Amazon Web Services (AWS) has committed £8 billion to the UK, enhancing digital infrastructure.
- This investment supports over 14,000 jobs annually within the UK’s digital sector.
- AWS’s expansion contributes significantly, adding £42 billion to the UK economy in 2023.
- Chancellor and Technology Secretary praise AWS’s role in boosting UK’s competitiveness.
- AWS provides free cloud and AI training to millions, accelerating UK’s digital transformation.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced a major £8 billion investment in the United Kingdom, aimed at enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure and supporting a wide array of related jobs. This substantial capital injection is set to bolster the digital sector by maintaining over 14,000 full-time equivalent jobs annually within AWS’s data centre supply chain. These roles span various fields including construction, facility maintenance, engineering, and telecommunications.
Since the launch of its first UK region in December 2016, AWS has significantly broadened its presence. It now operates three Availability Zones, along with two WaveLength Zones, and two Edge Locations, not to mention a Regional Edge Cache. This latest £8 billion commitment will raise AWS’s total investment from 2020 to 2028 to more than £11 billion. The initial £3 billion invested since 2020 has already been instrumental in supporting over 6,000 jobs annually.
AWS’s new investment forms a critical part of a broader strategy to stimulate the UK’s digital economy, which reaped a remarkable £42 billion from cloud computing in 2023, contributing 1.6% to the nation’s GDP. By extending its operations, AWS is enabling more businesses to access the benefits of cloud technologies and artificial intelligence, thereby enhancing their competitiveness globally.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, praised this development, asserting, “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.” Peter Kyle, the Technology Secretary, echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the vital role AWS plays in advancing the UK’s digital prowess.
AWS’s client base in the UK spans a diverse set of industries, including prominent names such as AstraZeneca, Cancer Research UK, Deliveroo, easyJet, and Sainsbury’s. These organisations leverage AWS to reduce operational costs, enhance agility, and foster innovation. Independent research commissioned by AWS shows that a notable 84% of its clients experience significant cost savings and swift deployment, alongside improved global reach and competitiveness.
In further support of the UK’s digital transition, AWS has pledged to impart free cloud computing skills training to 29 million people worldwide by the end of 2025. As of July 2024, AWS had already exceeded its target by reaching over 31 million learners, with a significant number from the UK. Moreover, AWS’s commitment to artificial intelligence education aims to provide AI-related training to two million individuals by 2025.
Overall, Amazon’s total direct investment in the UK, since 2010, surpasses £56 billion, encompassing substantial capital and operational expenses. AWS continues to play a pivotal role in transforming the UK’s digital landscape, fostering growth, spurring innovation, and generating employment across various sectors.
AWS’s significant investment underlines its commitment to supporting the UK’s digital transformation and economic growth.
