0 likes31 views

AWS to invest £8 billion in the UK, driving digital growth and supporting 14,000 jobs annually

September 11, 2024

AWS, Amazon’s cloud computing arm, plans to invest £8 billion over the next five years in building, operating, and maintaining data centres across the UK.

This substantial commitment is aimed at bolstering the UK’s digital infrastructure, supporting over 14,000 full-time equivalent jobs each year within the AWS data centre supply chain, which includes roles in construction, facility maintenance, engineering, telecommunications, and more.

Since launching its first UK region in December 2016, AWS has expanded its presence with three Availability Zones, two WaveLength Zones, two Edge Locations, and a Regional Edge Cache. The new £8 billion investment will bring AWS’s total UK investment from 2020 to 2028 to more than £11 billion, building on the £3 billion invested since 2020, which has supported over 6,000 jobs annually.

AWS’s investment comes as part of a broader effort to fuel the UK’s digital economy, which saw a £42 billion impact from cloud computing in 2023 alone, equating to 1.6% of GDP. By expanding its UK operations, AWS aims to help more businesses access the benefits of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, enhancing their competitiveness on a global stage.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, welcomed the announcement, stating, “This £8 billion Amazon Web Services investment marks the start of the economic revival and shows Britain is a place to do business. I welcome the announcement as part of the Government’s mission to boost growth, unlock investment and make every part of Britain better off.”

Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of AWS’s role in advancing the UK’s digital capabilities: “Today’s announcement reflects the growing strength of the UK’s digital economy with a key player like Amazon Web Services committing to growing and expanding on our shores.”

AWS customers in the UK span various industries, including AstraZeneca, Cancer Research UK, Deliveroo, easyJet, and Sainsbury’s, among others. These organisations use AWS to reduce costs, increase agility, and drive innovation. Independent research commissioned by AWS indicates that 84% of AWS customers report cost savings and faster deployment times, with many also citing enhanced global reach and competitiveness.

To further support the UK’s digital transformation, AWS has committed to free cloud computing skills training for 29 million people globally by the end of 2025, a goal it surpassed in July 2024 by reaching over 31 million learners, including many in the UK. AWS is also focused on AI education, aiming to provide free AI skills training to two million people by 2025.

Amazon’s total direct investment in the UK since 2010 exceeds £56 billion, including significant capital and operational expenditures. As part of this ongoing commitment, AWS will continue to enhance the UK’s digital landscape, driving growth, innovation, and job creation across the nation.