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AI TAKER, NOT MAKER

The UK is falling behind in the AI race. Find out why we’re on the road to taking, not making AI.

Matt Clifford’s much heralded AI Opportunities Action Plan was launched on 13th January 2025 and captivated an industry around the bold promise to “turn the UK into an AI superpower”, seizing the £400 billion international AI prize. In this white paper we explore where we believe the UK is falling behind on this opportunity, the implications on the delivery of the AI Opportunities Action Plan and what needs to be done to resolve these issues and ensure the UK remains an attractive location for frontier AI and advanced computing.

Energy – What Must Be Done

  1. Include data centres in EII criteria and lower power costs to the sector which will provide a shot in the arm to realising the AI maker ambition and £700 billion of hyperscale and big tech investment in the UK.
  2. Zone pricing for data centres close to renewables will reduce containment fees and drive regional economic growth in North and Scotland.
  3. Address fundamental grid issues and ensure DSIT and DESNZ together take immediate remedial action.

Funding AI Developments – What Must Be Done

  1. Government must prioritise action over discussion and engage with industry leaders who have a track record for developing and operating large scale AI infrastructure in order to understand the needs of hyper scale neo clouds and big tech.
  2. Government must clearly set out the benefits for being awarded a successful AIGZ Submission and ensure the steps are taken to attract and secure new inward investment from big tech into the UK.
  3. AI copyright law adjustments and lower energy cost for AIGZs will help encourage the investments needed to establish large-scale AI training deployment.

FAQs

Fill in the form to download the critical explainer on how we need to work together to truly succeed in the international AI arms race.

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AI COPYRIGHT – What Must Be Done

  1. Past legislation to move UK copyright law to parity with the EU so creative industries can opt out if required, but the UK tech sector isn’t at a disadvantage to neighbouring countries.
  2. Showcase the UK as a leading destination for creative industries powered by AI and demonstrate how robust AI infrastructure combined with fair and legal AI legislation can catalyse investment and propel economic GDP.
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If your application is successful, Harlow Council will transfer the grant by BACS.  Bank details (account name, number and sort code) will need to be supplied with a summary of accounts. 

Funding conditions:  If your application is successful, your project must be delivered by 31 December 2026. You will have to return any grant funds if the project is not delivered or the organisation receiving the funding stops operating.

A contract agreement will need to be signed between your organisation and Harlow District Council before any funding is granted.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Grant recipients will be required to provide an end of project report to establish whether the project has met its aims and objectives, as well as to assess the overall impact on participants. Funding for the project is provided on the basis that the Project Evaluation form is returned within the agreed project timescale (no later than 31 January 2027).

Risks and Liabilities: In giving grants the ‘Harlow Council’ will require the supported project organisation or groups to accept all risks and liabilities associated with the activity being supported. This will be a condition of the grant.  Copies of relevant documents may need to be provided if the application has been approved.

Data protection statement – how we will use your information

The Council is committed to handling your personal information in line with the data processing principles.  The Data Protection Legislation and the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) sets the legal framework for how we collect, handle and process personal data and for your rights as a ‘data subject.’

General Data Protection Regulation:  Personal data provided by you will be processed in accordance with this protocol. For more details, please see https://www.harlow.gov.uk/privacy-notice

Thank you for taking the time to read these guidance notes. If you have any questions, please get in touch with [email protected].

FAQs

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  1. Who can apply?
    The fund is open to not-for-profit community groups and grassroots initiatives based in Stockport.
     
  2. What types of projects are eligible?
    We encourage projects focused on environmental sustainability, community cohesion, and local economic development.
     
  3. How much funding is available?
    Grants range from £500 to £2,500 for pilot projects or to enhance existing initiatives.
     
  4. Is this the sole funding for this project?
    If not, please expand on the additional match funding that you currently have or are in the process of applying for.
     
  5. Are there any restrictions on grants under £500?
    Yes, please note that grants under £500 may be subject to different guidelines or restrictions, which will be communicated upon application.
     
  6. When will we know if our project was selected?
    Notifications will be sent by March 31, 2025.
     
  7. How can I apply for a grant?
    Applications can be submitted through our online portal, where you will find detailed guidelines and forms.
     
  8. What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
    If your application is not successful, we encourage you to seek feedback and consider reapplying in future funding rounds.
     
  9. When is the application deadline?
    Please check our website for the latest application deadlines and any upcoming funding rounds.