#uk tech

In the data published by the Office for National Statistics, the country had created an additional 58,000 tech and IT jobs between the months of July and September in 2021. The majority of positions held in these jobs are by women.

Just published a longer piece on Blogger about the genuine shift in UK tech compensation since 2022.

The headline numbers most candidates miss:

✅ London senior tech salaries in 2026 represent ~80-85% of their 2022 real purchasing power for many roles. Nominal numbers held but inflation and housing costs ate the difference.

✅ A senior software engineer earning 95-110K GBP in London in 2026 might have earned 105-120K GBP in 2022. The differential isn't dramatic but combined with London's housing trajectory (which hasn't compressed correspondingly), the disposable-income picture has changed meaningfully.

✅ Edinburgh produces the strongest after-rent income for senior UK tech roles — 70-90K GBP salary, 850-1,200 GBP/mo rent, ~36K GBP after tax+rent, comparable to London's ~38K despite the lower nominal pay.

✅ Manchester mid-level 50-72K GBP, 1BR rent 750-1,100 vs London's 1,400-2,000. Strongest growth among UK secondary tech metros.

✅ Bristol's South West tech corridor has grown substantially — aerospace heritage (Airbus, Rolls-Royce) plus growing software/gaming. Tech salaries 50-72K mid-level.

✅ Belfast tech grew faster than expected — major Citi, Allstate, PwC technology operations. Salaries 45-65K but cost of living substantially below mainland UK.

The remote work narrative has substantially regressed. Most "remote-friendly" UK tech employers in 2026 require 1-3 days/week in office; some larger employers returned to 4-5 day requirements. Candidates expecting fully remote UK tech employment will find a narrow market.

Full breakdown with city-by-city disposable income calculations:

Just published a longer piece on Blogger about the genuine shift in UK tech compensation since 2022.

The headline numbers most candidates miss:

✅ London senior tech salaries in 2026 represent ~80-85% of their 2022 real purchasing power for many roles. Nominal numbers held but inflation and housing costs ate the difference.

✅ A senior software engineer earning 95-110K GBP in London in 2026 might have earned 105-120K GBP in 2022. The differential isn't dramatic but combined with London's housing trajectory (which hasn't compressed correspondingly), the disposable-income picture has changed meaningfully.

✅ Edinburgh produces the strongest after-rent income for senior UK tech roles — 70-90K GBP salary, 850-1,200 GBP/mo rent, ~36K GBP after tax+rent, comparable to London's ~38K despite the lower nominal pay.

✅ Manchester mid-level 50-72K GBP, 1BR rent 750-1,100 vs London's 1,400-2,000. Strongest growth among UK secondary tech metros.

✅ Bristol's South West tech corridor has grown substantially — aerospace heritage (Airbus, Rolls-Royce) plus growing software/gaming. Tech salaries 50-72K mid-level.

✅ Belfast tech grew faster than expected — major Citi, Allstate, PwC technology operations. Salaries 45-65K but cost of living substantially below mainland UK.

The remote work narrative has substantially regressed. Most "remote-friendly" UK tech employers in 2026 require 1-3 days/week in office; some larger employers returned to 4-5 day requirements. Candidates expecting fully remote UK tech employment will find a narrow market.

Full breakdown with city-by-city disposable income calculations:

Just published a longer piece on Blogger about the genuine shift in UK tech compensation since 2022.

The headline numbers most candidates miss:

✅ London senior tech salaries in 2026 represent ~80-85% of their 2022 real purchasing power for many roles. Nominal numbers held but inflation and housing costs ate the difference.

✅ A senior software engineer earning 95-110K GBP in London in 2026 might have earned 105-120K GBP in 2022. The differential isn't dramatic but combined with London's housing trajectory (which hasn't compressed correspondingly), the disposable-income picture has changed meaningfully.

✅ Edinburgh produces the strongest after-rent income for senior UK tech roles — 70-90K GBP salary, 850-1,200 GBP/mo rent, ~36K GBP after tax+rent, comparable to London's ~38K despite the lower nominal pay.

✅ Manchester mid-level 50-72K GBP, 1BR rent 750-1,100 vs London's 1,400-2,000. Strongest growth among UK secondary tech metros.

✅ Bristol's South West tech corridor has grown substantially — aerospace heritage (Airbus, Rolls-Royce) plus growing software/gaming. Tech salaries 50-72K mid-level.

✅ Belfast tech grew faster than expected — major Citi, Allstate, PwC technology operations. Salaries 45-65K but cost of living substantially below mainland UK.

The remote work narrative has substantially regressed. Most "remote-friendly" UK tech employers in 2026 require 1-3 days/week in office; some larger employers returned to 4-5 day requirements. Candidates expecting fully remote UK tech employment will find a narrow market.

Hiring developers in the UK isn’t just about finding talent anymore.

It’s about balancing: cost, speed, flexibility, and long-term scalability.

From London to Manchester and Edinburgh, the UK tech ecosystem is evolving fast—and so are hiring models.

In-house, offshore, hybrid. Different strategies. Different outcomes.

The AI-Cybersecurity Paradox: Promise Meets Peril In a rapidly evolving digital age, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fast becoming an indispensable ally in the fight against cyber threats. From real-time anomaly detection to automating incident responses, AI promises unprecedented efficiency and accuracy in securing digital infrastructures. However, the very capabilities that make AI powerful…

The UK’s tech industry is one of the most vibrant in Europe, yet tech founders continue to face persistent challenges as they scale their startups. From securing early-stage funding to navigating regulatory complexities, UK-based entrepreneurs must overcome multiple hurdles to succeed. With global competition and economic uncertainty on the rise, it's critical to understand these roadblocks—and how to address them strategically.

To learn how UK innovators are overcoming these barriers, read Tej Kohli’s approach to empowering UK’s tech future.

1. Access to Early-Stage Funding

Seed and Series A funding rounds remain highly competitive.

Many investors favor US or EU startups over local UK ventures.

Limited VC diversity and a focus on short-term ROI can discourage risk-taking innovation.

2. Talent Shortage & Hiring Barriers

Post-Brexit immigration rules limit access to skilled international tech talent.

Founders struggle to hire developers, AI specialists, and cybersecurity professionals.

The UK education system still needs to align tech curriculums with industry needs.

3. Regulatory Complexity

Startups in fintech, healthtech, and AI must navigate complex compliance requirements.

Changes in data privacy laws, such as GDPR, increase operational burdens.

Inconsistent government support creates uncertainty for founders.

4. Global Competition

Tech founders in the UK face intense competition from Silicon Valley, Berlin, and Tel Aviv.

The lack of a “UK unicorn blueprint” limits aspirational scaling models.

Investors are more likely to back startups with US growth potential, putting UK companies at a disadvantage.

5. Scaling Beyond the Local Market

Expanding into European or global markets post-Brexit is more complex due to regulatory friction.

Limited international partnerships and exposure reduce scaling opportunities.

Founders must adopt global go-to-market strategies early on.

6. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Outside of London, many regions lack startup accelerators, incubators, and funding access.

Regional disparities in connectivity and resources hinder local tech ecosystems.

How UK Founders Can Overcome These Challenges

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with government and enterprise for shared resources.

Upskilling & Talent Development: Invest in continuous education and alternative hiring models.

Diversified Funding: Explore crowdfunding, impact investing, and overseas VC opportunities.

Mentorship Networks: Leverage networks of experienced founders and angel investors.

Tej Kohli’s Perspective on Supporting UK Founders

Tech investor Tej Kohli has been a vocal advocate for revitalizing the UK tech ecosystem. His insights include:

The UK must offer agile tax policies, investment incentives, and R&D grants.

Founders need patient capital focused on long-term growth over short-term exits.

Kohli supports efforts to nurture innovation hubs outside of London, creating inclusive access.

To understand his strategic vision, read more about Tej Kohli’s initiative to boost Britain’s tech sector.

Conclusion