Across the UK, AI is becoming an increasingly central force in driving innovation. In cities like London, the technology is already powering everything from smarter public transport systems to advanced healthcare diagnostics, with new startups and research centres emerging at a rapid pace.
This falls in line with the government’s mission to make the UK one of the leading global centres for artificial intelligence, just as we are for online gaming and fintech – as proven by the most recent Creative Industries Sector Plan. As a result, these cities have become magnets for tech talent and investment, but one of the more surprising entries into the AI fray has been Merseyside, which has just been given the ‘certified hub’ treatment in the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan.
What’s Planned For Merseyside?
Earlier in the year, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that he wanted to make the UK one of the world’s ‘AI superpowers’, as a way of boosting economic growth and public services. As a result of this, the government launched the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which includes a 20-fold increase in publicly owned AI computing capacity by 2030, as well as the creation of ‘AI Growth Zones’ with fast-tracked planning and access to energy infrastructure.
At the same time, the Global IT company, Kyndryl, announced it was going to make Merseyside a new tech hub, complete with a Kyndryl Vital Studio for design-led AI co-creation, as well as advisory services under Kyndryl Consult. Merseyside is one part of a broader £14 billion national investment from companies like Kyndryl, Nscale, and Vantage Data Centres, but its share is perhaps the most significant – representing a clear distribution of investment and opportunity beyond the traditional tech hubs of London and the south east.
What Will This Do For the Area?
The impact on Merseyside will be huge. According to Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, the AI hub planned for the county will create thousands of jobs for local people, positioning the Liverpool City Region as a national leader in digital innovation and advanced manufacturing. The government has stated that 1,000 jobs will be created over the next three years alone, with roles ranging from software engineering and data science to AI translation, testing, and digital consulting. Most importantly, many of these jobs are being designed to include early-career opportunities – creating entry points for people at all stages of their careers.
In the broader ecosystem, the ripple effects are expected to include more demand for tech education and training at local universities, new AI marketing opportunities for local startups, improved public services, and increased inward investment from companies drawn to the area’s growing digital infrastructure. Rotheram and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority have also emphasised that digital inclusion is a core priority. This means that efforts are being made to ensure that all residents – regardless of age, background, or prior experiences – can benefit from the changes, and are supported by multiple programs and apprenticeships.
Conclusion
The goal, according to Rotheram, is not just to create a successful AI hub, but to build a digitally empowered region – one where growth is inclusive and rooted in opportunity for all. In short, he wants the people of Merseyside to benefit from the rise in AI investment, not just watch it from the sidelines.
To do this, however, a lot of work will need to go into ensuring accessible training and education pathways, with a focus on skills development investment, rather than just short-term job creation. It can definitely happen, and the jobs that are projected to appear are undoubtedly going to make an impact, but if this is going to be truly transformative for Merseyside, there must be a sustained commitment from all stakeholders to make it a lasting success.