UK at CES: Tech Industry Concerns Rise

UK’s Diminished Presence at CES 2025 Sparks Concern Over Tech Sector Support

The United Kingdom’s presence at the Consumer electronics Show (CES) has noticeably shrunk in recent years, prompting worries about the nation’s dedication to its technology sector. Gary Shapiro, Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the organization behind CES, voiced his concerns regarding this trend. According to Shapiro, the UK is not providing the same degree of backing as other countries.

A Stark Contrast to 2019

In 2019, the UK sent a delegation of over 100 companies to CES, spearheaded by then International Trade Secretary Liam Fox. The government at the time anticipated deals worth millions of pounds and eight UK firms received awards for their innovative products.

Numbers Tell The Story: 2025 vs. Past Years

Fast forward to CES 2025, and only 41 UK companies are present, including BT group’s incubator arm, Etc, the female technology firm Elvie, and precise location company what3words.

Year	UK Company portrayal
2019	Over 100 Companies
2025	41 Companies

European Counterparts Show Stronger Support

Shapiro pointed out that other European countries, including France, The Netherlands, and even Ukraine, have a more significant showing at CES. as an example, France is sending 110 startups to the 2025 event. These startups are focused on sectors like AI driven healthcare, green technology, and mobility solutions.

Did You Know? France’s commitment to AI-driven innovation at CES reflects the country’s broader national strategy to become a leader in artificial intelligence, with significant investments in research and development.

TechUK Steps In To Bridge The Gap

Despite the UK government’s reduced support, techUK, a technology association based in the UK, will be present at CES 2025 to support British companies. Their goal is to connect these companies with potential public procurement opportunities, partnerships, and new investors.

Commitment Questioned

The UK government’s diminished engagement at CES is raising questions about its commitment to promoting the nation’s tech sector on a global stage. This is especially true when compared to the proactive involvement of other countries.

What impact will this reduced presence have on the UK’s tech industry in the long run? How can the UK government better support its tech companies on the international stage?

The Importance of International Tech Showcases

Events like CES provide crucial platforms for companies to showcase innovations, network with industry leaders, and attract investment. A strong presence at these events signals a nation’s commitment to technological advancement and economic growth.

Pro Tip: companies attending international tech shows should focus on clearly communicating their value proposition and building relationships with key stakeholders to maximize their return on investment.

Frequently Asked Questions About UK’s CES Presence

• Why is the UK’s presence at CES declining? Concerns have been raised by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) about the level of support the UK provides compared to other nations.
• How many UK companies are attending CES 2025? Only 41 UK companies are participating in CES 2025, a significant decrease from previous years.
• Which other European countries have a stronger presence at CES? France, The Netherlands, and Ukraine have a more substantial presence at CES 2025.
• what support is available for UK companies attending CES? TechUK, a UK-based tech association, will support British companies by connecting them with opportunities, partnerships, and investors.
• What sectors are other European countries focusing on at CES? france is sending startups focused on healthcare, green technology, and mobility, all viewed through the lens of artificial intelligence.
• What are the potential implications of reduced UK engagement at CES? It raises questions about the UK government’s commitment to promoting its tech sector on a global stage.

What are your thoughts on the UK’s reduced presence at CES? Share your comments below!

PAA related questions for UK Tech Industry Concerns at CES:

UK at CES: Tech Industry Concerns Rise & Opportunity Knocks

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is a global platform where the future of technology unfolds. Though, for the UK tech industry, the excitement is frequently enough coupled with a realistic assessment of emerging *challenges and the growing needs of consumer demand*. While CES 2024 showcased groundbreaking innovations, including advancements in areas like energy storage solutions, the UK’s presence brought to light several industry concerns.

Key Concerns for the UK Tech sector

Several factors influence the landscape for UK technology companies. Understanding these is crucial for future growth and growth strategies.

Navigating Global Supply Chains

One major hurdle is the disruption of global supply chains. The UK tech industry relies heavily on components and materials sourced internationally. The impact of geopolitical events, rising shipping costs, and fluctuating exchange rates all create vulnerabilities. Companies must thus strategically diversify their supply chains.

Skills Gap and Talent Acquisition

A significant industry concern is the shortage of skilled workers. the demand for professionals in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, software development, and data science is booming. The UK must therefore urgently invest in STEM education and offer competitive incentives to attract and retain top talent.

Economic Uncertainty and Investment

Economic uncertainty, including inflation and potential recession risks, presents another challenge. Securing funding for new ventures and expanding existing businesses is increasingly competitive. UK-based businesses will therefore have to carefully strategize for the next stage of development and be able to pivot as necessary.

Opportunities at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show

Despite the challenges, CES 2024 offered considerable opportunities for the UK tech industry. A key focus was on renewable energy and efficient solutions.

energy Storage and Sustainable Solutions

One area of visible interest was the advancements in energy storage. As highlighted in a 36Kr article, CES 2024 was abundant with energy storage products, from home solutions to outdoor applications demonstrating a crucial shift toward sustainable energy.

This trend directly aligns with the UK’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and investing in renewable energy.UK companies and entrepreneurs could focus on the following areas:

• Development of next-generation battery technologies.
• Smart grid solutions and energy management systems relevant to smart homes.
• Exploring partnerships with renewable energy providers.

Focusing on Innovation for Smart Homes

The market of building automation and smart home solutions is in need. The current demand of this market is for solutions is high. Companies should focus on:

• Developing innovative and energy-efficient smart home devices.
• Cybersecurity for the Smart home.
• Focusing on interoperability of the solutions with an open architecture.

Strategic Recommendations for UK Tech Companies

To navigate these challenges and seize opportunities, UK tech companies should pursue a strategy that is multi-faceted. The companies will need to adapt the industry to the growing market and demand.

1. Talent Development: Implement comprehensive training programs to upskill existing employees and invest in graduate programs.

2. Diversify Supply Chains: Establish relationships with multiple suppliers and regionalize sourcing to reduce dependence on single vendors.

3. Seek Investment: Focus on attracting investment by showcasing innovative products and strong business models.

The future of the UK tech industry hinges on addressing these concerns proactively, embracing emerging technologies, and driving investment.by focusing on these areas, the UK can further establish itself as a leading hub for innovation and technology.