I was delighted to read last week’s Tech Nation report which highlights the strength of our Cyber Security businesses in Worcester and Malvern. The report recognises the fantastic potential for local cyber businesses to grow Worcestershire currently has a 56% potential growth rate, making it a key player in the Cyber sector. It was also great to see the report recognise Worcester and Malvern as ‘the frontline of the Governments cyber-security strategy.’
Government has recently announced a further £1.9billion of funding for the National Cyber Security Strategy and the Tech Nation report recognises the huge importance of Malvern Hills Science Park and the Wyche Innovation centre in the UK’s ability to withstand cyber-attacks. Worcester and Malvern has been home to 7687 tech jobs and 72 new start-up companies within the last 12 months and our £4million investment of Government’s Growth Deal Funds into the Phase 5 development at Malvern Hills Science Park will build on these figures and bring even more cyber companies to the region.
In June this year Worcestershire will be welcoming a US delegation following the success of last year’s Midlands Engine trade mission to Baltimore. The return mission will take place between 5 -9 June and will showcase what the Midlands has to offer from a cyber-security perspective and enable local companies and Universities to continue building the relationships created in Baltimore last year. As part of the visit, I will be joining local businesses and US delegates to take part in the UK’s biggest security showcase, InfoSec 2017 in London for the first two days, before coming to the Midlands to showcase the fantastic cyber business facilities we have on offer. Worcestershire and the wider Midlands are home to many key players in the cyber-security sector and I look forward to presenting the US delegation with the best that the region has to offer.
