Skip to content

Limited access mode: Please note you need to be an HR Protect client to access some content on this Hub.  Please enquire.

Ward Hadaway to advise on visa scheme for tech companies

LAW firm Ward Hadaway is helping technology companies across the North to bring the best talent from across the world into the country.

LAW firm Ward Hadaway is helping technology companies across the North to bring the best talent from across the world into the country.

The Top 100 UK law firm, which has offices in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester, is working with regional technology industry organisation Tech North on its Tech Nation Visa Scheme.

The scheme aims to make it possible for tech talent from around the world to come and work in the UK’s digital technology sector.

Tech North, the organisation which champions the digital sector and growth of digital businesses in the North of England, has the ability to endorse applications for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa – up to 200 exceptionally talented tech industry staff from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) every year.

As an official legal partner for the Tech Nation Visa Scheme, immigration experts at Ward Hadaway will provide legal support for companies across the North who are looking to employ a rising star in the tech industry and those individuals thinking of applying for a visa to work in the UK tech industry.

The firm will be on hand at Tech North events across the region to promote the scheme and to give employers more information about how it works and guide their prospective employee/investors through the visa application process. It will also keep Tech North and its members up to date with changes in immigration law as and when they happen.

Flora Mewies

Flora Mewies

Flora Mewies (pictured), Solicitor in the Employment team at Ward Hadaway, said: “The UK is one of the world’s leading lights in the technology and digital sectors with the North of England in particular a real hotbed of innovation.

“Whilst everyone is keen to ensure talented home-grown people get their opportunity to shine, it is a fact that to remain in the vanguard of the industry, tech companies here will need to bring in expertise from outside the UK from time to time.

“The Tech Nation Visa Scheme aims to help them do exactly that, ensuring that the economy in the North of England benefits from exceptionally talented individuals from overseas whilst keeping in line with Government immigration targets and policy.

“As such, we are delighted to be involved in the scheme, to be working with Tech North and tech companies across the North on ensuring the region benefits from a world of expertise.”

Tech North Director, Richard Gregory, said: “Technology is a global sector and the competition for talent is often fierce.

“As such, it is important for companies who work within it in the UK to have the ability to bring in exceptional individuals from outside the country to keep them at the cutting edge.

“The experience and know-how of Ward Hadaway in the field of immigration law will be of great benefit to companies in the North who are considering hiring people from outside the UK as part of their growth plans.”

Further details on the Tech Nation scheme can be found at http://technorthhq.com/tech-nation-visa-scheme/

* How will Brexit affect immigration and employment? Get the lowdown with our comprehensive Brexit guide.