24 February 2026
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Founders and investors behind some of Britain’s most innovative companies have launched Enterprise Britain, a new movement focused on building a better future for the UK.
Critical to this mission is creating an environment where Britain’s most ambitious entrepreneurs can grow companies that become global champions — a major current weakness in the UK economy that can be addressed by the bold actions laid out by Enterprise Britain.
The launch comes as new polling reveals 74% of Britons believe that the UK’s position in the global economy is declining. It also follows data showing that the UK economy expanded by only 0.1% in the final three months of last year and that the adoption of artificial intelligence by British businesses continues to lag behind global peers. These findings demonstrate the urgency of the moment: as other countries are speeding ahead, Britain cannot afford to slip further behind.
Against this backdrop, Enterprise Britain today launches “Time to Act”, a new report calling for urgent measures in three areas: Ambition, Capital, and Talent.
It includes a set of recommendations aimed at creating a “nation of shareholders”, in which Britons are more directly invested in — and benefit from — companies’ success. This includes dramatically ramping up individual ownership of stocks, expanding employee share schemes, and boosting pension funds’ investments in the businesses that are driving the British economy. Currently, the UK has the lowest level of retail investment of any G7 country, while pension funds have gone from investing nearly 50% of assets in UK equities to less than 5% in the last 25 years.
Enterprise Britain’s Advisory Board is co-chaired by Stephen Fitzpatrick (Founder of OVO Energy, Kaluza, and Vertical Aerospace) and Brent Hoberman (Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Founders Factory, Founders Forum Group, and firstminute capital).
Fitzpatrick said:
“Britain has a great economic engine. But while we have one foot on the accelerator, the other one is on the brake. It’s always hard to grow a business — but in the UK we’re making it exceptionally tough. We’ve got to take the brakes off so our most ambitious businesses can drive our country forward.”
Hoberman added:
“The world order that has largely held since the Cold War is being reconfigured, and the question for the UK is whether we shape this new era, or get shaped by it. This is a unique moment for Britain to deliver on its promise. An island of creativity bursting with talent that needs policies to recognise, promote, unleash, and support our enterprises.”
Enterprise Britain Executive Director, Eva Barboni, said:
“The actions we take today will determine the direction of the British economy for years to come. For too long, we’ve bought into the idea that our best days are behind us. It’s time to back ourselves to build a better future.”
Enterprise Britain is calling on entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to join the movement at www.enterprise-britain.com/timetoact. It is also inviting them to share their ideas to jumpstart the economy, no matter how bold or ambitious. Over the coming months, Enterprise Britain will hold a series of events with leaders across business, finance, government, and academia to discuss the ideas laid out in the “Time To Act” report and those generated by its growing community.
About Enterprise Britain
Enterprise Britain is a movement of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors who feel compelled to act, now, to build a better future for the UK. We have come together to resist defeatism, reawaken ambition, help great businesses to grow, and ensure that future prosperity is shared more widely.
Our media team can be reached at: press@enterprise-britain.com
Advisory Board Members
Quotes from Advisory Board Members
“As a business and financial journalist, I have long respected the ethos of the entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs contribute to the wealth of nations. They are also the source of inspiring stories. Britain needs to rekindle its spirit of enterprise. I am proud to be part of a distinguished group dedicated to that vital mission." – Lionel Barber, former Editor of the Financial Times
“The UK has everything global business wants – top institutions, talent, and a place people choose to build a life. Precisely why I built Zilch here. Yet the UK’s issue isn’t innovation - it’s scale and retention. Pension funds have cut UK equity allocations by 90% over three decades, hollowing out ownership. Since 2023, £200bn of listed value has gone offshore, while under 2% has been replaced through new listings. That’s a slow-motion emergency: less capital for housing, infrastructure and tech jobs, weaker GDP growth, lower business sentiment and a smaller public market. Enterprise Britain aims to help change the rules, restore incentives and keep winners here - compounding towards a trillion-pound FTSE upside." – Philip Belamant, Co-Founder & CEO of Zilch
“One of the biggest barriers to growth for companies in Britain is talent acquisition and retention. If we truly want our economy to thrive we must make it easy to do two things: attract the best people to help build generational British companies, and unlock the latent talent present in every organisation by equipping them with the right skills." – Euan Blair, Founder & CEO of Multiverse
“Scaleups are fundamental to the UK’s future, generating fifty percent of all new jobs - we need policies and practices to support entrepreneurs making the scaleup journey…Why? Because government doesn’t make money, entrepreneurs do, delivering the tax that pays for the NHS, social care, education and all the things we all care about. More scaleups equals more tax, simple as that. Enterprise Britain is making the right call to action." – Sir Tom Hunter, Founder of The Hunter Foundation
“Britain has the potential to be a world leader in areas like innovation, enterprise, and AI – but for too long we have let caution hold back our country’s potential. This report is the wake-up call we need to unleash change. By backing the UK’s most promising entrepreneurs with real capital and ambition, we can drive the growth, vitality and shared prosperity Britain deserves." – Dr Ben Maruthappu, Founder & CEO of Cera
“I’m involved today with a number of British businesses that are truly innovative and ambitious — but we badly need more if our wonderful country and its people are to thrive. There will always be problems, setbacks and challenges in life, in business and in careers — but also opportunities, triumphs, and moments to seize. I am delighted to be joining forces with others who are determined to create and to celebrate aspiration and success, through Enterprise Britain." – Baroness Helena Morrissey DBE, Founder of 30% Club, Member of the House of Lords
“Entrepreneurs are the starter culture of a country’s economy and society. The more vibrant the entrepreneurial scene, the more growth, the more wealth, and the more opportunity for everyone. Lose them at your peril." – Richard Reed, Co-Founder of Innocent Drinks, Co-Founder & Partner at JamJar Investments
Polling Data
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 2,138 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 17th - 18th November 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
We are building a movement of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors who are committed to building a better future for Britain. Join us.
