Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled plans to invest £8bn in the development, maintenance and operation of a network of data centres across the UK over the next five years.
AWS said the investment would support around 14,000 jobs per year and contribute circa £14bn to the UK’s total GDP from 2024 to 2028.
Tanuja Randery, vice-president and managing director of AWS, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), 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 £8bn 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.”
Rachel Reeves, chancellor of the exchequer, added: “I am under no illusion to the scale of the challenge facing our economy and I will be honest with the British people that change will not happen overnight. Two quarters of positive economic growth does not make up for 14 years of stagnation under the previous government.
“However, this £8bn 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.”
