UK Software Industry In Dire Need Of Boost

UK Software Industry In Dire Need Of Boost

The UK software industry is in a strong position, but could suffer in the current economic climate, according to a report commissioned by Microsoft.
The study, which was carried out in association with Intellect and the British Computer Society, shows that the overall trend in the UK is a downward slide, albeit from a relatively strong position. Key challenges for the industry to overcome include helping small software businesses and encouraging students.



The study warns that smaller software companies are likely to face stiffer competition from abroad, particularly Germany, and pointed to widening gaps in the UK’s knowledge economy.

Gordon Frazer, managing director, Microsoft UK, said, “We work with 36,000 Microsoft partner companies in the UK. On average these software businesses have fewer than five staff and turnover of about £1m a year. Together, they employ 32 per cent of people in our sector and display high levels of innovation. These companies are vital to the overall health of the UK software sector.”