UK Launches Smart Data Group to Unlock £27.8bn in Economic Value
The UK has launched the Smart Data Group to drive innovation and growth through secure data-sharing, starting with the energy sector.
The UK today took a bold step toward unlocking an estimated £27.8 billion in economic value with the launch of the Smart Data Group, a new industry-led organisation designed to make smart data a cornerstone of economic growth, innovation, and consumer empowerment.
The launch event, which took place in Parliament today (19 June) brought together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and innovators to explore the future of smart data in the UK. With a particular focus on the energy sector, the discussion focused on how secure data-sharing can drive better outcomes for consumers, stimulate market competition, and boost long-term productivity.
Chaired by former Minister for Smart Data, Paul Scully, the Smart Data Group unites policymakers and industry experts to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of data-sharing. Advisory Board members include Jonathan Ashworth, Lord Iain McNicol, Lord Martin Callanan, and Sir Robbie Gibb, underscoring the strong cross-party support that has underpinned smart data’s development from the outset.
The launch comes at a critical moment. At London Tech Week, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang hailed the UK’s “Goldilocks position” to lead in AI and digital innovation, citing its world-class research base, pro-innovation regulation, and deep technical expertise. With the passing of the Data (Use and Access) Bill, the UK has the legislative foundation and now, through the Smart Data Group, a clear route to delivery of smart data schemes.
Smart data refers to the secure, standardised sharing of personal data with explicit user consent. It enables tailored services, seamless switching, and better deals, helping individuals and businesses make smarter decisions. Building on the success of open banking, smart data now has the potential to transform multiple sectors, including energy, telecoms, finance, and retail.
The Smart Data Group, led operationally by open banking veterans Richard Newman and Clare Ambrosino, is designed to help industry co-design schemes, shape standards, and build trust-based infrastructure. By working closely with regulators and policymakers, it will turn policy ambition into operational reality, scheme by scheme and sector by sector, enabling the UK’s data sharing economy.
Business and Trade Minister Justin Madders said: “Smart Data has the power to transform the way we do business and has potential to supercharge start-ups across the country.
“This new group will play an important role in unlocking that potential, and our modern Industrial Strategy will be a driving force to boost our priority sectors and drive economic growth right across the nation.”
During the launch, Paul Scully, Chair of the Smart Data Group and former Smart Data Minister, said: “During my time as Smart Data Minister, I saw firsthand the immense potential of smart data to transform services, empower consumers, and drive real economic value. The Smart Data Group will help us achieve that potential in a cost-efficient and collaborative way, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of global innovation.”
James Ringrow, Director of Strategy at Smart DCC, said: “Smart data has the potential to transform consumer engagement while enabling the system wide change required for a smarter, greener Britain. As operators of the smart metering network, we understand the importance of secure, reliable and cost-effective data exchange. We welcome the Smart Data Group as a means to drive further collaboration and alignment across the sector."
Huw Davies, Co-founder and CEO at Ozone API, added: “We’ve seen how open banking laid the foundations for a more competitive, consumer-focused financial system. Smart data takes that principle and scales it across sectors. The opportunity to build interoperable, secure frameworks that work across industries is not just exciting, it’s essential.”
Pierre Tabet, Founder and CEO of VoltView, said: "As finalists of the Smart Data Prize, we want to give customers control over their energy data. Just as open banking revolutionised financial services through easy sharing with third parties, the Smart Data Group provides the collaborative environment needed to replicate that success across energy and other sectors, delivering innovation and impact at scale."
