Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled a significant £8 billion investment to enhance the United Kingdom’s digital infrastructure. This initiative is projected to support over 14,000 full-time equivalent jobs annually within the AWS data centre supply chain, encompassing roles in construction, facility maintenance, engineering, and telecommunications.
Since the debut of its first UK region in December 2016, AWS has expanded its presence to include three Availability Zones, two WaveLength Zones, two Edge Locations, and a Regional Edge Cache. This new £8 billion investment will increase AWS’s total investment in the UK from 2020 to 2028 to more than £11 billion, building upon the £3 billion already invested, which has consistently supported over 6,000 jobs annually.
The investment is part of a broader strategy to boost the UK’s digital economy, which saw a £42 billion impact from cloud computing in 2023, representing 1.6% of GDP. AWS’s expansion aims to enable more businesses to benefit from cloud computing and artificial intelligence, thereby enhancing their global competitiveness.
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, expressed her support, saying, “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.” Similarly, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasised AWS’s role in advancing the UK’s digital capabilities, stating, “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’s customer base in the UK includes prominent organisations such as AstraZeneca, Cancer Research UK, Deliveroo, easyJet, and Sainsbury’s. These entities utilise AWS to reduce costs, increase agility, and drive innovation. Independent research commissioned by AWS reveals that 84% of its customers report cost savings and faster deployment times, with many also indicating enhanced global reach and competitiveness.
To further aid the UK’s digital transformation, AWS has committed to providing free cloud computing skills training to 29 million people globally by the end of 2025, surpassing this goal in July 2024 by reaching over 31 million learners, including many in the UK. Additionally, AWS is dedicated to AI education, aiming to offer free AI skills training to two million people by 2025.
Amazon’s direct investment in the UK since 2010 totals over £56 billion, encompassing substantial capital and operational expenditures. This ongoing commitment from AWS promises to continue enhancing the UK’s digital landscape, driving growth, innovation, and job creation across the nation.
AWS’s £8 billion investment underscores its pivotal role in supporting the UK’s digital growth and job market. By facilitating cloud computing and artificial intelligence advancements, AWS is poised to strengthen the UK’s position in the global digital economy.