Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has launched a new initiative to unlock innovation and business growth across the UK, connecting leading CEOs as part of the country’s growth strategy.

Business Connect will provide a platform for businesses to discuss the UK’s growth plans and how technology can lead the nation’s innovation drive as part of wider aims to become a ‘technology superpower’.

The first phase of Business Connect sees 200 industry-leading CEOs gather at an event in London, representing key growth sectors including technology and FinTech. Leaders will have the opportunity to question the Prime Minister and map out a roadmap for business acceleration.

The news follows rising job creation figures, with an average of 1,800 posts being created across the UK since October last year.

Wayne Johnson, CEO of Encompass Corporation, commented: “The Government’s continued commitment to bolstering innovation is crucial to driving confidence and, ultimately, success in what is a rapidly growing technology landscape, which has a huge impact on the UK economy overall.

“By hosting forums such as these, businesses are afforded greater opportunities to have their voices heard, and leaders can identify, learn from and collaborate on issues that can prove transformative and really move the needle when it comes to the UK’s position as a leading hub. International collaboration and driving innovation through technology advancements are also key to ongoing business success, so it is vital the Government continues to offer tangible support to help organisations reach their potential.”

Nadeem Gabbani, CEO of Exobotics, added: “It’s extremely encouraging to see the government nurture its relationships with businesses, helping leaders’ and innovators’ make their plans a reality and have their voices heard.

Investing in a variety of industries will further highlight how new connections shall in turn empower businesses as many high-skilled jobs and developing technologies can emerge off the back of the large investment plans.

Especially in the case of the expanding UK space sector, enhanced efforts in working together and cultivating international partnerships will afford greater opportunities to experiment, share knowledge and in turn drive the UK’s stance as a technology superpower.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Business Connect provides the next fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how we are growing the economy. We are bringing together some of the UK’s biggest companies and investors for meaningful dialogue – and I’m a Prime Minister passionate about working with business to unlock opportunity and progress.

“The UK can be proud of its business credentials. Through the creation of 162 tech unicorns, smarter regulation and world-leading universities, we’ve got the right ingredients to double down on growing the economy.”