There is a new Prime Minister in Downing Street, and if you have been anywhere near the news this week, you will already know that. But that is not really what is on our minds right now. What we are actually thinking about is London, Thursday 13th August, and getting as many of you in the room as possible.
Here is everything that happened this month, starting with the event you need to get in your diary.
Save your seat: Building Your Future in the UK, 13th August
Two weeks today on Thursday 13th August, Richard, Karen and James will be back at 1 Triton Square in London, partnering with Venture Café London and Tech Nation for an evening built around two of the UK's most talked about immigration routes: the Innovator Founder Visa and Global Talent Visa.
Whether you are on one of these routes already, have completed it, or are still weighing up which path is right for you, this is a chance to meet people walking the same journey. The evening opens with pizza and networking from 6pm, followed by a founder panel getting into what it actually takes to build a business here, well beyond the visa paperwork. If you have joined us before, you will know the conversations afterwards are often the best part.
Tickets are free, and spaces do fill up, so grab yours now rather than later.
A new Prime Minister, and what it means for you
Let's start with the other story everyone is talking about! Andy Burnham has taken the keys to Downing Street, and one of his first moves raised a few eyebrows: scrapping the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) altogether.
Before anyone panics, the detail matters here. DSIT is not disappearing, it is merging with the business and trade brief to form a new Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. A dedicated Minister for AI has also been confirmed, alongside a fresh AI task force, which tells you plenty about where government priorities sit right now.
For anyone on the Innovator Founder Visa route, the practical advice is simple. Nothing changes for now. Funding schemes, Innovate UK programmes, and support services continue as normal while the transition beds in, and there is a reasonable case that a merged department makes the whole landscape easier to navigate, not harder.
Read our latest article, including who Andy Burnham actually is (we think he is great!) and why his Hillsborough campaign work matters to his reputation:
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Have you joined our Facebook group yet?
We recently mentioned that we were giving Facebook another go. This time we think we've cracked it – 100 people have joined in the first couple of weeks and the conversations are already thriving. The group is suitable for people interested in, or already building their business in Britain and full of advice and conversation.
It also provides access to many of our support guides including the guides for the innovator founder Visa, same business and ILR applications, and writing your own business plan.
Join the group here or search Building Your Business in Britain:
A warm welcome to Sue
Big news on the team front this month. Sue Lees has joined Innovator International's administration team, and she will be the friendly face behind our info@ inbox from now on. Sue brings serious PA and administrative experience, and down the line her own business will also join our supplier network, so keep her in mind if you ever need extra admin support.
If you have not already, give her a proper hello 👋🏼
Attending Manchester's meet up
Building on our relationship with venture café, last week we sponsored their innovation event at Manchester. James represented Innovator International at the event, saying: "My main takeaway is simple: being in a room with other founders and people from your sector is valuable. You make connections and see where they go. If you're a founder, especially if you're new to the UK, going to these in-person events is one of the best ways to grow your business.
The panel was a highlight. Hearing directly from the businesses leading AgTech made it clear how much is happening right now. What struck me most was seeing that innovation often crosses over from one field to another. A breakthrough in fintech, retail, or med-tech can quickly change agri-tech, and the same goes the other way. It is a good reminder to stay curious about what is happening in other sectors, because the next big idea could come from anywhere.
He added "keep going to these events. You will meet founders, university researchers, investors, and others who can really help you move your business forward in the UK."
… And with that in mind we hope to see many of you at our event in London on the 13th of August!
Speaking of events, next week is our dedicated Events newsletter so we will be sure to catch you up with all our goings on there, but do keep an eye on Innovator Pulse, sign up through the zoom booking links and we look forward to seeing you at each and every one!
Before you go: is the heat coming back?
Don't put the sun cream away just yet...The end of July is expected to stay fairly changeable, with spells of rain moving in from the Atlantic and temperatures still above average overall. The first week of August looks similarly mixed, with drier, brighter spells alongside further rain, but don't expect wall to wall sunshine either.
Although nothing is guaranteed this far out, if you are planning anything outdoors for late August, the odds are currently in your favour with settled, drier conditions returning.
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When you live in the UK you really can't be sure of anything - so always have am umbrella or rain jacket close.
As always, we will keep bringing all our news and exciting updates here in our weekly newsletters. Have a great week!
