'Backing ambitious firms' | Visa costs reimbursed & 'concierge' support unveiled to help UK firms attract global talent

The Government has unveiled a package of measures designed to help some of the UK’s fastest-growing companies scale more quickly, including a new visa reimbursement scheme and a bespoke “concierge” service aimed at removing barriers to growth.

The plans, announced by Business & Trade Secretary Peter Kyle during London Tech Week, form part of the Government’s ambition to create the conditions for the UK’s first trillion-dollar company. The package combines targeted support for scale-ups with measures intended to make it easier for businesses in key sectors to recruit highly skilled international workers.

Among the headline measures is a new scheme that will reimburse visa fees for scale-ups operating in digital and technology, life sciences and clean energy, helping them recruit overseas talent more easily. 

The Government is also introducing a fast-track route for UK Expansion Worker sponsor licences and launching a dedicated concierge service to help high-potential firms navigate challenges such as regulation, finance, procurement and talent acquisition.