The CEO of Microsoft UK, Clare Barclay has expressed strong support for the new Labour Government’s emphasis on driving economic growth. However, she emphasized the critical need for an advanced, reliable, and robust digital infrastructure to achieve these ambitions.
In response to the recent King Charles’ Speech, which outlined the Government’s mission to remove barriers to economic progress, Barclay welcomed the initiative.
She remarked that this message signals the UK’s openness to business and readiness to attract investment. Such investment, she noted, could fund public services, alleviate the cost-of-living crisis, and create widespread opportunities.
On the topic of regulation, Barclay highlighted the government’s potential to drive investment in key areas such as data centers, ultrafast broadband, and 5G networks through pro-growth regulatory measures.
ALSO READ : U.S.:CROWDSTRIKE DETECTS BUG BEHIND 8.5M WINDOWS DEVICE SHUTDOWN
These technologies are essential for developing advanced AI-enabled economies. She was particularly encouraged by the announcement that two planning appeals for data centers are under review by the Deputy Prime Minister.
Barclay also called for an upgrade to the national grid to connect data centers to clean energy sources, stressing that a clear pro-business and pro-growth stance is crucial. She noted that this includes building on the UK’s existing strengths, such as world-class universities, the rule of law, and a talented workforce. Creating a pro-competition environment would attract businesses and foster the creation of new enterprises.
Furthermore, Barclay underscored the importance of digital education, advocating for equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to leverage technological innovations.
She emphasized that advances in AI are transforming work and business, and a lack of skilled talent is a concern for public sector leaders aiming to improve service delivery. Enhanced connectivity through gigabit broadband and 5G can bridge the talent and opportunity gap, facilitating both learning and participation in the digital economy.
In her role at Microsoft UK, Barclay has witnessed how organizations use technologies like AI to enhance creativity, efficiency, customer service, product development, and ultimately, growth. She concluded that establishing a robust digital infrastructure is key to unlocking investment, driving growth, and securing a prosperous future for the UK.
