A group of 13 leading British entrepreneurs, including the founders of Innocent Drinks, Charles Tyrwhitt, and Justpark, have urged the government to cut employment costs and enhance support for startups. In an open letter, they warned that the UK risks losing its most promising businesses to other countries.
The entrepreneurs called on ministers to expand financial support for young founders, improve enterprise education, and address the increasing cost of hiring staff. They specifically highlighted employers’ National Insurance contributions and minimum wage levels as areas for reconsideration.
Signatories to the letter include Richard Reed, co-founder of Innocent Drinks, Nick Wheeler, founder of Charles Tyrwhitt, and Anthony Eskinazi, founder of JustPark. The group stated, “We are mindful of the anecdotal and empirical evidence of entrepreneurs leaving the UK.”
The intervention coincides with the start of Global Entrepreneurship Week UK on Monday, 17 November 2026, which brings together founders, investors, and business leaders to discuss how startups can drive economic growth.