Burnham must back AI to drive UK growth

As businesses prepare for Andy Burnham to enter Downing Street, how can the new PM ensure the UK remains competitive in the global AI race?

Embat’s Theo Wasserberg believes sustained growth will depend on achieving three priorities: maintaining a stable business environment, attracting international AI talent and taking a balanced approach to AI regulation.

He also warns that any loss of market confidence won’t just affect start-ups – the effects will ripple into every finance department in the country.

Theo Wasserberg, Head of UK and Ireland at Embat, said: The UK needs a Prime Minister who understands that economic growth is an imperative in the new AI world. We cannot afford to fall behind. Maintaining a predictable business environment will be a key part of this.

The next PM should also prioritise access to international AI talent. We are competing on a global stage, and it is no time to be parochial. Streamlining the visa regime would make an immediate difference.

On AI regulation, we need an even-handed approach that keeps the UK competitive. We have world-class research and AI hubs like King’s Cross; we just need leadership with the conviction to back them.

We work with treasury teams across the country that are heavily exposed to the rates environment. If the markets lose confidence in a new administration’s direction, it will create real headaches for corporate treasurers managing liquidity, hedging and debt costs. Any lurch that unsettles investors won’t just affect start-up funding; it ripples into every finance department in the country.