As a turbulent 2020 comes to an end, we can all look forward to some form of normality as we venture into the new year after the approval of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which is expected to be rolled out in the UK next week. With almost half of Britain now under tier 4+ restrictions and many small businesses facing closure after a difficult festive period, such news is sure to bring optimism for businesses and investors alike as we enter the new year, providing much needed rest-bite for businesses to help them recover and enable future growth.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the vaccine roll-outs have been the first real news announcement that has viable potential to support society back to “normal” and this is in no small part down to vital biotech innovation that has been able to move forward at record speed when it was crucially needed. Today’s landmark announcement comes as a welcome reminder for the UK’s investor community to support future facing innovation both by way of R&D and scale-up finance; arguably, despite the global benchmark set with today’s announcement, the cumbersome nature of pharmaceutical advancements has definitely been brought into focus with the onset of the pandemic.

Private investment is a vital catalyst for wider economic growth – with the UK’s high net worth community providing essential early indicators for the direction of wealth at a time where the distribution of capital is key. With a 12% increase in new businesses starting up during 2020 compared to 2019, the new year is set to create some exciting investment opportunities for investors throughout the country and some that are sure to boost the wider British economy.

Over and above its financial impact, the vaccine also serves as a significant moral booster for the UK’s workforce in a period where uncertainty is rife and the economy is only as strong as the workforce that underpins it. The wider sentiments of returning the work safely is paramount and with the widespread roll out of the Oxford and vaccine to start next week, many across the UK will now be able to return to their jobs in a safe manner without having to worry about their health, furthermore helping to revitalise the economy from the ground up.

Private capital has proven to be fundamental in helping UK businesses grow and flourish post-pandemic, and will be a welcomed sight for many SMEs throughout the country. The news of the vaccine’s approval is sure to bring investment flowing back into SMEs and start-ups which is key for the resurgence of the UK economy, with the SME community making up 99.9% of private sector businesses.

Luke Davis, CEO of IW Capital says:

“The approval of the new vaccine is a welcomed sight for investors who now see an opportunity for growth, with such great news bringing optimism for both investors and small businesses alike as we enter the new year. Its roll-out will provide a vital boost for small businesses throughout the UK.

“It’s truly positive to see an increase in new businesses compared to last year even with the uncertainty and limitations that the pandemic has produced. With more and more people looking to start their own businesses, private capital is proving to be crucial for the development of these entities, and with the new year bringing hope to investors, we should start to see these new businesses grow and flourish post-pandemic.

“Here at IW, we prioritise BioTech investment as we understand the importance of the industry and its impact during these times. Now, there is a real need for investors to look towards the industry to support such future facing innovations that now play an integral role in our society.

“The SME community make up 99.9% of private sector businesses, and so supporting them to ensure their financial growth, is of the utmost importance to the overall health of the UK economy. Small firms already employ over 16million people in the UK, and pre-pandemic, this sector was growing at a faster rate than the overall job market. A return to this would provide a welcome boost.”