Google is set to invest $1 billion in constructing its first data center in the United Kingdom, catering to the growing demand for its services. The move is viewed as a positive boost for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government, which aims to position Britain as a global tech leader.
Construction has begun on a 33-acre site in Waltham Cross, north of London, acquired by Google in 2020. The data center will enhance digital service reliability for Google Cloud customers and users in the UK.
This announcement coincides with UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt’s efforts at Davos to promote Britain’s tech ambitions. Hunt sees the investment as a significant show of confidence in the UK’s emerging status as a global technology hub.
As Hunt prepares for the annual budget on March 6, he expresses a desire to further reduce taxes, making the UK more competitive. Additionally, he aims to encourage more companies to list on the London Stock Exchange and engage UK lenders in discussions about their stock market values, with a focus on revitalizing the UK’s economic landscape.
The chancellor is determined to create an environment that fosters competitiveness, drawing parallels with economies in North America and Asia where lower taxes are associated with faster growth.
