SAP Announces €1/4 billion Investment In The UK Over The Next Five Years
Launch of UK-based cloud service combined with new London and Manchester offices and investment in young talent to propel country’s growth out of lockdown
SAP SE, today announced significant investment in the UK as part of its growth strategy, further strengthening its market-leading position as a provider of cloud-based solutions and services to help organisations in the UK run better.
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The company will launch SAP UK Data Cloud, a highly secure UK-based cloud offering. SAP will also establish new offices in London and Manchester, further develop the company’s award-winning internship programme and increase spend with the nation’s social enterprises.
With SAP UK Data Cloud, the company will provide cloud solutions and services delivered using hyperscaler infrastructure at UK data centres. As organisations increasingly require cloud services that ensure data is managed and stored in country, especially in the public sector, the SAP UK Data Cloud offering will enable SAP to deliver its product suite to organisations demanding these criteria. The launch will initially include the company’s cloud ERP system SAP S/4HANA, its SAP SuccessFactors human experience management solutions and its SAP Business Technology Platform. The company plans to provide its wider product portfolio through SAP UK Data Cloud in the future.
SAP, working with SAP National Security Services, Inc. (SAP NS2®), has developed SAP UK Data Cloud to specifically support the nation’s Critical National Infrastructure, organisations working in the public sector, regulated industries in areas such as healthcare, central and local government, policing, utilities and financial services.
Shaping the future of work
As part of its investment, SAP will also open two new offices in 2021 designed to accommodate new flexible working practices and better serve its wide-spread customer base. A new customer experience centre in the City of London will provide state-of-the-art facilities for customers and partners to identify and pursue co-innovation opportunities with SAP. Additionally, a new facility near Manchester, scheduled for completion later this year in Bruntwood, Alderley Park, will enable SAP to work and engage more closely with companies across the country.
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Scott Russell, Executive Board Member, Customer Success, SAP said: “The UK is a critically strategic market for SAP, and with its highly successful vaccine rollout it has an increasingly positive outlook for the years ahead. We are incredibly excited about this commitment, which will bring new services to market for our customers, greater support for social enterprises, as well as an even better working environment for our colleagues and new talent.”
UK Digital Infrastructure Minister, Matt Warman said: “It’s great to see SAP demonstrating its commitment to the UK and investing heavily to create new jobs and helping ensure long-term digital prosperity is evenly spread across the entire country. Tech is at the heart of our plans to power Britain’s recovery full speed out of the pandemic and we are backing the sector with world-class infrastructure and skills training to make sure the UK is the best place to start and grow a digital business.”
SAP has been deeply focused on supporting and developing young talent in the UK over the past decade. Now, by 2026, it aims to have supported a further 250 interns through its award-winning internship programme. The company will also scale up its apprenticeship programme to further grow the number of trained and skilled people across the IT industry. In addition, SAP is working with Nottingham University to develop an SAP Next-Gen Lab as part of its Academies and University Alliances programme.
SAP has also been a long-time supporter of diverse and social enterprise suppliers. Through its 5&5 by ‘25 commitment and its work with Social Enterprise UK, the company aims to channel millions of pounds of procurement spend within its own supply chain to organisations with a certified social or environmental mission. Numerous good causes will also continue to receive SAP’s support including: The Prince’s Trust, Enactus, Apps For Good, Stemettes and Generation Success.
Michiel Verhoeven, Managing Director SAP UK & Ireland, said: “We are working to be at the heart of change for our customers and partners across the UK and we believe today’s commitment will also drive hundreds of new jobs as our ecosystem grows with us and harnesses our technology to drive growth. This is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the thousands of people that work in and support our business and their dedication to drive success for our customers.”
