- Salesforce increases its UK commitment from $4 billion in 2023 to $6 billion by 2030, expanding R&D and AI-driven product work.
- The company forecasts $41 billion in economic impact and over 500,000 jobs by 2028 through AI adoption and skills-programmes.
What happened: Salesforce invests $6bn in the UK to 2030, building a European AI hub and supporting 500,000 jobs
Salesforce announces it is investing $6 billion in its UK operations through to 2030, expanding on a previous $4 billion pledge from 2023. This investment includes enlarging its existing AI centre in London, hiring R&D teams, acquiring AI startups such as Convergence.ai and Own Company, and preparing to integrate Informatica into its UK operations pending regulatory approval.
Marc Benioff, Co-CEO and Chair of Salesforce, says the UK will become Salesforce’s AI hub for Europe, “driving product innovation for customers across the region.” Zahra Bahrololoumi, CEO of Salesforce UK & Ireland, emphasises responsible AI innovation and leveraging the UK’s deep talent pool. Research from IDC, cited by Salesforce, projects that the “Salesforce economy powered by AI” could create over 500,000 jobs and contribute more than $41 billion to the UK economy by 2028.
Also Read: OpenAI clarifies Robinhood tokens are not real equity
Also Read: Meta targets OpenAI researchers with massive $100m bonuses
Why it is important
This level of investment strengthens the UK’s position in the global AI landscape, reinforcing credibility in its technology sector. By doubling down on commitments and scaling AI infrastructure, Salesforce is not only pushing its own product evolution but also helping to address skills shortages, a key issue noted in government and industry reports. The UK government’s AI zones and workforce training initiatives align closely with this push, bolstering national capacities in line with standards for ethical and trustable AI development.
For businesses and non-profits, expanded resources mean greater access to tools, upskilling, and innovation capabilities. If the projected job creation and economic impact are realised, the investment may tip the competitive balance in favour of firms based in the UK. However, actual outcomes depend on reliable delivery of infrastructure, the regulatory environment for AI startups, and ensuring transparency and responsibility in AI deployments. Salesforce’s approach—including startup acquisitions and accelerator support—helps build trust, but rigorous monitoring and adherence to governance best practices will determine long-term success.
