North Lanarkshire Council leader Jim Logue has welcomed the UK-wide £300m investment in the AI Growth Zone in the area. The growth zone was announced by the UK Government in January.
Backed with more than £8 billion of private investment, the UK Government has said it could bring 3,400 jobs to the area over the coming years. Lanarkshire Live reported that the growth zone has secured a major investment package, including a £202m guarantee from the National Wealth Fund, helping unlock a total £300m financing package from ING, ABN AMRO, Santander, the Scottish National Investment Bank and Siemens Financial Services.
DataVita Expansion and Dell Technologies Move
The money will enable developer DataVita to expand its existing DV1 datacentre and construct a second, the UK Government said. It was also announced that Dell Technologies will move to Lanarkshire’s AI Innovation Park, which will be the new home for the company’s Scottish team.
Delighted North Lanarkshire Council leader Jim Logue responded: “The plans will see North Lanarkshire benefit from significant jobs and investment, after the UK Government announced a £300m investment package to develop the AI Growth Zone.”
“I’m delighted that digital leaders, Dell Technologies has chosen to move its base to the AI Innovation Park at Strathclyde Business Park, which is testament to the strength of North Lanarkshire as a place to invest and as a place where AI is driving the future of industry.”
Catalyst for Growth and Employment
Logue added: “The AI Growth Zone and Innovation Park are powerful catalysts for growth, helping businesses at all levels make AI a strategic business priority.”
“They will help businesses leverage the technology to improve productivity, enhance customer experience, create new inward investment opportunities and strengthen local communities. The AI Growth Zone is an opportunity for North Lanarkshire to lead the way in terms of the future data and digital economy.”
“It could create numerous employment opportunities, increase skills, inform the curriculum to shape and inform the workforce for the future.” To help shape future AI business support, Logue said North Lanarkshire based businesses are being asked to complete a short survey by Friday, September 11, online. Feedback will directly influence AI support and resources developed for businesses across North Lanarkshire.
Scottish and UK Government Reactions
“This investment marks a milestone in the creation of Scotland’s first AI Growth Zone in North Lanarkshire,” Scottish Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn said. “I welcome the economic growth it is set to deliver across the region - including more than 3,400 new jobs and private investment totalling more than £8 billion.”
“The Scottish Government’s AI Strategy sets out a clear plan to harness the economic and social benefits of AI to help ensure we translate our innovation and expertise into more businesses, jobs and investment.”
The UK Government said the announcements were a major boost for Lanarkshire and Scotland. “AI is already helping scientists discover new medicines, supporting better public services and helping businesses get more done,” UK AI minister Kanishka Narayan said. “The countries that build the infrastructure behind this technology will be the ones that attract investment, create jobs and help shape the future.”
