Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what opportunities are provided by his Department in North East Somerset and Hanham to help attract investment in artificial intelligence industries.

Government is working closely with WECA to support the delivery of the West of England Growth Strategy, which sets out both key locations and target sectors, one of which is identified as digital and technology including AI, to attract investment and deliver economic growth. Measures to deliver on the strategy and increase attractiveness to investors of the West of England’s already vibrant economy include the recently announced Future Places Fund, to which Government has contributed £65m.

The Government's support for AI businesses is UK wide, and we are determined that the benefits of AI are felt in every part of the country. The Office for Investment’s Venture Capital Unit connects UK AI companies with international investors to help them scale. Through our Sovereign AI Fund, backed by £500 million, we invest directly in and support strategically important British AI companies, and Innovate UK's £130 million Growth Catalyst provides grants.