Data Centre Hotspots in the UK

The UK’s data centre careers market is strong and has a promising future. With growth drivers such as the digitisation of existing processes, more industries using digital technologies, and even the rise in the number of SMEs adopting digital technologies, the UK data centre industry is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 5.18% by 2027, resulting in a market volume of US$18.04bn.

How important is the location for data centres?

There are currently 456 data centres in the UK. Theoretically, anyone with power and connectivity can build a data centre. In reality, location impacts the quality of service that the facility can provide.

For data centre customers, connectivity is vital and often relies on proximity. Surveys consistently show that internet users quickly drop sites with slow page load times – people want instantaneous access to data.

Data centres in densely packed cities make for significant points of interconnection. Organisations using data centres near Internet Exchanges will benefit from low-latency and multiply redundant bandwidth.

However, the answer isn’t just building on the edge of large cities. Knowledge of the national power infrastructure is needed. An in-depth understanding of where the fibre operators’ networks exist and being able to provide an ‘on-ramp’ access solution to public cloud platforms is critical.

The best facilities are usually far enough from city centres for disaster recovery purposes and to avoid expensive city centre premiums but close enough to be easily accessible by local and international businesses. 

Another consideration when it comes to location is energy and sustainability. Data centres are energy-intensive. The industry accounts for around 4% of global electricity consumption and 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Future data centres will need to be designed and located for better efficiency. Cooler regions require fewer resources for cooling the servers, making the facility more energy efficient. 

Six UK data centre hotspots*

  1. London

The country’s capital leads the UK data centre market, housing approximately 82 colocation facilities. Some of the main drivers include its proximity to digital businesses and excellent transport links, as well as some of the best colleges and universities in the city. These give data centres easy access to highly skilled graduates looking for data centre careers – a particular advantage as, with its predicted growth, the industry will need to entice more talent into the sector. 

London’s financial district and its role as a global business hub attract major enterprises that require robust data centre infrastructure. The city’s continuous investment in smart city technologies and 5G networks further enhances its attractiveness for data centres.

  1. Birmingham

Birmingham and Manchester have more data centres than any other city outside London. Birmingham offers North and South routes in the UK, connecting London and Manchester.

Birmingham is home to one of the largest data centres in the UK. The GTP 3 has an extendable surface from 10,000 to 40.000 square meters. It is built on a 5-acre lot, and its services are used for public, government, and enterprise services in the UK. 

Moreover, Birmingham’s growing reputation as a technology and innovation hub and its extensive transport network make it a strategic location for data centres aiming to serve the UK’s northern and southern regions.

  1. Manchester

Manchester is one of Europe’s fastest-growing business centres for technology and media. It has a significant cost advantage over London, and Greater Manchester has seen a massive government investment. The government will use the city to pilot Innovation Accelerators as part of its digital strategy.

Manchester’s robust tech ecosystem, fueled by significant public and private sector investments, positions it as a critical player in the UK’s digital landscape. The city’s commitment to fostering tech startups and its comprehensive digital infrastructure provide a solid foundation for the growth of data centres.

  1. Newcastle

Newcastle is one of three areas outside the UK’s capital that has reached double figures in data centre construction. The city provides the perfect gateway to the North East.

Newcastle has a thriving tech community and supportive local government policies that encourage digital innovation. The city’s focus on renewable energy sources and sustainable practices attracts environmentally conscious data centre operators.

  1. Berkshire

One of Berkshire’s main benefits is its proximity to London and business parks like Thames Valley Park and Arlington Business Park. Like northern cities, it’s also much more affordable than central London.

Berkshire’s status as a prime location for tech companies is enhanced by its excellent transport links, making it easily accessible from London and other major cities. The presence of leading tech firms and the availability of high-quality business facilities contribute to its appeal as a data centre hotspot.

  1. Portsmouth

A major city on the south coast of England, Portsmouth is another excellent location for data centres. The coastal location provides unique advantages in terms of connectivity, including access to undersea cables that enhance international data transfer capabilities. The city’s investment in digital infrastructure and its growing tech sector make it an attractive destination for data centre operators.

*source: https://www.datacentremap.com/united-kingdom/

Recruiting in the data centre industry

Over 3000 data centre jobs are available in the UK on LinkedIn alone. Data centres’ rapid expansion and technological advancement mean tremendous opportunities are available, but organisations face a hiring crisis. 

These hotspots make great work locations and are easily commutable and accessible by major roads or train links. The challenge is keeping up with the demand generated by the industry’s accelerated growth. 

Sustainable recruitment practices (developing local talent pipelines, offering competitive salaries, and ensuring continuous professional development) are essential for addressing the skills shortage. 

Fostering diversity and inclusion within the workforce can help attract a broader range of candidates, ensuring a more resilient talent pool.

Our specialist recruitment team operates across the UK and Europe and is ready to connect you with various data centre professionals at all skill and experience levels. If hiring or looking for your next data centre role, contact Jim Hines at 07947 842455 / 0207 553 5660 or email jim.hines@prsjobs.com.

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