On October 2, 2024, Kao Data, a specialist developer and operator of data centers, announced the commencement of construction on its new £350 million data center in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The 25,900 square meter, 40MW facility, set to house advanced computing technologies including AI and cloud workloads, is expected to be operational by 2026. Designed to be one of the world's most energy-efficient facilities, the data center will be powered by 100% certified renewable energy. The project, which aligns with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s digital blueprint, is expected to create numerous employment opportunities in the area and support the growth of tech businesses. The data center is part of a broader plan to establish Greater Manchester as a major hub for UK digital infrastructure and technology innovation.