Trump Has Backed His Entrepreneurs—Now the Prime Minister Must Act Urgently to Empower British Business, Says Top UK Entrepreneur
By Business Editor
Andrew Scott calls for bold action to unlock Britain’s economic potential
The UK’s entrepreneurs are the key to long-term economic success, and the government must actively support them with the right incentives, skills, and backing rather than hold them back with excessive taxes and legislation, says leading UK business figure Andrew Scott.
Following President Donald Trump’s 10% tariffs on UK goods, Scott argues that while Trump has moved quickly to protect American businesses, Britain now has a chance to seize the moment and unleash its entrepreneurs to drive growth, create jobs, and build the industries of the future.
To achieve this, Scott has outlined a five-point plan to help the UK become one of the best places in the world to start and scale a business:
1. Better funding for start-ups
2. Simplify business regulations
3. Create a national network of business mentors
4. Tax relief all round
5. Create skills training programmes.
“Donald Trump is a unique leader and entrepreneur—it was always clear he would put American businesses first,” said Scott, founder of Business Leader magazine and CEO of the Ascot Group.
“Now, Britain must put its own businesses first. Our Prime Minister has a huge opportunity to empower entrepreneurs by giving them the support, skills, and incentives they need to succeed.
“If we want a thriving, competitive economy, we must help businesses grow—not burden them with ever-increasing taxes and regulations. Instead of making it harder for people to build companies, we should be championing entrepreneurship, streamlining bureaucracy, and ensuring Britain remains one of the best places in the world to start and scale a business.”
Britain’s Entrepreneurs Hold the Key to Economic Growth
Scott—who has helped over 1,000 businesses scale up and employs hundreds across his tech, marketing, and construction ventures—believes that the UK has all the ingredients to outperform its global rivals if entrepreneurs are given the right conditions to succeed.
“Britain has world-class talent, innovation, and ambition—what we need now is the confidence to back our business leaders.”
Scott highlights that in the US, China, and Eastern Europe, governments actively support and incentivise entrepreneurs, ensuring that business owners have the resources they need to scale quickly and compete globally.
“The UK must take bold action to foster a pro-entrepreneurial culture. That means reducing red tape, making access to capital easier, and ensuring that our brightest minds have the support to turn ideas into successful businesses.
“Entrepreneurs don’t just create jobs—they create entire industries. The UK has the potential to be a powerhouse of innovation, but only if we take decisive steps now to make it happen.”
Despite the uncertainty caused by global trade tensions, Scott remains optimistic about Britain’s potential—if the government acts swiftly and decisively.
“This is a moment for leadership. If the UK government wants real economic growth, it must champion the people who take risks, create jobs, and build the economy of the future.
“Let’s give entrepreneurs the backing they need to drive the UK forward—because when businesses thrive, Britain thrives.”
Andrew Scott is the founder and CEO of the Ascot Group, a leading group of tech, marketing, and construction firms. He launched Business Leader, the UK’s leading magazine for entrepreneurs, later selling it to tycoon Richard Harpin.
With a track record of helping over 1,000 entrepreneurs scale their businesses, Scott is one of the UK’s most influential voices on entrepreneurship and economic growth.
