Cloud computing has become a major part of the UK’s digital economy. Businesses, government  organisations, financial institutions, healthcare providers and startups increasingly use cloud  platforms for data storage, computing power, software, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and  application development. 

The UK cloud computing market is highly competitive, although a small number of global providers  dominate infrastructure services. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that  Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft are the two largest cloud providers, while Google is the  next-largest major provider. 

Cloud services also continue to expand as organisations move away from traditional on-premise IT  infrastructure. In 2023, UK customers spent around £9 billion on cloud services, according to the  CMA, with spending growing by more than 30% annually at the time of its assessment. 

Below is a look at 10 major cloud computing companies serving the UK market.

Top 10 Cloud Computing Companies in UK – Quick Overview 

Rank	Company	Major Cloud Platform	Key Strength
1	Amazon Web Services	AWS	Infrastructure, scalability, and broad services
2	Microsoft	Microsoft Azure	Enterprise cloud and hybrid infrastructure
3	Google	Google Cloud	AI, data analytics, and cloud infrastructure
4	IBM	IBM Cloud	Hybrid cloud and enterprise technology
5	Oracle	Oracle Cloud Infrastructure	Databases and enterprise workloads
6	Salesforce	Salesforce Cloud	CRM and cloud-based business software
7	SAP	SAP Cloud	Enterprise applications and business systems
8	Alibaba Group	Alibaba Cloud	Cloud infrastructure and global services
9	Rackspace Technology	Rackspace Cloud Services	Managed cloud and multi-cloud solutions
10	OVHcloud	OVHcloud	European cloud infrastructure and hosting

*The ranking is based on market presence, breadth of cloud services, enterprise adoption and  relevance to the UK market rather than a single market-share measure. Industry sources identify  AWS, Microsoft, Google, IBM, Oracle and other providers among the major cloud companies  operating in the UK. * 

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Amazon Web Services is one of the world’s largest cloud computing providers and one of the most  important companies in the UK cloud market. AWS provides infrastructure and platform services  covering computing, storage, databases, networking, analytics, artificial intelligence and security. 

Its large service portfolio allows businesses to build applications without maintaining all the  underlying physical infrastructure themselves. AWS is particularly popular with startups, technology  companies and large enterprises that need flexible computing capacity. 

AWS is also a major player in the UK infrastructure cloud market. The CMA identified AWS as one of  the two largest cloud providers in the country, alongside Microsoft. 

Particular	Details
Company	Amazon Web Services
Parent Company	Amazon
Cloud Platform	AWS
Key Services	Compute, storage, databases, AI, networking
Major Advantage	Scale and extensive service portfolio

2. Microsoft 

Microsoft Azure is another dominant cloud platform in the UK. Azure provides computing, databases,  storage, networking, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and developer tools for organisations of  different sizes. 

One of Azure’s major advantages is its integration with Microsoft’s existing enterprise ecosystem.  Businesses already using Microsoft products can connect Azure with technologies such as Microsoft  365, Windows Server, SQL Server and other enterprise applications. 

The CMA’s analysis found Microsoft to be the largest provider of infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) in  the UK+EEA data examined for 2024, with AWS ranking second. 

Particular	Details
Company	Microsoft
Cloud Platform	Microsoft Azure
Key Services	Computing, databases, AI, networking, security
Major Advantage	Enterprise and hybrid-cloud integration
Main Customers	Enterprises, government, startups, and developers

3. Google 

Google Cloud is one of the three major hyperscale cloud providers in the UK, alongside AWS and  Microsoft. Google Cloud provides infrastructure, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine  learning, databases and application development services. 

Google’s strength in AI and data technologies has helped make Google Cloud an important choice for  organisations developing data-intensive applications. Its cloud platform also benefits from Google’s  experience in large-scale computing and data processing.

According to UK regulatory analysis, Google is the third-largest major cloud infrastructure provider,  although its UK market share is considerably smaller than those of AWS and Microsoft. 

Particular	Details
Company	Google
Cloud Platform	Google Cloud
Key Services	AI, data analytics, computing, storage
Major Advantage	AI and data technologies
Best Suited For	Data-driven businesses and developers

4. IBM 

IBM has a long history of working with large enterprises and provides cloud services through IBM  Cloud and its broader hybrid-cloud technology portfolio. 

IBM focuses heavily on hybrid cloud, allowing organisations to combine private infrastructure with  public cloud environments. This approach can be particularly useful for highly regulated industries  that cannot move every workload to a public cloud. 

IBM also combines cloud services with artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, databases and enterprise  consulting. The company is recognised as one of the major cloud infrastructure providers considered  in UK regulatory analysis. 

Particular	Details
Company	IBM
Cloud Platform	IBM Cloud
Key Services	Hybrid cloud, AI, infrastructure, security
Major Advantage	Enterprise and hybrid-cloud expertise
Key Audience	Large organisations and regulated industries

5. Oracle 

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) is another major cloud platform available to UK businesses. Oracle  has traditionally been known for its database and enterprise software technologies, and it has  expanded these capabilities into cloud infrastructure. 

OCI provides computing, storage, networking, databases and other cloud services. Its database  expertise gives Oracle a strong position among businesses that rely heavily on enterprise database  workloads. 

UK regulatory research identifies Oracle among the relevant providers of public cloud infrastructure  services in the market. 

Particular	Details
Company	Oracle
Cloud Platform	Oracle Cloud Infrastructure
Key Services	Cloud infrastructure, databases, enterprise applications
Major Advantage	Enterprise database workloads
Key Customers	Large businesses and enterprises

6. Salesforce 

Salesforce is best known for its cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform.  Rather than focusing primarily on raw computing infrastructure like AWS or Azure, Salesforce  provides cloud applications that businesses can access through the internet. 

Its products cover sales, customer service, marketing, commerce, analytics and related business  functions. Salesforce has become an important part of the broader cloud software market because  companies can use its applications without maintaining traditional software infrastructure  themselves. 

Salesforce is included among the major companies in UK cloud computing industry lists.

Particular	Details
Company	Salesforce
Main Platform	Salesforce Cloud
Key Services	CRM, sales, marketing, customer service
Major Advantage	Cloud-based business applications
Main Users	Businesses and enterprise teams

7. SAP 

SAP is a major enterprise software company with a growing cloud business. Its cloud offerings help  organisations manage finance, human resources, supply chains, procurement, customer relationships  and other business operations. 

SAP’s importance comes from its deep integration with enterprise systems. Businesses that depend  on SAP applications can use its cloud platforms to modernise their IT infrastructure while continuing  to operate critical business processes. 

SAP is listed among the major cloud computing companies serving the UK market.

Particular	Details
Company	SAP
Cloud Focus	Enterprise cloud applications
Key Services	ERP, HR, finance, supply chain, and analytics
Major Advantage	Enterprise business software
Main Users	Large and medium-sized organisations

8. Alibaba Cloud 

Alibaba Cloud is the cloud computing arm of Alibaba Group. It provides computing, storage,  databases, networking, artificial intelligence and other cloud services.

Although Alibaba Cloud has a smaller presence in the UK than the leading hyperscalers, it remains a  significant global cloud provider and is included among major companies in UK cloud market  research. 

The platform can be particularly relevant for businesses with international operations and companies  that need connectivity with Asian markets. 

Particular	Details
Company	Alibaba Cloud
Parent Company	Alibaba Group
Key Services	Computing, storage, databases, AI
Major Advantage	Global and Asian market reach
Main Users	International businesses and enterprises

9. Rackspace Technology 

Rackspace Technology is a cloud services and managed technology provider that helps organisations  operate cloud environments. Unlike hyperscalers such as AWS and Microsoft, Rackspace focuses  heavily on managed services, cloud migration and multi-cloud environments. 

The company works with businesses using different cloud platforms and can help organisations  manage infrastructure, applications and cloud operations. 

Rackspace is included among the companies identified in UK cloud computing market company lists.

Particular	Details
Company	Rackspace Technology
Cloud Focus	Managed and multi-cloud services
Key Services	Migration, management, optimisation
Major Advantage	Multi-cloud expertise
Main Users	Businesses and enterprises

10. OVHcloud 

OVHcloud is a European cloud computing and hosting company that provides servers, storage, public  cloud, private cloud and related infrastructure services. 

The company is particularly relevant to organisations looking for a European cloud provider.  OVHcloud competes in areas including cloud infrastructure and hosting and has a presence across  European markets, including the UK. 

Industry research identifies OVHcloud among the smaller cloud infrastructure providers competing  with the major hyperscalers. 

Particular	Details
Company	OVHcloud
Cloud Focus	Public and private cloud
Key Services	Hosting, servers, storage, and infrastructure
Major Advantage	European cloud infrastructure
Main Users	Businesses, developers, and enterprises

Future of Cloud Computing in the UK 

The UK’s cloud computing sector is expected to remain important as businesses adopt artificial  intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity technologies and cloud-native applications. 

However, the market is also facing increased regulatory attention. The CMA’s cloud services  investigation concluded that AWS and Microsoft occupy particularly strong positions in the UK cloud  market and recommended further consideration of their position under the UK’s digital markets  framework. 

At the same time, demand for cloud services is expanding beyond traditional storage and computing.  AI workloads, machine learning, data processing and high-performance computing are increasing the  need for scalable cloud infrastructure. 

The UK is also becoming an important market for AI infrastructure. Research published by Beauhurst  in 2026 shows strong growth in UK cloud-related investment, with cloud computing companies  raising £3.54 billion across 200 deals during 2025. 

FAQs 

1. Which is the largest cloud computing company in the UK?

AWS and Microsoft Azure are among the dominant cloud infrastructure providers in the UK, with Google Cloud also holding a significant position. The market is highly competitive, with businesses choosing providers based on factors such as pricing, services, security, infrastructure, and enterprise requirements.

2. What are the top cloud computing companies in the UK?

The leading cloud computing companies serving the UK market include AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, IBM, Oracle, Salesforce, SAP, Alibaba Cloud, Rackspace Technology, and OVHcloud. These companies provide services ranging from cloud infrastructure and enterprise applications to AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and managed cloud solutions.

3. Why is cloud computing growing in the UK?

Cloud computing is growing in the UK as businesses increasingly use cloud platforms for data storage, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, analytics, software development, and digital transformation. Cloud services allow organisations to access scalable technology without having to maintain all of their own physical infrastructure.

4. Is AWS better than Microsoft Azure?

Neither AWS nor Microsoft Azure is universally better because the best option depends on an organisation’s specific requirements. AWS offers a very broad range of cloud services and infrastructure options, while Azure can be particularly attractive to organisations already using Microsoft’s enterprise software and technology ecosystem.

5. Is Google Cloud available in the UK?

Yes, Google Cloud is available to businesses in the UK. It provides cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data analytics, storage, databases, networking, security, and other services that organisations can use to develop and operate digital applications.

6. What is hybrid cloud computing?

Hybrid cloud computing combines private infrastructure with public cloud services. This approach allows organisations to keep certain applications or sensitive workloads on private systems while using public cloud resources for other workloads that require scalability and flexibility.

7. Which cloud companies focus on enterprise customers?

Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, and SAP have particularly strong enterprise-focused cloud offerings. AWS and Google Cloud also serve large organisations and provide extensive infrastructure, AI, analytics, security, and enterprise technology services.

8. Is OVHcloud a UK company?

No. OVHcloud is a European cloud computing company headquartered in France, rather than a UK company. However, it operates in the UK market and provides cloud infrastructure, hosting, and related services to customers in the region.

9. What is managed cloud computing?

Managed cloud computing is a service in which a provider helps customers operate, monitor, secure, maintain, and optimise their cloud infrastructure. Managed services can reduce the operational workload for organisations that do not want to manage their entire cloud environment internally.

10. What is the future of cloud computing in the UK?

Cloud adoption in the UK is expected to continue as businesses invest in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, cybersecurity, automation, and cloud-based applications. The increasing demand for scalable digital infrastructure is likely to remain an important driver of cloud computing growth.

Conclusion 

The UK cloud computing industry includes global hyperscalers, enterprise software companies and  specialist cloud providers. AWS and Microsoft Azure remain the dominant infrastructure providers,  while Google Cloud is a major competitor with strong AI and data capabilities. IBM and Oracle focus  heavily on enterprise and hybrid-cloud workloads, while Salesforce and SAP provide cloud-based  business applications. 

Meanwhile, companies such as Alibaba Cloud, Rackspace Technology and OVHcloud provide  additional competition and specialised solutions. 

As organisations continue moving applications, data and AI workloads to the cloud, these companies  are likely to remain important players in the UK’s rapidly developing digital economy.