Kao Data’s SEED Fund initiative takes root in communities

As we gear up to bring our first data centre to Greater Manchester, we’ve also been busy growing a groundbreaking community initiative for the region, as part of our ongoing Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) strategy. 

Called the Kao SEED (Social Enterprise and Environmental Development) Fund, this new initiative was created to support grassroots community organisations across the borough of Stockport, home of our forthcoming data centre.

The new fund was launched at the end of 2024, and by the closing date in early 2025, we had received an impressive 68 applications. It was an incredibly difficult job, but we selected 20 community projects from this, which best fitted the criteria and distributed a total pot of £30,000 among them.

These wonderful projects ranged from local environmental schemes, like community gardens and allotments through to social enterprises supporting education, wellbeing and inclusion - all of which help to strengthen community ties across the borough. 

We first announced our plans to expand outside of the South East back in May 2023, with the new facility in Stockport, Greater Manchester, which will be engineered specifically for AI workloads. Site clearance of the former industrial site began last year and we expect the new data centre to be fully operational in 2027.

Engaging with local stakeholders and becoming part of the surrounding community has always been central to our ESG plans. But we wanted to do so much more than simply just engage with the local stakeholders - we wanted to demonstrate that Kao Data wants to become part of the existing community and even more than that, we want to be a good neighbour. By engaging directly with the community, this has also helped people understand what a data centre is and how they work. 

Throughout this year, our team at Kao Data have followed the projects that we have funded, we’ve spoken to the teams involved and we’ve been out to visit as many of them as possible. Meeting the incredible people running all of these community projects has been amazing as has seeing first-hand the positive impact they’re having with their dedicated work.

The Kao SEED Fund was designed to help to nurture grassroots organisations, empowering communities and celebrating innovation. It’s also really hard for community groups to get small pots of funding, and they often feel overlooked for larger charities and projects. So the concept of the SEED Fund was designed to give these fantastic small organisations a real chance to grow their idea or concept. 

The Kao SEED Fund was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Diversity, Equality and Social Responsibility Award at the DCS Awards in 2025. Overall, this whole project has been a deeply rewarding journey for our whole team, and we’re already planning the Kao Stockport SEED Fund 2026, which promises to be even bigger and better.

Following the success of the Stockport SEED Fund, we’re thrilled to have also launched the initiative in Harlow, where we operate one of our flagship data centre campuses. Our goal is to continue growing community partnerships wherever we build because sustainable progress is strongest when it’s shared.

Last week, we awarded a total of £30,000 of funding to 20 amazing community groups in Harlow, and we’re excited about following their progress next year as they roll out their plans laid out in their applications. 

Below are some of the projects that Kao Data funded in Stockport, to demonstrate the breadth of different types of projects. 

Teenage Markets by Place for Youth CIC 

The Teenage Markets were conceived to connect young people to their local communities through creative enterprise and performance and allows young people to develop entrepreneurial skills. The Teenage Market was originally launched in Stockport in April 2012 and it offers young people aged 11-19 a free platform to showcase their creative talents, build confidence and develop essential entrepreneurial skills. 

The Kao SEED Fund was used to set up a Teenage Market in May in the Merseyway shopping centre in Stockport town centre, with 12 young traders, who collectively made over £1,500. 

Nurture Allotment Group by Pure College 

The Pure College organisation established the Nurture Allotment Group at Whitehill Allotments in Reddish, Stockport to help their mental health clients. Group meetings take place weekly, offering a safe space for clients to grow their own produce, offering peer support, as well as learning arts and crafts.

The Kao SEED funding was used to buy seeds and other allotment equipment to help develop the site. The growth of fruit and vegetables across the network helps the group to be able to take the produce home with them, as well as having enough left over to deliver to local food banks in Stockport.

Siyanda Trust 

Siyanda Development Trust supports global minority communities in Stockport, addressing mental health, drug and alcohol challenges. Formed in 2015, it offers a safe, inclusive space to tackle social isolation and improve wellbeing, helping people connect, share and access support they may not otherwise reach.

The Kao SEED Funded project supported women who often face social isolation and are key family carers, and empowered them with knowledge to better support their families. Around 50 individuals participated in the Live Life To The Full or Reclaim Your Life courses and another 50 individuals, including women, men and young people attended their Drugs and Alcohol Awareness sessions.

Reddish Men in Sheds 

Reddish Men in Sheds (RMiS) was founded in 2014 and is part of the UK Men's Sheds Association. The project tackles loneliness and poor health by offering purpose and companionship to men over 50, many of whom face isolation, bereavement, or limited social opportunities.

The Kao SEED Fund has enabled Reddish Men in Sheds to expand The Big Bike Giveaway, a growing project that refurbishes and distributes donated bicycles to those who may not otherwise afford them. The support covered the cost of tools, parts and safety checks needed to restore bikes to a high standard, allowing the group to meet rising demand from local schools and community organisations.