Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced plans to invest £8 billion in building, operating and maintaining data centres in the UK over the next five years.

The company estimates the move will contribute around £14 billion to the UK’s GDP by 2028 and support around 14,000 jobs across the AWS data centre supply chain including construction, telecommunications and engineering.

AWS said the next few years could be “pivotal” for the UK’s digital future as organisations are adopting cloud computing and AI to help them increase their productivity.

According to research of AWS customers by Public First, 84 per cent believe their business has saved money as a result of investing in cloud infrastructure, estimating they have saved 28 per cent compared to using on-premises infrastructure.

The research found around three quarters of AWS users say they have reduced their energy consumption and improved their sustainability as a result of using the cloud.

“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,” said technology secretary Peter Kyle. “As Technology Secretary, I am committed to supporting digital advancement so that it can improve lives and livelihoods for the better.

“From increasing compute power to providing access to AI – it is vital that innovators have the infrastructure they need to grow our digital economy and drive breakthroughs.”

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