Tech Nation, the Government-funded body which represents the UK’s burgeoning technology industry, has raised more than a few eyebrows by shunning British firms to award a major software contract to a US company.
The organisation, which boasts that it is the UK network for ambitious tech entrepreneurs, has decided that UK bidders for the contract to provide a community platform for its members were simply not a patch on Palo Alto based firm Mobilize.
Speaking to the Times, a Tech Nation spokesman refuted suggestion that the appointment was in any way embarrassing. He said: “Mobilize was chosen following a thorough selection process, during which Tech Nation reviewed a number of providers.
“[We] use many different technology tools. These are all selected on merit and on the basis of what will provide the greatest efficiencies.”
However, the organisation, set up by David Cameron as Tech City in 2010, has been handed £23m of public funds to the promote UK technology and digital businesses across the country. Last year, the not-for-profit organisation made a post-tax profit of £4811,277 on a turnover of £6.7m.
Its website states: “We empower ambitious tech entrepreneurs to grow faster through growth programmes, digital entrepreneurship skills, a visa scheme for exceptional talent, and by championing the UK’s digital sector through data, stories and media campaigns.”
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