allows foreign workers with the necessary skills to work in the UK for licensed employers.

The Skilled Worker Visa replaced the Tier 2 visa at the end of 2020.

The Skilled Worker Visa is a long-term work visa that is initially issued for a period of up to five years (the exact period depends on the duration of your Certificate of Sponsorship). It is important to note that your visa is only valid for as long as you remain in the same position with your sponsoring employer. If you want to change positions or employers, you will need to apply for a new Skilled Worker Visa.

It is also worth noting that this permit opens the way to British citizenship.

The United Kingdom is actively working to attract the most talented specialists from different parts of the world, so now is the best time to get a work visa and go to work in one of the most developed and economically stable countries in the world.

Let's remind you! A work visa allows foreign citizens to live and work in the UK. However, in order to apply for a British work visa, you must meet the requirements and provide the necessary documents. We have already told you what types of work visas are in the United Kingdom and the main requirements for obtaining them.

Book a consultation with an employment lawyer to go through all the stages of obtaining a UK work visa without any problems!