Last week, members of our team attended Data Centre World (DCW). The event provided a great chance to take part in sessions and insightful discussions, connect with clients and partners, catch up with suppliers involved in our soon-to-be-completed MCR2 data centre construction, and talk to prospective clients exploring off-premise data centre solutions.
Reflections from Data Centre World (DCW) 2025
Posted on in News
Highlights
How AI and sustainability are shaping data centre demand
Alongside connecting with the data centre community, the event surfaced key themes and trends that align with our priorities and values. A few topics particularly stood out for us during DCW, including data centre sustainability, and the general industry focus on AI and HPC and the subsequent impact on the requirement for resilient and scalable data centre capacity.
Sustainability is pivotal for the future of data centres, and it’s at the core of our business. As we continue constructing our new data centre in Manchester (MCR2), we’re proud to showcase how sustainable design and practices are ingrained in our DNA.
With rising energy demands from sectors like AI and HPC, balancing operational efficiency with environmental responsibility is more crucial than ever. At DCW, there was widespread recognition of the need for sustainable data centre solutions, and we are excited to be at the forefront of addressing this challenge.
Key takeaways from DCW
Through conversations, sessions, and feedback at the event, several key takeaways emerged about the demands and challenges faced by enterprises and service providers today. Here are the top trends we observed:
1. Demand for resilient and sustainable UK data centres
Enterprises and service providers are facing mounting pressure to access secure, high-quality, and sustainable data centre facilities. To meet this demand, we are constructing MCR2 in Manchester and are currently planning FRN2 at our Farnborough site.
Another recurring theme was how enterprises managing in-house data centres are increasingly turning to colocation or cloud solutions. This shift is often motivated by the need to meet ESG targets, reduce operating costs, and avoid costly, resource-intensive upgrades to outdated mechanical and electrical systems.
2. Data residency and sovereignty
Keeping control over data through data residency within the UK/EU remains a priority for many enterprises, driven in part by the uncertain posture of the US government and growing concerns over data sovereignty.
3. Edge computing growth
The rise of edge computing is driving demand for distributed data, which in turn requires increased data centre capacity to ensure these systems are resilient, local, and capable of handling high-demand workloads.
4. Backup for hybrid cloud services
There’s significant growth in third-party data backup services, particularly those providing localised control over hyperscaler cloud services like Microsoft 365 backup as a service (BaaS), workplace recovery solutions, and cloud disaster recovery.
Looking forward
We left DCW inspired by the opportunities ahead. For businesses seeking immediate capacity, our white space availability in two highly resilient and sustainable locations provides a ready-to-go solution. Whether you’re looking to expand your edge computing capabilities, secure backup options, or reduce dependency on in-house data centres, we offer the resilience, sustainability, and agility you need to grow.
DCW reaffirmed that we’re on the right path. By addressing the evolving demands of the market – through sustainability, enterprise-focused solutions, and forward-thinking technology – we’re perfectly positioned to continue leading the way. Challenges like supply chain disruption further emphasise why flexibility and agility are critical for modern enterprises. We’re confident in our ability to meet these demands, offering tailored solutions that align with the goals and evolving needs of enterprise clients.
Whether you’re a service provider or an organisation exploring data centre options, we’re ready to help you succeed. Learn more about how we can support your data centre needs by getting in touch with us today.