Tech sector leads exodus of 6000 business owners

UK Business Owner Exodus: Tech Leaders Exit as Global Competition Heats Up

The UK business owner exodus is accelerating at an alarming rate. New analysis commissioned by Rathbones, one of the UK’s leading wealth and asset management groups, reveals that nearly 6,000 high-growth business owners left the UK in just two years between 2024 and 2026. The greatest proportion of these departures came from the tech sector, marking a significant outflow of entrepreneurial talent that underscores growing concerns regarding economic competitiveness and tax pressures.

The Scale of the Entrepreneurial Shift

Analysis of Companies House filings shows that 5,940 business owners left the UK between January 2024 and January 2026. While 3,182 business owners moved into the country during this period, the nation still faced a net loss of 2,758 leaders.
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The impact is even wider when looking at the corporate structures involved. A total of 8,423 companies saw a business owner depart, as many of these individuals hold interests across multiple firms. This trend is particularly concentrated in London and the South East, which accounted for 46% and 14% of the departures, respectively.

Sector Hits and Global Destinations

The tech industry is bearing the brunt of this transition. Software companies saw 10% of their leadership relocate, a figure three times higher than the next most affected sector, property development.

Where are they going? The UAE has emerged as the most attractive destination for those leaving the UK. Spain and the US followed in second and third place, with Portugal and France completing the top five. Conversely, the UK saw inward mobility primarily from Hong Kong, Pakistan, and France.

Expert Insight on International Mobility

Commenting on the research, Michelle White, Head of Private Office at Rathbones Group, said: “International mobility among business owners and wealth creators continues to accelerate, and these findings show a clear shift in where UK entrepreneurs choose to base themselves.”

“We are talking to more individuals and families – particularly younger business owners – considering relocation in search of better opportunities, more favourable tax environments, and more optimism about long-term growth prospects. While the UK remains a strong global centre, these trends highlight the importance of ensuring that our economy, talent pathways and tax system remain internationally competitive.”

These macro trends are reflected in the client experiences at Rathbones. One recent example involved a UK-born senior professional at a multinational technology company who relocated from London to New York for a global leadership role while maintaining UK-managed investments.

William Luttrell-Hunt, Senior Investment Director at Rathbones, noted: “We are seeing more clients, including many Americans, looking to manage their tax, regulation, currency exposure and long-term financial planning across multiple jurisdictions. They include people leaving the US or wanting to manage at least some of their wealth elsewhere.”

Earlier this year, Camilla Stowell, CEO of Wealth, warned of the increasing and complex risks facing internationally mobile professionals at the World Economic Forum in Davos. As the global landscape shifts, the UK must focus on retention to ensure its regional and national economies continue to thrive.

UK Business Owner Exodus FAQs

What is the UK business owner exodus?

The UK business owner exodus refers to the significant trend of entrepreneurs and high-growth business leaders relocating their tax residency and operations from the UK to international jurisdictions between 2024 and 2026.

How many entrepreneurs left the UK between 2024 and 2026?

According to Companies House data analysed by Rathbones, 5,940 business owners left the UK between January 2024 and January 2026, resulting in a net loss of 2,758 leaders after accounting for inward migration.

Which countries are the top destinations for UK business owners?

The UAE is currently the top destination for departing UK business owners, followed by Spain, the US, Portugal, and France.

Which UK business sectors are most affected by leadership relocation?

The software and tech sector is the most affected, with 10% of companies seeing a business owner depart. This is followed by the property development and marketing sectors.

Which regions in the UK are seeing the highest number of departures?

London is the primary source of the exodus, accounting for 46% of departing business owners, followed by the South East at 14%.