Lombard Odier UK CEO warns Rachel Reeves over entrepreneur exodus

key takeaways.

• Lombard Odier warns Rachel Reeves that the UK is at risk of an exodus of entrepreneurial talent, as an increasing number of entrepreneurs reconsider their future in the UK, threatening competitiveness 
• The bank says tax pressure, policy uncertainty, and funding challenges risk driving entrepreneurs abroad and weakening the UK’s long-term growth outlook
• Sentiment among wealthy clients is deteriorating, with some increasingly viewing the current policy landscape as unsupportive of enterprise, investment, and long-term growth
• A central concern is that some founders find it easier to raise substantial capital overseas than in the UK, particularly for higher-risk or fast-scaling ventures
• Talent flight has wider economic consequences. When entrepreneurs leave, the impact goes beyond personal wealth. The UK also risk losing future tax revenues, job creation, mentorship, and private capital for emerging businesses
• The bank calls for measures to strengthen the UK’s growth ecosystem, including mobilising more productive investment from cash savings, encouraging venture funding and improving financial literacy, and entrepreneurial culture.