Growing your regional UK business

What founders, freelancers and agencies need to know when scaling away from the capital.

I’ll be the first to admit it: until I left London, I didn’t fully appreciate just how London-centric the UK business scene can be - especially when it comes to investment, networks, and decision-making power.

Even in cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, or Leeds, where innovation is clearly thriving, the gravitational pull of London can still be felt at the top.

But here’s the good news: if you’re a founder seeking investment, a freelancer who isn't about that fully-remote-life, or a small agency looking to grow, you don’t need a W1 postcode to succeed. There’s a growing shift toward* building sustainable, competitive businesses right across the UK and more resources than ever to help you do it.

*This isn’t to say amazing businesses haven’t been growing outside London for generations - they have, and they still are. From behemoths like abrdn, Skyscanner and Sage Group to Yorkshire family-run pubs, Dartmoor adventure companies and Peterborough plumbing dynasties, regional business has long thrived. But if you’re in the early stages of growth, or seeking external backing, the London focus can feel like a hurdle. This guide is here to help you navigate that landscape.

Understanding the London-centric reality

I'm not here to bash the capital. It is where I was born and where I lived, worked and founded Pink Mingo. But it’s helpful to understand why things have been so lopsided:

• Investment overload: Over 70% of venture capital in the UK still flows into London. That means regions elsewhere often get overlooked - not for lack of talent, but visibility

• Transport dominance: London’s global transport links remain unmatched, often drawing in decision-makers, international investors, and board meetings

• Centralised HQs: Even with regional offices in play, many key decisions - from budgets to hires - are still made in London

  
  

Why this matters to you

If you’re a solo founder, creative freelancer, or small agency outside the M25, you might be missing out on opportunities - not because of your work, but because of your location. The key is tapping into the growing ecosystem that’s challenging that narrative.

The rise (and strength) of regional hubs

There’s a new wave of energy building outside the capital and it’s not limited to one industry or city.

• Manchester: Over 10,000 tech firms and counting, with serious momentum in media, digital, and e-commerce

• Edinburgh and Glasgow: Strongholds for fintech, AI, and tech scale-ups, with international collaboration becoming more common

• Birmingham: A powerhouse for professional services, ideal for scaling HR, finance, and consultancy outfits

  
  

And beyond the major hubs? You’ll find innovation happening in all corners of the UK - from Cornish creative studios to Belfast SaaS start-ups.

Funding and growth support outside London

The money isn’t all in London. If you know where to look, the right support is already within reach.

• Scottish EDGE: A highly competitive funding programme offering up to £100,000 to high-growth Scottish start-ups, with a mix of grant and loan support.

  
  

• NatWest / RBS Entrepreneur Accelerator: A free, equity-free growth accelerator with hubs in multiple UK cities including Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol, and Birmingham. Offers coaching, peer networking, and access to experienced entrepreneurs.

  
  

• Innovate UK: A government agency offering funding for innovative businesses working on R&D, tech, and scalable solutions. It runs regular funding competitions and supports businesses across all regions.

  
  

• Growth Hubs (England): Growth Hubs are regional business support networks backed by the UK Government, offering tailored advice, connections to funding, and free support—especially useful for early-stage and scaling businesses.

  
  

• Lifted Ventures: A female-founded investment group focused on closing the regional funding gap in the UK. Lifted actively invests in start-ups outside of London, particularly those led by underrepresented founders or building tech-for-good solutions.

How to build a thriving business beyond the capital

1. Get loud with your marketing

Whether you’re a digital agency in Sheffield or a freelance HR consultant in Exeter, visibility is everything.

• Local SEO: Rank for the terms your regional clients are searching

• Community events: Attend or sponsor local meetups, conferences, or workshops

• Thought leadership: Share your expertise through blogs, podcasts, or panels. People buy from people - especially those nearby

  
  

2. Hire smart, anywhere

Remote work is normal now. You can build a world-class team with people from Cardiff, Dundee, or anywhere in between.

• Tap into local unis: Great graduates aren't just in London

• Offer hybrid options: Flexibility is a huge win especially if you're based in a lifestyle-rich but affordable region

  
  

3. Use your cost advantage

Office rent, wages, and even coffee runs cost less outside the capital.

• Lower overheads = more growth budget

• Higher retention: Staff are often more settled when life’s a bit more affordable and less frantic

  
  

4. Go global from anywhere

Cloud tools. Video calls. Digital-first clients. You don’t have to be in London to sell to London or the world. Explore London-based, but online, networking events.

Final thoughts

There’s no denying London’s pull. But you don’t have to live in its shadow to build something remarkable.

• Lean into your region’s strengths

• Use tech to go global

• Connect with founders and support networks nearby (e.g. WeDO Scotland, Startup Grind UK and Female Founders Rise Network)

• Tell your story boldly and clearly

Tap into your local scene, find your people, and go build something brilliant. Ready to amplify your business beyond the capital? Get in touch.