UK startups at a crossroads: Why Zyla Accountants is your dual-location partner for growth in the UK or UAE
A recent report by Virgin Media O2 has sounded a clear alarm: the UK's vibrant startup ecosystem is facing serious systemic challenges. While the ambition and world-class ideas are abundant, the friction involved in scaling is threatening an exodus.
The report, "Growth Signals," warns that without urgent action, one in five of the UK's fastest-growing companies could leave the country by 2028. This is a stark threat, compounding the £100 billionof value that already left London's capital markets in 2024.
For businesses working at the cutting edge, from AI to quantum computing, the message is clear: the environment must match the ambition.
The Siren Call of Scale: Why Startups Consider Leaving
The Virgin Media O2 report highlights that while 85% of startups want to stay in Britain, systemic hurdles are making other markets look increasingly attractive.
The biggest concerns driving the potential shift abroad include:
Regulatory Burdens (58%): Navigating complex and often slow-moving frameworks.
Political Uncertainty (54%): Lack of a clear, long-term industrial vision.
Difficulties Accessing Funding (52%): A gap in patient, later-stage capital to bridge the journey from idea to global exporter.
Talent Shortages and Infrastructure: The need for an "AI-ready" workforce and future-proofed digital networks.
It’s no wonder that twice as many startups see the US (68%) as a better place to grow than the UK (35%), with markets like Singapore (44%) also being seen as more favourable.
The Enduring Strengths of Britain
Despite the hurdles, the belief in Britain's potential is strong. Nearly half of the founders surveyed remain optimistic, citing key foundations that make the UK an innovation powerhouse:
High-Quality Research Institutions (65%)
Strong Legal and Regulatory Frameworks (46%)
International Business Environment (48%)
To secure the UK’s future as a global hub for innovation, the report calls for a focus on five key areas: Agile Regulation, Capital Incentives, Future-proofed Digital Networks, AI-ready Talent, and Long-term Certainty.
Zyla Accountants: Your Dual-Market Bridge to Growth
At Zyla Accountants, we understand that in today’s high-growth economy, your accounting and strategic support must be as agile and ambitious as your business. The challenges identified in the "Growth Signals" report—from funding gaps to regulatory complexity, are exactly where strategic financial guidance is most critical.
This is why our unique presence in both the UK and the UAE is perfectly designed to help high-growth British businesses not just survive, but flourish on the global stage.
How Zyla Supports Your Startup's Ambition:
Capital Incentives & Funding Access (UK): We help maximise your access to UK government support, including strategic advice on R&D Tax Relief, grants, and navigating venture capital preparedness to bridge that crucial late-stage funding gap.
Agile Regulatory Navigation (UK & UAE): Understanding complex international tax requirements and compliance is vital for global scale. We provide expert advice to ensure you remain compliant across both jurisdictions, mitigating the regulatory burden that is driving many to consider leaving.
Strategic Market Expansion (UAE): For high-growth businesses looking for an alternative, efficient, and dynamic base to scale—or simply a strategic hub for international expansion—the UAE offers compelling advantages:
0% Corporate Tax (in Free Zones for certain activities).
Access to vast international capital and a global trade hub.
A rapidly evolving, pro-business regulatory environment tailored for digital and AI innovation.
Seamless Dual-Location Operations: Our on-the-ground presence in both London and Dubai means we offer a unified, cross-border accounting and advisory service. We help you structure your business to leverage the best of both worlds, ensuring that operational and financial systems are efficient whether you are scaling in the UK, the UAE, or both.
Don’t let infrastructure shortcomings or a funding gap derail your global potential. Whether you're a quantum startup in Manchester or an AI firm in London, Zyla is your partner to secure the long-term certainty and strategic clarity needed to succeed.
We are here to help you scale without the fear of an 'exodus.'
Ready to discuss your dual-market strategy and future-proof your growth?
Would you like to schedule a free consultation with one of our dual-qualified experts to discuss the financial benefits of scaling with a UK/UAE presence?