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Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveils 1,000 new AI jobs in Liverpool City Region with Kyndryl tech hub

2025-04-08 07:43:21 By

Sir Keir Starmer will be the new prime minister

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced 1,000 new tech jobs for Liverpool City Region as he pledged to 'relight the fires of innovation' through Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The PM told BusinessLive's sister title the Liverpool Echo that American group Kyndryl, the world's leading IT infrastructure services provider is set to open a new tech hub in the Liverpool City Region, which will generate 1,000 jobs over the coming three years.

Sir Keir told the Echo: "Liverpool voted for change in July. And my Labour government has been working tirelessly to deliver on that change. We're starting to reap the rewards of that hard work.

"Last November I visited Runcorn to announce 2,000 jobs in the region - thanks to our £22 billion investment in Carbon Capture. Today I can announce that yet more jobs are coming as Kyndryl has committed to an extra 1,000 AI-related jobs over the next three years.

He continued: "These are jobs of the future that will relight the fires of innovation across the Liverpool City Region. It means working people - from the Wirral to St Helens - will feel the change we promised.

"I promised the Echo that I would turbocharge this great region, and here is the proof. Working hand in hand with Mayor Steve Rotheram, today's announcement shows how Labour in power is delivering for working people."

Sir Keir's government said the new tech hub "will share the government's ambition to roll AI out across the country to help grow the economy and foster the next generation of talent."

The Liverpool news comes as part of a broader government announcement, which states that AI will be 'unleashed' across the UK in an effort to "help turbocharge growth and boost living standards". The Prime Minister unveiled details of the government's AI Opportunities Action Plan today, stating that AI can "transform the lives of working people".

Sir Keir added that the new technology "has the potential to speed up planning consultations to get Britain building, can help drive down admin for teachers so they can get on with teaching children, and feed AI through cameras to spot potholes and help improve roads. " The Prime Minister emphasised his government's commitment to this industry by agreeing to implement all 50 recommendations set out by Matt Clifford in his "game-changing" AI Opportunities Action Plan.

The Prime Minister said: "Artificial Intelligence will drive incredible change in our country. From teachers personalising lessons, to supporting small businesses with their record-keeping, to speeding up planning applications, it has the potential to transform the lives of working people.

"But the AI industry needs a government that is on their side, one that won't sit back and let opportunities slip through its fingers. And in a world of fierce competition, we cannot stand by. We must move fast and take action to win the global race.

"Our plan will make Britain the world leader. It will give the industry the foundation it needs and will turbocharge the Plan for Change. That means more jobs and investment in the UK, more money in people's pockets, and transformed public services. That's the change this government is delivering."

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "AI is a powerful tool that will help grow our economy, make our public services more efficient and open up new opportunities to help improve living standards.

"This action plan is the government's modern industrial strategy in action. Attracting AI businesses to the UK, bringing in new investment, creating new jobs and turbocharging our Plan for Change. This means better living standards in every part of the United Kingdom and working people have more money in their pocket."

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BT wins £1.3bn 'overcharging' class action

BT has emerged victorious in a £1.3 billion class action lawsuit after allegations that it "disproportionately overcharged" its landline customers were dismissed. The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) announced today that the claim against BT was unsuccessful, concluding that "overall" the prices charged "were not unfair, and therefore there was no abuse of dominant position." The legal challenge was initiated by Mishcon de Reya, representing over three million customers, with consumer advocate Justin Le Patourel acting as the claimants' representative, as reported by City AM. The claim accused BT of levying excessive prices for "standalone" fixed voice services, particularly affecting older clientele, suggesting an abuse of market dominance, but the Tribunal found otherwise. Proceedings were certified in October 2021, prompting an appeal from BT. This landmark case was the first to test the CAT’s approach to certifying collective proceedings on an opt-out basis. Despite BT's appeal against certification being rejected by the Court of Appeal, the trial proceeded in January and concluded at the end of March. Beyond its implications for the involved parties, this case holds considerable significance for the legal industry, marking the first trial since the collective proceedings regime was established in 2015.

Not just 'shiny tech bits' – how AI could power Liverpool and its businesses to global success

We’re moving from AI hype to reality, tech leaders say – and a global event in Liverpool today heard how the city region can become a leader in AI technology that’s changing the world for the better. The city region’s first-ever AI summit brought together leaders in AI, one of the fastest-growing and most high-profile sectors in the global economy. Speakers included the UK boss of global tech giant IBM, who said Liverpool City Region was “well set to become a leader in responsible AI”. And the summit also heard from North West entrepreneurs – one of whom told BusinessLive that his firm had recently hit a key regulatory milestone that should allow it to start working in the USA. Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said Liverpool city region needed to stay ahead of the technological curve to make sure it was ready for all future innovations and inventions. He said the summit was “about showing the world what the Liverpool City Region is all about: innovation with heart, technology with purpose and a vision of progress that leaves no one behind". And he said: “Artificial intelligence is a perfect example of this. Not the fancy algorithms - or shiny tech bit - but because, with the right guardrails in place, it can empower us to solve real problems, improve people’s lives, and build a fairer, more equitable society.” The Metro Mayor hailed the success of recent AI projects, such as Alder Hey Children’s Hospital using AI to help doctors diagnose illnesses faster, and the success of the UK’s most powerful industrial supercomputer in Daresbury at supporting innovative tech firms. He said: “Collaboration is key to all of this. That’s what makes this region special. The Liverpool City Region has a knack for punching above its weight. It’s in our DNA. When I was growing up, this was a region known for its resilience and creativity. “We didn’t just follow trends; we set them. Today, we’re taking that same spirit into the digital age. But leadership comes with responsibility. “As AI develops, we need to make sure it reflects our values of fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability. AI should empower people, not replace them. It should build trust, not breed suspicion. And it should create opportunities for everyone. “Together, we will use those ideas to cement the Liverpool City Region as a global leader in ethical, impactful artificial intelligence.” Dr Nicola Hodson, chief executive at IBM UK and Ireland, said she was proud to be in Liverpool as a Widnes native who studied at the University of Liverpool. She said: “This region’s tech sector is booming.” And she added: “There’s a real buzz here which is very exciting to see.” She explained how IBM’s AI experts had worked in fields including healthcare, where AI tech has helped speed up analysis and diagnostics to help patients get treated more quickly. She said this was an “incredibly exciting time in the UK tech industry”. And she added: “Tech is moving faster than it ever has but slower than it ever will, and we cannot afford to be passengers. “ Dr Hodson called this “one of the most transformational periods in human history” and added: “There is little doubt we are already in the age of AI.” She said: “It is clear we’re moving from AI hype to AI reality”, and that AI is augmenting – not replacing – human intelligence." She added that: “With the right governance and guardrails AI can enhance innovation and creativity." Dr Hodson said that according to McKinsey, AI could add $4.4 trillion of value annually to global GDP by 2030. And she said UK government research showed the UK’s own AI industry is expected to grow to £800 billion by 2035. She added that the city region “is well set to become a leader in responsible AI". Dr Hodson ended her speech by saying there were five key questions that people needed to ask when implementing AI to ensure it had the right guardrails and governance in place – including securing and organising data. One of the exhibitors was Antony Shimmin, co-founder of software company MyCardium AI. The Liverpool business, originally spun out of University College London, is using AI to analyse heart scans, bringing faster results for doctors and patients. Antony and his co-founders, Professor James Moon, Professor Charlotte Manisty and Professor Mark Westwood, have been working to get their technology cleared for use around the world. Mr Shimmin said from the stage that the company had now got the crucial FDA clearance it needed to operate in the USA. He later told BusinessLive: “It’s a huge milestone. It demonstrates our commitment to excellence and compliance. So our software has been clinically and technically reviewed, and the AI has been reviewed. to ensure that this does bring about the benefits that we say it does. “So it's huge for the business, allows us to sell into the States and deliver this to frontline clinicians to improve patient care and clinical outcomes.” The company, which is also working to secure UK and EU clearance, has grown organically from its base at The Spine in Liverpool’s Paddington Village, and today employs 24 people and 52 contractors. Mr Shimmin explained that MyCardium’s technology aims to “deliver more precise measurements of heart function to improve clinical decision-making and better inform patients of their conditions". It uses AI to compare and measure scans more quickly that humans could. He added: “We're much more precise than a human ruler, much faster than a human ruler. And that leads to real change in clinical outcomes and decision making.” Other summit speakers included Erika Lewis, chief executive at the national innovation accelerator Connected Places Catapult, who said her organisation had set up a base at The Spine to support local businesses. Meanwhile Northern Agenda editor Rob Parsons hosted a debate on using AI for good, with panelists including Dr Iain Buchan from the University of Liverpool.

Tyneside tech firm Leighton moves to new city centre offices

North East software development company Leighton has relocated its regional headquarters to a prime office scheme in Newcastle city centre. Leighton, which specialises in building software products and optimising processes for customers, had been based at The Core at Newcastle Helix, but has now moved its head office to the 14-storey Bank House in Pilgrim Street. The company has taken space within the Cubo offices, the top two floors of the building that the flexible workspace provider opened up last year. Leighton reached a significant milestone as it celebrates the growth of its team to 100 colleagues following another year of sustained growth. The office – the first site for Cubo in the North East – gives members a 360-degree panoramic view of the city’s skyline. The company said it saw a 31% increase in revenue during its 2024 financial year and is set for another year of record performance at the end of the 2025 financial year, with projected growth in the double figures, through its work with customers including British Airways, Atom Bank, Equans, IAG Loyalty and Greggs. James Bunting, CEO at Leighton, said the relocation reinforces its commitment to maintaining headquarters in the North East while supporting its growing hybrid workforce, who will be able to take advantage of Cubo’s national network of locations. Mr Bunting said: “This transition marks a significant milestone for Leighton, as we continue to invest in an environment where our team and customers can come together to thrive, collaborate and innovate. Access to Cubo’s office network across the UK is important to us as it will ensure all of our team will have access to spaces where great work happens, and our culture comes to life. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to retaining a headquarters in the North East and supporting the growing tech sector in the region.” Last year the business made key strategic appointments, which included welcoming Lee Gilmore as principal solutions architect, and Clare Gledhill as chief consulting officer to lead on the company’s consultancy offering. Mr Gilmore added: “The tech sector in the North East is a growing hub and we’re only going to see more focus, business, and talent around what is already a thriving sector. It’s great to be working with like-minded individuals who are so invested in cultivating and growing the amazing talent already working in the region.”

Newcastle property firm iamproperty to create 100 jobs over coming months

A major recruitment drive has been opened up by Newcastle's iamproperty as it plans to create 100 jobs over the next 18 months. The Gosforth-based provider of technology for online property auctions says it will initially focus the expansion on its residential conveyancing arm, Medway Law. It is part of a move to capitalise on continued rises in auction transactions. To begin with, 20 roles are being advertised across its conveyancing and business support services. In February and March, more than 20 roles will be available for auction specialists. Bosses say the move comes on the back of demand for iamproperty's auction solution driven by buyers and sellers looking for fast sales ahead of the Stamp Duty Land Tax deadline in April. That is when the threshold band on residential properties will reduce from £250,000 to £125,000. Iamproperty, which employs 700 people, is said to be the UK's largest online residential auctioneer and reports that the number of properties sold by auction was up by 28% in December last year, compared with the year before and bidding activity was up 64%. The firm says that auctions can offer 56-day completion timescales from receipt of draft contracts, based on a standard property. Ben Ridgway, co-founder at iamproperty, said: "We’re pleased to be expanding our 150-strong team within Medway Law with these new legal roles. We know some redundancies were faced in the industry before Christmas and are keen to hear from people with experience who want to be part of modernising the property market and driving innovation. "We’re committed to making the moving process better, faster, and more secure for everyone involved, and we’re in it for the long term. We’re looking forward to welcoming successful candidates who share our vision. "The market conditions mean that auction is helping support buyers with quick sales to make Stamp Duty savings and is the current focus of our recruitment efforts. However, we will be creating opportunities in multiple areas of the business as we continue to realise our ecosystem vision to drive real change in the property market." Plans to increase headcount at iamproperty follow several years of the growth, including 2023's investment from private equity backer Perwyn in a deal believed to have topped £100m. Iamproperty was founded by Jamie Cooke and Ben Ridgway in 2009 as they spotted a gap in the market for a property auction service that benefited estate agents and buyers.

Google faces UK antitrust probe in crackdown on Big Tech dominance

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Stock rise sees Nvidia challenge Apple for world's most valuable company title

Nvidia's shares climbed 3.4% on Tuesday to $149.43 (£118.95) per share, putting it on par with Apple following a series of product launches at the CES event in Las Vegas. The tech giant unveiled an array of new offerings, including gaming chips, a personal AI supercomputer, and AI models for robotics and self-driving cars, as reported by City AM. Post-announcement, Nvidia's valuation soared to $4.66 trillion (£3.7 trillion), positioning it as the world's second-most valuable company, just behind Apple. Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the company's AI ambitions and potential growth in robotics, gaming, and autonomous vehicles, referring to robotics as a "multi-trillion dollar opportunity" in his keynote speech. This development follows Nvidia's brief stint as the world's most valuable company last year when its market capitalisation reached $3.43 trillion (£2.66 trillion) in November, surpassing Apple's $3.38 trillion (£2.62 trillion). Microsoft currently holds third place. Central to Nvidia's success is the introduction of the RTX 50 series, part of the Blackwell family, announced by Huang. These new gaming chips promise unparalleled performance and are expected to hit the market this month. Analysts at AJ Bell have emphasised the significance of this launch, stating: "The RTX 50 series will use Nvidia’s Blackwell AI technology to support highly detailed, hyper-realistic graphics." "This launch is a reminder that Nvidia is not just about AI; the business’ success was founded on gaming technology, and RTX 50 implies it remains on top of its ‘game", they said. Another significant announcement from Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang was the unveiling of Project Digits, a desktop AI supercomputer priced from $3,000 (£2,387). Equipped with the new Grace Blackwell Superchip (GB10), Project Digits offers processing power previously exclusive to large-scale data centres. It can manage AI models with up to 200 billion parameters, expandable to 405 billion when two systems are connected. "AI will be mainstream in every application for every industry. With Project Digits, the Grace Blackwell Superchip comes to millions of developers", Huang declared. The compact design, similar to a Mac Mini, aims to make Project Digits accessible to data scientists, researchers, and students. Analysts predict this could significantly speed up AI adoption across sectors from healthcare to manufacturing. "Nvidia has unveiled something that promises to be faster and better than what’s already on offer", commented AJ Bell analysts. Nvidia also revealed advancements in robotics, including AI models for humanoid robots and a partnership with Toyota to incorporate its self-driving car technology. Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, has forecasted that robotics will become "the largest technology industry the world has ever seen", with a market for humanoid robots alone projected to reach $48bn (£38bn) within the next two decades. By utilising its AI chips and software, Nvidia aims to transform robotics in smart factories, warehouses, and autonomous vehicles. Huang declared that the robotics industry had reached a "technological turning point" due to advancements in AI that allow robots to learn more efficiently by simulating and analysing vast amounts of real-world data. Nvidia also launched foundational AI models on its Cosmos platform, which have been trained on 20 million hours of video data.

Dyson to move workforce out of Bristol and scrap tech hub plans

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Transport for Wales launches new high speed internet network

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County Durham firm braves Dragons' Den in bid to secure investment

A County Durham couple will become the latest regional business to brave the Dragons’ Den this week. Zara Paul and Aaron Morris are the founders of Choppity, a Belmont Business Park company behind a web-based AI video editing platform which is set to appear on the new series of the BBC pitching programme on Thursday in a bid to secure investment for their start-up. The co-founders and married couple only launched Choppity in 2023 with a vision to simplify the video-editing process for podcasters and businesses. The platform, which was founded in Durham, is already used in production by companies including ITN, Autotrader, Turtle Bay, and Sonatype, with features including AI subtitles, in which Choppity instantly adds subtitles to podcast clips, and Magic Reframe, which instantly turns a landscape podcast into a portrait or square one to make sure every speaker’s face can be seen. Before taking on the Dragons, the pair said their number one target for investment was entrepreneur and host of one of the world’s most listened-to podcasts, Diary of a CEO, Steven Bartlett. Zara proudly represents the LGBTQ+ community as an openly non-binary contestant, and said the experience was “important and deeply personal”. Zara said: “It was an unforgettable moment to be in that room, presenting something we’ve worked so hard on. The setup felt incredibly stripped back - just the two of us and a screen in front of the five established entrepreneurs. It was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. “The startup world, and the media more broadly, often feel bare of LGBTQ+ representation, especially for gender non-conforming and trans founders. I hope this moment inspires others to pursue their ambitions and know they belong here too.” In a LinkedIn post the firm said: “After months of secrecy, we’re so excited to finally reveal the news. Watch the episode this Thursday 16th January, 8pm on BBC 1 to find out what the Dragons thought of Choppity. For those that have been following our company’s journey for a while, I hope you have fun watching this episode! “We’re extremely grateful for the opportunity to showcase Choppity on a national stage. To all of our users, customers and supporters, thank you for helping us get here.”

IT services firm strikes Birmingham City deal

An IT services company has struck a new deal with Birmingham City FC. Intercity has become the club's official IT support partner for the next three years. The Birmingham-based company will be responsible for upgrading the club's IT systems and cloud servers, providing matchday stadium support and enhancing network connectivity at the training ground among other work. A support engineer from Intercity will also be on site to provide technical support. Intercity has doubled its workforce to 325 over the last five years. This latest deal with League One Birmingham City follows similar tie ups with Warwickshire County Cricket Club and their home of Edgbaston stadium. Chief executive Charlie Blakemore said: "We are incredibly proud to partner with Birmingham City FC, a cornerstone of our local community. "This strategic partnership represents a great synergy between two Birmingham-based organisations with deep and passionate roots in the city. "Our focus will be on helping the football club with its digital transformation, a critical journey that will boost operations and allow them to focus on their performance both on and off the field. "We have always prioritised building strong partnerships within the community and adding Birmingham City to our roster is not only a tremendous honour but a fantastic vehicle for doing good in the local areas we operate in. "There is a real vision and desire from the owners to use football to regenerate places and lives and we will ensure they can do that through the most appropriate use of technology and by driving shared connections in the city." Birmingham City chief executive Garry Cook added: "We took over 18 months ago and the focus was on fixing and building the football club.