The Kao Data white paper makes the case for Greater Manchester and the North West as the UK’s next AI Growth Zone. With over 10,000 tech firms, a £5bn digital economy, and 291 AI businesses employing 14,000 people, the region is already a leading AI hub. Universities produce 42,000 STEM graduates annually, with 60% staying local, fueling talent retention. Infrastructure strengths include subsea fibre links, 2,700km of fibre in Manchester, and Liverpool’s £30m gigabit network. Planned renewable projects, such as the 100MW Scout Moor II wind farm, bolster sustainable power. Ample brownfield land supports data centre expansion. The report concludes the North West has the assets, talent, and infrastructure to anchor the UK’s AI economy.

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