Mind the Gap: How Businesses Can Close the UK’s Regional Tech Skills Divide

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2025 report, skills shortages are the biggest barrier to business transformation. And while the government is stepping in with initiatives like the £187 million TechFirst programme and the AI Opportunities Action Plan, London continues to dominate investment, opportunities, and training, while many other parts of the UK risk being left behind.

How Big Is the Gap?

It’s one of the widest in Europe. Research shows we’d need 4.1 million more people outside London to gain higher-education qualifications just to match the capital.

The picture in AI is even more pronounced: almost two-thirds of tech jobs and 80% of AI roles are in London. That means companies outside the capital are fishing from a much smaller talent pool—slowing innovation and growth.

Without a nationwide skills strategy, this divide will only widen. And future-proofing the UK means investing in skills everywhere, not just in the city with the skyline.

Why Businesses Should Care

This isn’t just a government issue. If you can’t find skilled candidates locally, your business suffers—staff workloads increase, innovation stalls, and customers notice. The UK’s economic plans—like devolving power, moving civil service jobs, and boosting green industries—depend on local talent pipelines.

How can organisations lead the charge:

Set clear goals – Know what success looks like for your business and for our  region.

Assess current skills – Use quizzes, simulations, and projects to spot strengths and weaknesses.

Measure impact – Track whether training is actually boosting problem-solving, productivity, and delivery.

Listen to feedback – Our region may face different challenges; adjust accordingly.

Benchmark results – Compare teams to make sure no one’s left behind.

Keep evolving – Blend AI-powered tools, instructor-led sessions, then refine as you go.

The Clock Is Ticking

Demand for AI, cybersecurity, and cloud skills is only going up. By investing in regional talent now, businesses can unlock new opportunities, grow faster, and help build a more balanced UK economy.