Why Purpose and Innovation Drive the UK’s Success in a Global Economy

Today, I hosted a dynamic cyber session with Kanishk Gaur's innovative cybersecurity company, a venture I had the privilege of helping bring to the UK in my role as a Dealmaker for the Department for Business and Trade. Its global HQ is now in the UK. 

Their work—partnering with giants like Microsoft and BAE Systems—is not just cutting-edge but crucial in solving some of the world's biggest cybersecurity challenges from the UK.

This is the essence of what the Global Entrepreneur Programme [GEP] through its Dealmakers like me (20 years now!) does: finding and attracting the most innovative companies to set up their headquarters in the UK, helping them go global, grow, and contribute to the UK’s prosperity through job creation and investment. 

This mirrors my private work - in the Great Investments Programme helping UK pension holders find the best global public companies for their portfolios www.campaignforamillion.com based on my experience as a hedge fund manager.

It's fulfilling to see the impact, but this journey didn’t begin here.

At 29, I was asked by the Prime Minister to join a 5 year term on the UK-India Roundtable, advising the Prime Ministers of both nations on strengthening ties. Around the same time, the Foreign Office entrusted me to represent the UK in China and other regions at conferences on EU-Asia relations. 

These experiences taught me the importance of purpose—building something bigger than myself, something that leaves a lasting impact. Yes it was a distraction from building the hedge fund, and probably cost me a billion in AUM at least! (Country first).

The dots connect when we choose to align our work with a broader mission. For me, it's about driving innovation, creating opportunities, and ensuring the UK remains a hub for global excellence. You won't see me leaving. 

Every step, every partnership, like today’s session, reminds me why this work matters.

To everyone striving to build, grow, and contribute—keep at it. Purpose is a powerful motivator, and when aligned with action, it transforms industries, communities, and lives.

Let’s keep building.

Alpesh Patel OBE

www.campaignforamillion.com 

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