US cloud software giant Salesforce has chosen London as the location for its first AI centre, the company said on Thursday.

Salesforce said that the new facility, situated in London's Blue Fin building, will serve as a hub for industry experts, developers, and customers to collaborate on AI innovation and develop new skills.

The announcement comes a year after Salesforce pledged to invest $4 billion in the UK over the next five years, with a focus on artificial intelligence innovation. The company's UK and Ireland boss, Zahra Bahrololoumi, emphasised the importance of trust in AI adoption, highlighting Salesforce's Einstein technology and its "Trust Layer" that ensures customers' data security.

Bahrololoumi stated: "We are sending a clear message to customers and partners on AI, we are deeply committed to working closely together so that you can reap the rewards of this transformative technology, whilst ensuring it is a force for good."

London's deputy mayor for Business and Growth, Howard Dawber, welcomed Salesforce's announcement, stating that the city is rapidly becoming one of the world's most important centres for AI businesses. The new centre is expected to provide training opportunities for Londoners to access future jobs and boost the economy.

The UK AI centre's launch coincides with Salesforce's annual London World Tour event, which is expected to draw 18,000 attendees. The company also announced that its Data Cloud will be available on Hyperforce, a trusted platform architecture built on the public cloud, in the UK starting in July.

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