Facebook has announced that it intends to increase its UK staff by around 50 percent by the end of next year.
The company’s Nicola Mendelsohn, VP EMEA, announced at the CBI conference that Facebook will increase their UK staff by around 50%. They will also open a new Headquarters in the UK.
“We came to London in 2007 with just a handful of people, by the end of next year we will have opened a new HQ and plan to employ 1,500 people. Many of those new roles will be high skilled engineering jobs as the UK is home to our largest engineering base outside of the US and is where we have developed new products like Workplace,”
Expansion of Facebook’s UK Operations
Facebook’s decision to expand its workforce in the UK is a significant move that underscores the company’s commitment to its operations outside the United States. The new headquarters in London will not only serve as a central hub for the company’s European activities but will also house a variety of departments, including marketing, sales, and engineering. This expansion is expected to create numerous job opportunities, particularly in high-skilled engineering roles, which are crucial for the development of new technologies and products.
The UK has been a strategic location for Facebook, primarily due to its robust tech ecosystem and the availability of top-tier talent. The new headquarters will be located in the heart of London, further cementing the city’s status as a global tech hub. This move is also seen as a vote of confidence in the UK’s tech sector, especially in the wake of Brexit, which has raised concerns about the future of tech investments in the country.
Innovative Projects and Future Prospects
In addition to the new headquarters, Facebook also has a significant presence in Somerset, where the company is working on innovative projects aimed at leveraging solar power for its unmanned drones. These drones are part of Facebook’s ambitious plan to bring the Internet to remote and underserved parts of the world. The Somerset facility is focused on developing solar-powered technology that will enable these drones to stay airborne for extended periods, thereby providing continuous Internet coverage to areas that lack traditional infrastructure.
This project is part of Facebook’s broader initiative known as Internet.org, which aims to make Internet access available to the two-thirds of the world’s population that is not yet connected. By using solar-powered drones, Facebook hopes to overcome the geographical and economic barriers that have traditionally hindered Internet access in remote regions. This initiative not only has the potential to transform lives by providing access to information and communication tools but also opens up new markets for Facebook’s services.
Moreover, the expansion in the UK and the innovative projects in Somerset highlight Facebook’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge technology and its vision of a more connected world. These efforts are expected to drive significant advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and renewable energy, further solidifying Facebook’s position as a leader in the tech industry.
In conclusion, Facebook’s plan to increase its UK staff by 50% and open a new headquarters in London is a testament to the company’s growth and its commitment to innovation. The new roles, particularly in engineering, will play a crucial part in developing new products and technologies that will shape the future of the Internet. Additionally, the projects in Somerset demonstrate Facebook’s dedication to using technology for social good, aiming to connect the unconnected and bridge the digital divide.
Source TechCrunch
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