Manchester is set for a significant jobs boost following a £1.3 billion investment in clean energy and AI projects across the UK by French and Indian companies. The initiative is expected to create more than 1,400 jobs in Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham.
Investment Details
The investments were announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the G7 summit on June 16. They include £1 billion from French private equity firm InfraVia for battery storage and flexible energy projects across the UK, which can be switched on to boost supply when renewable energy is low.
Another £25 million will come from Hexaware Technologies, an Indian-based company providing IT, AI and digital transformation services across sectors including financial, healthcare, manufacturing and retail. It will expand its presence in the UK through the expansion of its delivery centre in Birmingham and establishment of its R&D Centres in Manchester and Leeds.
A government spokesperson said: "The investment will support innovation at scale in new and emerging technologies including AI and quantum computing and is expected to create around 1,200 jobs over the next three to five years, supported by £25 million in capital investment."
Additionally, £300 million will be funded by Atri Energy Transition, an Indian clean energy and technology company, to develop large-scale battery storage and advanced manufacturing across the country, including new facilities supporting more than 100 jobs. The government says this will store energy so it can be used when demand is highest and will strengthen the UK's energy security and help protect households from spikes in global energy prices.
Prime Minister's Statement
The Prime Minister said: "The world is more dangerous than it has been for a generation, with conflict abroad washing up on our shores. That's why I'm focused on making the UK the best place to do business by offering global investors the stability and competitive environment they need to grow, even in the face of global uncertainty. These investments will create thousands of high-skilled jobs, back British innovation and strengthen our energy system so families are better protected from global shocks."
G7 Summit Context
Sir Keir met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G7 summit in Evian, France. The PM is working with G7 partners to ease pressures on global energy markets, including efforts to stabilise key shipping routes and de-escalate tensions in the Middle East to help bring down costs for households. US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky have also been in attendance. The summit continues today.
