Blick Rothenberg host event for Great Tech Award Winners 2014

The awards were created to recognise and encourage innovative US technology companies who are looking to expand internationally. As part of the prize, winners are given the opportunity to participate in a bespoke business development programme in the UK.

Over 120 companies applied for the awards which were split into seven categories; Education, Finance, Health, Internet of Things, Lifestyle, Media and ‘Best of British’, in addition to a People’s Choice award. Contestants were judged on growth, innovation and their potential for expansion in the UK.A full list of the award winners can be found here.

The day began with a discussion on the UK start-up scene, chaired by James Webb fromPropel London.The panel discussed opportunities and challenges that UK start-ups face, alongside initiatives that are available to support the local community. Following lunch, Mark Barron fromTaylor Wessingchaired the panel discussion about New York start-ups who have expanded to the UK.

A presentation on how to establish a UK entity and the UK’s legal/tax landscape was given by Nilesh Shah and Mark Barron. This focused on the fiscal and legal considerations to make when setting up in the UK. Blick Rothenberg Partner Nilesh Shah comments: “This was a very interesting day for these New York based companies looking to set up business in the UK.We were fortunate to be able to get such good people together who shared their experiences of the UK market.We are looking forward to working with the winners of the competition.”

A final panel discussion was held on understanding the venture capitalist landscape and funding opportunities that are available, chaired by Nilesh Shah.

For more information on the 2014 Great Tech Awards, please visit:www.gov.uk/great-tech-awardsor contactNilesh Shah.