SEATTLE, WA — June 25, 2025 — Amazon has announced a landmark investment of £40 billion (approximately $54 billion) in the United Kingdom over the next three years, signaling a significant expansion of its operations in its third-largest market after the United States and Germany. This strategic initiative aims to enhance Amazon’s logistics capabilities, bolster its artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, and support the UK’s burgeoning digital economy.
The investment encompasses the construction of four new state-of-the-art fulfillment centers, the development of advanced data centers, and the refurbishment of Bray Film Studios in Berkshire. These projects are expected to create thousands of full-time jobs across various regions, including Hull, Northampton, and the East Midlands, with each fulfillment center anticipated to employ approximately 2,000 workers. Amazon currently employs over 75,000 individuals in the UK, making it one of the nation’s top ten private-sector employers.
A significant portion of the investment will be directed towards Amazon Web Services (AWS), the company’s cloud computing arm, to expand and upgrade data center infrastructure. This includes part of a previously announced £8 billion commitment to enhance the UK’s AI capabilities and support the government’s goal of increasing AI compute capacity. The data center expansion is projected to contribute £14 billion to the UK economy over five years and support an average of 14,000 full-time equivalent jobs annually.
In addition to technological advancements, Amazon plans to invest in the UK’s creative industry by redeveloping Bray Film Studios and producing original content for its streaming platform, Amazon Prime Video. The company has already filmed major productions, such as “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” and the Russo brothers’ “Citadel,” at the studio. Amazon’s UK Country Manager, John Boumphrey, emphasized the company’s commitment to using British talent and locations, stating, “There is a significant investment in being able to make, edit, and produce films here, using British talent and British locations with British artists.”
The UK government has welcomed Amazon’s investment as a substantial endorsement of the country’s economic potential. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the move as “a massive vote of confidence in the UK as the best place to do business,” highlighting the creation of thousands of new jobs and opportunities for skill development across the nation. Chancellor Rachel Reeves echoed this sentiment, calling the investment a “powerful endorsement of Britain’s economic strengths.”
Amazon’s expansion aligns with the UK’s new 10-year industrial strategy aimed at attracting investment in key sectors to drive economic growth. The company’s focus on regions outside of London and the South East demonstrates a commitment to supporting local economies and reducing regional disparities. By enhancing its logistics network and AI infrastructure, Amazon aims to improve delivery times, increase efficiency, and provide better experiences for customers throughout the UK.
Despite the positive economic implications, Amazon faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its labor practices and supplier relationships. The UK’s grocery regulator recently launched an investigation into the company’s supplier payment practices, examining whether Amazon breached rules on timely payments. Amazon has stated its intention to cooperate fully with the investigation and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
As Amazon continues to invest in the UK, the company is also focusing on workforce development through apprenticeship programs and training initiatives. In 2025, Amazon plans to offer over 1,000 full-time apprenticeships in fields such as software development, logistics, and IT. These programs aim to equip employees with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The $54 billion investment represents a significant step in Amazon’s global growth strategy, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, job creation, and long-term presence in the UK. By expanding its operations and infrastructure, Amazon seeks to support the UK’s economic development and solidify its position as a leading player in the global technology and e-commerce sectors.
