Amazon has announced a significant investment of £40bn in the UK over the next three years, aiming to create numerous job opportunities and establish four new warehouses.
The e-commerce giant is planning to construct two large fulfilment centers in the East Midlands, scheduled to open in 2027. The specific locations are yet to be disclosed.
Additionally, two other fulfillment centers, in Hull and Northampton, were previously declared and are expected to be completed this year and in 2026, respectively, with each site projected to create 2,000 jobs.
Amazon is already a major employer in the UK, with approximately 75,000 employees.
The company will also be adding two new buildings to its corporate headquarters in east London, along with other investments in new delivery stations, enhancing its transportation network, and revamping Bray Film Studios in Berkshire, which was acquired last year.
The £40bn investment includes a significant portion of the £8bn allocated in 2024 for the construction and maintenance of data centers in the UK, in addition to employee salaries and benefits.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Amazon’s investment as a «massive vote of confidence in the UK as the best place to conduct business,» emphasizing the creation of thousands of employment opportunities across the country.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves considered it a «powerful endorsement of Britain’s economic capabilities.»
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Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, highlighted that the investment would have a positive impact on communities throughout the UK.
«When Amazon invests, it’s not limited to London and the South East,» he stated. «We are bringing innovation and job opportunities to regions across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, thereby boosting the UK’s economy and enhancing customer experiences nationwide.»
Despite the benefits, concerns persist regarding Amazon’s extensive influence and size, with some regulators, unions, and activists raising issues. Allegations of hazardous working conditions at Amazon’s warehouses have been refuted by the company. Furthermore, last week, the UK’s grocery regulator initiated an investigation into potential breaches of supplier payment regulations by Amazon.