As the G7 Summit concluded, Prime Minister Keir Starmer proudly announced a landmark deal securing £1.3bn of international investment for the UK economy. This strategic partnership between leading French and Indian companies is set to transform key sectors, including clean energy infrastructure and artificial intelligence, with a projected creation of over 1,400 new high-skilled jobs in major cities such as Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham.
The jobs created through these investments are expected to support emerging industries like AI, digital services, and quantum technologies. The Prime Minister has highlighted the significance of this move, particularly during times of heightened global instability, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. He underlined that these deals will not only bolster household budgets by reducing costs but also fortify supply chains and unlock new opportunities for British workers.
Key components of the investment include a £25 million commitment from Indian tech firm Hexaware Technologies, which will see the expansion of its UK operations through R&D centres in Manchester and Leeds, as well as an expanded delivery centre in Birmingham. This is expected to generate approximately 1,200 jobs over three to five years in AI and digital services.
Additionally, InfraVia is set to invest £1 billion into a pipeline of battery storage and flexible energy projects across the UK, crucial for ensuring electricity availability during peak demand and maintaining grid stability. Atri Energy Transition, an India-based investor, will contribute over £300 million to develop large-scale battery storage and advanced manufacturing facilities, expected to create more than 100 jobs.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated his commitment to making the UK the best place for business by offering global investors a stable and competitive environment. He stated that these investments will create thousands of high-skilled jobs, support British innovation, and strengthen the energy system to better protect families from global shocks.
The government has already secured £90 billion in private investment into renewable projects since taking office, solidifying the UK's leadership in the clean energy sector. This announcement underscores the country's position as a prime destination for investment in new industries like AI and clean energy, building on the government's modern Industrial Strategy.