By Ayomide Otitoju
Amazon has announced plans to invest £40 billion ($54 billion) in the United Kingdom over the next three years, a major boost for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s efforts to revive the British economy.
The investment, unveiled on Tuesday, was described by Starmer as “a massive vote of confidence in the UK as the best place to do business.” The Prime Minister, who met with Amazon CEO Andy Jassy last week, said the deal would create thousands of new jobs and deliver tangible benefits to communities across the country.
“It means real opportunities for people in every corner of the country to build careers, learn new skills, and support their families,” Starmer said. “Whether it’s cutting-edge AI or same-day delivery, this deal shows that our Plan for Change is working.”
The £40 billion commitment will fund the construction of four new distribution centres, expected to generate around 4,000 jobs, and the redevelopment of the historic Bray Film Studios, which Amazon acquired in mid-2024.
Part of the investment includes the previously announced £8 billion for the development and operation of data centres aimed at expanding Amazon’s artificial intelligence capabilities in the UK.
The announcement aligns with the launch of the government’s “Modern Industrial Strategy,” which outlines a new framework for collaboration between the public sector and high-growth industries.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds welcomed the announcement, calling it a clear sign that “massive international firms like Amazon bank on Britain.”
Amazon currently employs over 75,000 people at more than 100 sites across the UK. CEO Andy Jassy emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to the UK market.
“From developing drone technology in Darlington to producing world-class entertainment at Bray Studios, we’re proud to be part of over 100 communities nationwide,” Jassy said.
The company’s global investment push also includes major commitments in Australia ($13.3 billion), North Carolina ($10 billion), and Pennsylvania ($20 billion), all focused on cloud infrastructure and AI.
However, Amazon faces scrutiny in the UK as the Food Standards Agency investigates potential late payments to food suppliers. If found in violation, the company could face fines of up to 1% of its UK turnover.
