Northumberland Wins Silver at Prestigious International fDi Intelligence Awards for Cambois Data Centre Investment
Northumberland County Council has secured international recognition after being awarded Silver at the fDi Intelligence Investment Impact Awards 2026, celebrating the transformative foreign direct investment by Blackstone-backed QTS’s £10bn Cambois Data Centre Campus.
The award, presented by fDi Intelligence – the specialist investment publication from the Financial Times – recognises foreign direct investment projects across Europe with the greatest potential to deliver meaningful, long-term economic, social and strategic impact. Northumberland’s success places it among Europe’s most impactful investment destinations.
The nomination was submitted by the Business Northumberland Team at the County Council.
The judges highlighted the Data Centre Campus as a standout project for its scale, long-term value, alignment with strategic growth priorities and its potential to drive productivity, innovation and inclusive economic growth across the region.
The QTS investment at Cambois represents one of the most significant digital infrastructure developments in the North East of England. It is expected to deliver substantial benefits for local businesses, residents and communities, creating high-quality jobs, strengthening the region’s digital resilience, and supporting the growth of supply chains and skills across Northumberland and the wider North East.
Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, welcomed the international recognition. He said: “This Silver Award from fDi Intelligence is a powerful endorsement of Northumberland as a place to invest and do business.
“The Cambois Data Centre Campus is a landmark project for our county and for the wider North East, bringing global investment, over 1,200 high-value jobs and long-term economic opportunities for our communities. We are proud to see Northumberland recognised on the international stage and grateful to QTS for their confidence in our area and our people.”
Tag Grearson, Co-CEO of QTS said the award reflects both the scale of the development and the strength of the local partnership.
He said: “The Cambois Data Centre Campus is a project of international significance, and this recognition from fDi Intelligence underlines its long-term impact and importance.
“From the outset, Northumberland County Council has been a supportive, collaborative and forward-thinking partner, working closely with us to help make this development a reality.
“We are proud to be investing in Northumberland and excited about the role this campus will play in supporting the UK’s digital economy while delivering real benefits for the local community.”
The fDi Intelligence Investment Impact Awards focus on the quality of foreign direct investment, assessing projects not only on capital investment and jobs, but also on their ability to drive innovation, sustainability, inclusion and long-term economic resilience.