~ Colin Dean, Managing Director, Socomec

What industry trends and tech developments did you find the most interesting while at this year’s show

AI remains the topic on nearly everyone’s lips and, at this year’s event, there were plenty of positive new stories about how AI is boosting data centre efficiency.

It was interesting to learn how AI-powered data analytics is enabling operators to better manage their facilities, for example, by proactively identifying and fixing maintenance issues before they escalate, and by optimising cooling. Efficiency gains like these will be key drivers in the push towards a more sustainable data centre industry.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry in 2025?

Keeping up with the demands of high-performance computing (HPC), machine learning and AI, is the number one challenge facing data centre operators this year. Higher density racks may offer a more efficient use of space, but they raise huge challenges around power usage and cooling.

Operators need to find a way to efficiently scale their operations to meet rapidly growing demand for high-density compute. Smarter power management systems are going to be the key to enhancing overall performance while at the same time limiting energy costs.

What excites you most about your industry right now?

It’s positive to see the data centre industry taking major steps towards improving its sustainability credentials. This is, in part, driven by regulations like the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), but there’s also a growing recognition that it’s the right thing to do.

The increased use of renewable energy, enhanced cooling systems, and projects that divert waste heat to power district heating networks, are just some of the exciting developments that are gathering momentum.

Why is it important to bring industry professionals together at events like Tech Show London?

Data Centre World provides a fantastic opportunity for data centre operators and top energy companies to meet to discuss the latest trends and challenges facing the industry.

Advancements in AI and machine learning mean demand for data centre space and power is hitting new heights. It’s important that industry stakeholders have a forum like Data Centre World, where they can openly discuss ways of meeting this growing demand but without negatively impacting the environment. 

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to newcomers joining the industry?

Join LinkedIn Groups, attend events like Data Centre World and seek out a mentor, so you gain a thorough understanding of the industry.

You’ll soon find out that the data centre sector offers a wider variety of roles in IT, cloud services, cybersecurity, infrastructure, facilities management, and more, so there’s something for everyone.

Problem-solvers and innovators are particularly in demand as they’ll play a central role in ensuring uptime, optimising efficiency, and scaling operations – all of which are crucial for the future development of the industry.