The UK is a leader in the technology sector and offers an environment with competitive talent, strong policy support and unmatched access to global markets.
iUK Academy, an approved IOEE Enterprise Academy and part of InvestUK Group, introduced the Entrepreneur Experience programme in 2021 to mentor the world’s best entrepreneurs and innovators as they start in the UK and assist them in obtaining Start-up or Innovator Visa endorsements. Following a successful cohort of 60 students (30% from the Middle East), iUK Academy is now launching in Dubai. The Entrepreneur Experience programme is taught by both UK entrepreneurs and industry experts who train ambitious Middle Eastern entrepreneurs in the skills necessary to transform innovative ideas into successful startups. Based on the strengthening relationship between the UK and the Middle East, iUK Academy predicts at least a 20% increase in enrolment throughout 2022.
Education UAE caught up with iUK Academy’s Chairman Rupert Gather at the programme’s launch:
“The UK holds a long history of academic excellence as well as sophisticated financial and legal systems. We have all the infrastructure in place to build a successful life”.
Education is a driver of the UK economy and Middle Eastern students will be vital to the UK’s $20 billion industry as it aims to increase its global share of international students. Students from the UAE, KSA and other countries across the region are arriving in the UK to benefit from the academic and cultural stimulation offered.
However, approaching the UK’s education economy can be intimidating. There are almost 50,000 courses available – but what does Rupert think is the best route through this minefield? “There are some fantastic online resources and agencies to help students choose the right course in the right place.”
“We offer a comprehensive curriculum in a rigorous 12-week course to give entrepreneurs the best possible start when launching their business.”
Rupert explains iUK Academy can help entrepreneurs fulfil their ideas, dreams and visions – beyond just the business plan.
“We offer a comprehensive curriculum in a rigorous 12 week course to give entrepreneurs the best possible start when launching their business. Our workshops are interactive so young people can leave each session with another detail on their roadmap to success. We cover business theory as well as practical modules such as tax and legal regulation – things that can be difficult to navigate but are important to get right at the beginning rather than trying to undo problems later on”.
iUK Academy also tackles the experience barrier – how do you get the experience required without the job, but you can’t get the job without experience?
“Yes, you can end up going round in circles. We offer a four week internship programme with a startup in our network. Our students can learn first hand what it takes to run a small business.”
“The UK holds a long history of academic excellence as well as sophisticated financial and legal systems. We have all the infrastructure in place to build a successful life”.
Entrepreneurship has thrived during the pandemic, particularly in the UK – is this ‘feel’ of a startup culture in the UK one of the reasons it is such a good place to launch a business? Rupert explains,
“There is a thriving ecosystem – the infrastructure is there, there’s so much government support available like loans, grants, tax relief and advice. There’s a universal business language and huge room for creative and ambitious founders to grow.”
And we have to ask the question – what about Brexit? Rupert remains unfazed.
“There are plenty of misconceptions around Brexit, but the statistics speak for themselves. The UK is the number one financial centre in Europe and is home to the largest number of Unicorn startups.”
Since the UK’s exit from the EU, the country has strengthened relations with the Middle East in areas like security, foreign policy, trade and investment, as well as encouraging a flow of international talent into its academic institutions. In Rupert’s words,
“The UK provides the ideal ecosystem to assist creative, ambitious, and passionate individuals to set up their businesses and achieve their goals, and iUK Academy is the place to start”.
