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Europe’s data centre sector has witnessed a significant uptick in activity in recent years, now a key component of digital infrastructure in many countries - an expansion that can be attributed to various factors and key trends that are reshaping the industry landscape, presenting lucrative opportunities for businesses and jobseekers alike.
The key aspects driving growth
One of the primary drivers behind the sector’s recent rise is the increasing demand for cloud services and data storage solutions across industries. The rise of technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and big data analytics has led to a surge in data generation, necessitating robust and scalable data centre facilities to support these digital operations as businesses strive to enhance their digital capabilities and improve efficiency.
This importance was underscored during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift towards remote working and fully online services have continued to escalate the demand for reliable and resilient data centre infrastructure, and organisations now more than ever before must be able to rely on seamless connectivity, data security, and business continuity in a digital-first world.
The energy transition has also further accelerated the growth in activity across the sector, as businesses continue to place a stronger focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. With growing concerns about environmental impact, data centre operators are actively investing in eco-friendly technologies and renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint, not only aligning with regulatory requirements but also with their target customers’ aspirations around sustainability.
New opportunities for jobseekers and businesses alike
The significant and continued investment in data centres presents compelling opportunities for businesses looking to capitalise on the digital transformation wave as this technology becomes increasingly accessible. From colocation services and cloud computing to managed hosting and disaster recovery solutions, data centres offer a wide array of services that allow organisations to streamline their operations, enhance data security, and improve scalability.
As demand for AI driven software increases businesses are benefiting from cost savings through efficiencies and access to cutting-edge technologies. This however is driving demand in the sector which is leading many large engineering companies to increase their M&A activity in the mission critical sector.
A few examples over the last decade years would be Arcadis’ acquisition of DPS to bolster its presence, Tractabel (Engie group) acquiring RED, and recently Kent PLC acquiring Sudlows Consulting.
For jobseekers, the expansion of the data centre sector in the UK translates into a wealth of career prospects across various functions such as data centre management, network engineering, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. As organisations ramp up their digital initiatives and invest in modernising their digital infrastructure, the demand for skilled professionals with expertise in data centre operations and management is on the rise, positioning these individuals well to pursue rewarding career opportunities.
An ever-evolving demand
The switch to more ‘digital-first’ solutions only continues to grow as businesses adapt to the new technological landscape they find themselves in following the pandemic and a heightened emphasis on sustainability driven by governmental mandates across the world. Businesses stand to benefit from the diverse range of services offered by data centres, while jobseekers can explore exciting career opportunities in this expanding industry.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the data centre sector in the UK remains a key enabler of the country's digital economy, presenting abundant opportunities for growth and development.
Additionally there are increasing volumes of UK and Irish companies exporting data centre construction and project management services into the EU and further afield. This can pose complexity with how to engage employees and contractors compliantly.
If you’re interested in learning more about the prominent opportunities currently available, or if your business is keen to access specialist talent to support your aspirations in this industry, please feel free to connect with me for a chat.