Tech sector leading UK business owner exodus

Almost 6,000 business owners have left the UK since January 2024, with the largest proportion being from the tech sector, analysis from Rathbones has shown.

Its analysis of Companies House filings found that 5,940 business owners left the UK between January 2024 and January 2026, while 3,182 came into the country over the same period, resulting in a net outflow of 2,758.

Rathbones said the findings reflected a marked rise in international mobility among UK business owners and amounted to a “significant” outflow of entrepreneurial talent from the country.

The wealth manager added this underscored wider concerns about economic competitiveness, tax pressures, and the attractiveness of alternative jurisdictions.

The data also revealed that 8,423 companies saw a business owner leave the UK over this period, as many business owners work across multiple firms.

UAE was the most attractive destination for those leaving the UK, followed by Spain, the US, Portugal, and France.

One in 10 (10 per cent) of the companies affected were in software, more than three times the number of the next largest sector, property development, followed by marketing.

Almost half (46 per cent) had left from London, while 14 per cent had left from the south east of England.

Looking at business owner inflows, the UK saw its strongest inward mobility from Hong Kong, Pakistan, and France.

“International mobility among business owners and wealth creators continues to accelerate, and these findings show a clear shift in where UK entrepreneurs choose to base themselves,” said Rathbones Group head of private office, Michelle White.

“We are talking to more individuals and families – particularly younger business owners – considering relocation in search of better opportunities, more favourable tax environments, and more optimism about long-term growth prospects.

“While the UK remains a strong global centre, these trends highlight the importance of ensuring that our economy, talent pathways and tax system remain internationally competitive.”

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