Powering up your PR strategy in today’s scaleup economy

The ScaleUp Institute’s Annual Review 2025, held in the art-deco setting of Senate House, provided a timely look at the state of the UK scaleup landscape. With a strong lineup – including the Chancellor joining via video to open the day, Tom Adeyoola (Executive Chair at Innovate UK) sharing ecosystem insights, and a panel featuring Dame Julia Hoggett DBE from the London Stock Exchange, the event painted a clear picture of both progress and pressure within the UK’s growth economy.

What emerged was a sense of genuine optimism about the UK’s position globally, paired with an equally honest acknowledgement of the challenges that are still holding many growth-stage businesses back.

From startup nation to scaleup powerhouse

A key headline from the event was that the UK is now ranked third globally for startup-to-scaleup velocity. This puts the UK just behind Sweden and the US, an impressive jump from 13th place in 2014. It’s a meaningful signal that the UK is not only strong at generating startups, but increasingly effective at helping them scale.

However, progress hasn’t eliminated pressure. Throughout the day, speakers pointed to the fact that conditions remain difficult. The report highlights that emerging and strategically important sectors, such as fintech, life sciences, and quantum, represent huge potential, but need targeted support to continue to fulfil it.

And while a staggering 44,595 scaleups are now active across the UK, many still face familiar hurdles, including access to the right kind of finance and the ability to attract and retain top talent. The Chancellor Rachel Reeves noted that a full package of measures is due next week, something the tech leaders will be paying close attention to.

Why connection will define 2026

According to the ScaleUp Institute, 2026 will be the year to connect, collaborate, and convene. As growth conditions tighten, scaleups will increasingly rely on their networks, partnerships, and visibility within the wider ecosystem.

That’s where strategic communication plays a role to help scaleups build meaningful visibility in their sector, strengthen connections with investors, partners, and collaborators, and ultimately drive more leads to support their velocity.

In a scaleup environment where momentum matters, being seen, understood and trusted becomes part of the growth toolkit.

Make 2026 the year you tell your story

For founders and teams driving the UK’s next wave of growth, the message from the event was clear: the conditions may be challenging, but the momentum is real. The UK’s rise on the global stage is unmistakable, and those who can connect effectively – across policy, talent, investors and the wider innovation ecosystem – will be best positioned to benefit from it.

If you’re looking to sharpen your story, get in touch here.