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Amazon Web Services (AWS) is to invest £8 billion in over the next five years within its data centre supply chain in the UK following discussions with the Chancellor.
Investment is expected to contribute £14 billion to UK GDP by 2028, and support around 14,000 jobs, both within AWS data centres, construction and maintenance contracts and the wider economy.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, announced the investment speaking at a University Technical College in Silverstone, Northamptonshire, which works with Amazon Web Services to introduce students to the skills required to enter the digital infrastructure industry. She said:
“[T]his £8 billion investment marks the start of the economic revival and shows Britain is a place to do business. I am determined to go further so we can deliver on our mandate to create jobs, unlock investment and make every part of Britain better off. The hard work to fix the foundations of our economy has only just begun.“
Amazon Web Services Vice President and Managing Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), Tanuja Randery said:
“The next few years could be among the most pivotal for the UK’s digital and economic future, as organisations of all sizes across the country increasingly embrace technologies like cloud computing and AI to help them accelerate innovation, increase productivity, and compete on the global stage.
“AWS is proud to announce our plans to invest £8 billion in digital and AI infrastructure over the next five years to help meet the growing needs of our customers and partners, and support the transformation of the UK’s digital economy.“
The investment announcement comes alongside the OECD’s latest survey of the UK economy, which has called for stability, investment and reform over the next decade to deliver sustainable growth: recommendations that have been welcomed by government.
The announcement also comes ahead of the UK International Investment Summit on 14 October, where the UK will bring together the world’s most important companies and investors, demonstrating how the UK’s offer is the best in the world, with political and economic stability, a strategic government partnering with businesses, a proper trade strategy, and policies designed to enable growth.
