Conversations shaping the future of the UK tech and life sciences sectors
The UK technology and life sciences sectors have much to be proud of: global talent, world-class research, deep entrepreneurial energy, and an ecosystem that continues to produce companies with international ambition. But growth is never frictionless. Access to capital, the practical realities of scaling, regulatory complexity, talent competition, and infrastructure gaps continue to test founders and investors alike.
Through the lens brings those issues into sharper focus through a series of candid conversations with the people building, backing, and supporting innovative businesses across the UK. Rather than another layer of commentary from the sidelines, this campaign listens to lived experience: what is working, what needs to improve, and where the UK can strengthen its position as a world-leading environment for innovation and growth.
This is a campaign about people: the founders navigating risk, the sector leaders joining up the ecosystem, and the businesses trying to build for the long term in a market that rewards ambition, but still asks a great deal of those who pursue it.
All episodes
Season 1
Through the lens
Season 1, Episode 4
From breakthrough to bedside: Richard Williams on spinouts, manufacturing, and specialist backing
Richard Williams, founder and CEO of Healome Therapeutics, discusses what it takes to turn deep scientific research into a business with real-world clinical potential. Drawing on his experience, he explains the long path from science to product, and the strategic, manufacturing, and regulatory decisions that have to be made well before a company is fully established.
Through the lens
Season 1, Episode 3
A sector worth backing: Stuart Rose on resilience, research strength, and investor confidence
In this interview, Stuart Rose, CEO of BioUk, offers a broader market view of the UK life sciences ecosystem, combining scientific, commercial, and sector leadership perspectives. He argues that the UK continues to benefit from extraordinary underlying strengths: globally respected universities, high-quality scientific talent, a collaborative culture, and a proven ability to innovate under pressure.
Through the lens
Season 1, Episode 2
Built to scale: Steve Rowbotham on entrepreneurship, AI, and growth pressure
Steve Rowbotham, founder and CEO of Navigator, brings a founder’s perspective to the UK growth story, shaped by his own journey from elite sport into entrepreneurship. He talks about performance culture, ambition, and the mindset required to build a business in a fast-moving market. His view of the UK is positive: there is real entrepreneurial energy here, alongside a strong sense of community among founders and operators.
Through the lens
Season 1, Episode 1
The power behind the ecosystem: Russ Shaw CBE on collaboration, talent, and growth
In this conversation, Russ Shaw CBE, founder of Tech London Advocates and Global Tech Advocates, reflects on the evolution of the UK tech ecosystem, from its earlier growth phases through to its current position on the global stage. He makes the case that one of the UK’s defining strengths has been its culture of collaboration – leaders, founders, investors, and advocates coming together around a shared ambition to help the sector grow.
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