Kao Data appoints Jargon Group to build northern profile 

Specialist data centre developer, Kao Data, has appointed the MediaCityUK-based PR team of the Jargon Group to help build awareness of its £350 million investment in the North of England.

Kao Data is partnering with the Jargon Group to support communications around its plans for a 40MW data centre on a 39,000 sqm ex-industrial site in Reddish, Stockport. The business already hosts one of the country’s most powerful supercomputers from its Harlow campus in Essex, and the Stockport project represents its first data centre campus in the North of England. The data centre aims to enhance and accelerate the Manchester city-region’s growing status as a leading technology hub, supporting local business and research communities in the process whilst creating high-value jobs. 

The PR programme will be led by the experienced industry professional, Sue Souter, who has managed many high-profile campaigns around Greater Manchester over three decades. A former President of Stockport Chamber of Commerce, Sue will be overseeing a campaign of media relations and stakeholder engagement to build brand awareness and educate on the role of data centres in a thriving, fast-growing tech sector. 

The Jargon Group is working in partnership with Rory Flashman-Wells, Director at Spa Communications – an award-winning, integrated communications agency specialising in the digital infrastructure sector – and will support Kao Data in its Northern media strategy, as well as its collaboration with key local organisations.

Kao Data will also be conducting community outreach to schools and colleges across the region to create and promote opportunities for future generations to pursue careers in data centres. 

Adam Nethersole, VP of Marketing at Kao Data, said that Jargon’s existing links and relationships were an invaluable part of putting down roots in the area:

“We want to do this right by tapping into skilled communications professionals based in Manchester to carry our messages to a range of stakeholders. 

“We have had a fantastic welcome so far, great early coverage and look forward to working with Sue and her team into 2024.”

The Jargon Group has also has offices in Reading (HQ), Cardiff and Dubai and employs 30 people, of which more than a dozen are based in the MediaCityUK office working on a variety of tech, sustainability, manufacturing and professional services accounts.