Britain’s presence at CES, the world’s largest technology trade show, has declined in recent years, according to the event organizer.
Gary Shapiro, chief executive of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), said it was “a shame” and “illogical” that the UK’s involvement has declined, even though the country still has great innovation potential.
He noted that other European countries, including France and the Netherlands, were visibly better represented in Eureka Park, the convention’s dedicated space for startups. “Even Ukraine could be bigger than Britain,” Shapiro said, adding that the government is no longer providing the same support it once did.
Held every year in Las Vegas, CES typically attracts thousands of exhibitors and around 400,000 visitors. It showcases the latest products from technology giants such as Microsoft, while providing a global platform for smaller businesses. This year, just 41 UK companies will be attending, including Etc (the incubation arm of BT Group), female-focused health tech company Elvie and precision location company what3words.
In 2019, more than 100 British companies formed a British delegation led by then International Trade Secretary Liam Fox. Eight of those companies won innovation awards, and the government spoke of “millions of pounds worth of deals” to be signed at the fair. Shapiro called it “crazy” that Britain is no longer putting as much energy into CES, given the long-standing ties between the two countries.
“We are by far the largest technology event in the world,” he said. “We are absolutely the largest business event in the United States, attracting more than 50,000 people from outside the U.S.”