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Attracting and retaining top tech talent can be hard for all companies , but particularly so for start-ups . Although there is of course homegrown tech talent , there is also a need for UK companies to look overseas when hiring people . The UK , therefore , needs to offer attractive options to live and work in the UK . Elli Graves , Senior Immigration Advisor in the immigration team at law firm , Kingsley Napley LLP , explains the different options which start-ups can consider when employing someone from abroad .

ARNESSING INNOVATION

AND embracing developments in tech has rightfully been recognised as instrumental to the UK ’ s future . It is vital to our economic growth , and virtually every sector , public and private , sees tech as the way to drive growth and deliver better and more resilient services . The government hopes to promote innovation through various initiatives and policies , thereby cementing the UK ’ s status as a tech superpower . For example , the government is investing heavily into domestic science and tech start-ups to encourage private funding and to accelerate the expansion of our STEM industries . However , word on the start-up street is that while these Treasury policies are welcome , they must be accompanied by changes in immigration law and policy to ensure the UK can attract and retain the talent it needs .

At a time when there is a global race for top tech talent , the UK needs to not only offer routes to live and work in the UK , but such options need to be attractive in order to stand out in an increasingly competitive market .

Tech founders relocating to the UK have two main options :

• Global Talent ( Tech Nation ) visa

• Innovator Founder visa

The Global Talent ( Tech Nation ) visa

The Global Talent visa is an excellent option that offers maximum flexibility to those who are able to convince Tech Nation assessors that they are , or have the potential to be , a leading talent in digital technology . The criteria for endorsement is high and perhaps a little rigidly focused on product-led digital tech companies , but are ultimately achievable

HARNESSING INNOVATION AND EMBRACING DEVELOPMENTS IN TECH HAS RIGHTFULLY BEEN RECOGNISED AS INSTRUMENTAL TO THE UK ’ S FUTURE .