Google to support local charities and social enterprises with skills and employment as new Hertfordshire data centre opened
Google has shared plans to support local charities and social enterprises in Hertfordshire, UK with skills and employment as it opened a new data centre in Waltham Cross.
The £5 billion new centre was opened by the UK’s Chancellor Rachel Reeves this week. It aims to help meet growing demand for AI-powered services such as Google Cloud, Workspace, Search and Maps.
Google says it has already trained more than 1 million people in the UK over the past decade and is part of an industry group, announced in July 2025, that aims to equip 7.5 million students and workers with digital skills by 2030.
In Hertfordshire, Google plans to establish a Community Fund, which will be managed by Broxbourne Council, to support local economic development.
Google will also provide direct support to local charities and social enterprises providing skills and employment opportunities.
Supported organizations include Community, Health, and Expanding Skills (CHEXS), which delivers AI and STEAM skills support to local young people and Community Alliance Broxbourne & East Herts, which supports local voluntary and community groups and residents to enhance STEM and digital skills and employment.
Hertfordshire Community Foundation, which works with grassroots charities across the region, and SPACE Hertfordshire, which supports families of neurodivergent young people, will also be supported by Google.
Councilor Corina Gander, Leader of Broxbourne Council, says: "I am delighted that Google chose to open their data centre in the Borough of Broxbourne. The Council has worked closely with Google to maximize the positive impact of the development. Google is heavily investing in community-based projects and is making an important contribution to the local economy".
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