The UK’s support for global technology shows under Ukraine in a confusing move

Britain’s presence at CES, the world’s biggest technology trade show, has declined in recent years, according to the event’s organizer.

Gary Shapiro, chief executive of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), said it was “disgraceful” and “absurd” that the UK’s trade has declined, even though the country still has strong innovation potential.

He noted that other European countries, including France and the Netherlands, were better represented at Eureka Park, the site dedicated to the first meeting. “Even Ukraine may be bigger than the UK,” Shapiro said, adding that the government no longer provides the same support it once did.

CES, held annually in Las Vegas, typically attracts thousands of exhibitors and about 400,000 visitors. It showcases high-end products from tech giants like Microsoft, while also providing a global platform for small businesses. This year, only 41 UK companies will be attending, including Etc (BT Group’s incubation arm), women’s health company Elvie, and local precision business what3words.

Back in 2019, more than 100 British companies formed a UK delegation led by then international trade secretary Liam Fox. Eight of those companies won innovation awards, and the government spoke of “multi-million pound deals” being signed at the show. Shapiro called it “crazy” that the UK no longer puts more energy into CES, given the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

“We’re the biggest tech event in the world by far,” he said. “We’re definitely the biggest business event in the United States and we attract over 50,000 people from outside the US.”