Region could lead UK growth in data centres

Artificial intelligence is driving demand for data centres

- TOM KEIGHLEY Business writer

THE North East could lead the country in developing the next generation of data centres, a new report from sector experts suggests.

Regional tech network Dynamo CIC points to three key actions that could help the region unlock its potential as a hub for data centre and cloud services activity.

Having consulted a range of people from across the North East tech sector, Dynamo points to the need to promote the region's renewable energy credentials, cooler climate and subsea connectivity; set up an innovation hub bringing together start-ups, established businesses, researchers and investors in the field, and develop more industry-academic partnerships to address a skills gap.

The Shaping the Future of Data Centres and Cloud Innovation report comes as US data centre firm QTS - owned by asset management giant Blackstone - is gearing up to build a £10bn data centre campus in Northumberland.