The head of the world's largest technology trade show has launched a stinging critique of the UK government's support for its tech sector, pointing to a dramatic decline in British presence at the global event.
A "Spotty" British Presence at CES
Gary Shapiro, chief of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) which runs the CES event in Las Vegas, expressed his surprise at the weak showing from UK companies. "The British presence has been spotty, which is surprising to me," he stated, comparing it unfavourably to European rivals like France and the Netherlands. Shapiro, a veteran of over 30 years with the CTA, accused UK ministers of failing to attend one of the world's most crucial innovation showcases.
The four-day CES conference, which attracts around 100,000 visitors, is a key platform for thousands of firms to unveil breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, consumer electronics, and mobility. Shapiro had previously labelled the Labour government's absence last year as "kind of crazy", and a year on, he noted little improvement. "Britain does not participate as strongly at CES as other western European countries," he emphasised.
European Rivals Set the Standard
Shapiro highlighted the proactive approach of other nations as a model for the UK to follow. He praised French President Emmanuel Macron for attending the show twice and noted that both France and the Netherlands ensure cabinet minister representation despite their own domestic political challenges. "We'll have the prince of the Netherlands. We'll have cabinet ministers from the Netherlands," Shapiro said, underscoring their commitment.
The data underscores his concerns. At this year's CES, France has 64 exhibitors, Germany 38, and the Netherlands 27. In stark contrast, the UK has just 29 exhibitors, a severe drop from over 100 in 2019.
The Funding Gap and Political Ambition
Industry experts trace this decline directly to the scrapping of the Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) in 2021. This scheme provided grants of up to £2,500 to help smaller firms exhibit at international events and has not been reinstated despite intense lobbying from the UK tech community.
Shapiro clarified that support isn't solely about money. "I see a lack of government involvement. And it doesn't have to be money," he argued. "Do your relevant cabinet ministers show up at the world's largest innovation event? That's been a disappointment for us."
These criticisms arrive as UK ministers insist that technology is central to the nation's growth strategy. A government spokesperson said, "A thriving technology sector is at the heart of our plans to modernise public services, grow the economy, and raise productivity across the country."
However, with European competitors doubling down on promoting their startups globally, business leaders warn that the UK risks losing significant ground if its political support fails to match its stated ambition.
