Nicola Whiting, the Chief Operations Officer of award-winning software business Titania, has been appointed as Worcestershire’s Commissioner for the UK Government’s Cyber Science and Innovation Audit.
The Cyber Science and Innovation Audit’s ambition is to inform the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and underpin the prioritisation of science and innovation investments in the region. The Audit will test the potential for developing world-leading ideas, products and technologies that will create jobs, increase UK productivity and drive growth.
In her role as Commissioner, Nicola will help to develop the Cyber Science and Innovation Audit to establish and strengthen links with other areas of cyber expertise in the UK and the wider region. The Audit will particularly highlight where there is potential for the region, and therefore the UK, to lead global markets.
In October 2017, a collaborative submission was made by 4 Local Enterprise Partnerships (Worcestershire, Marches, Swindon & Wiltshire and Gloucestershire) to undertake a Government endorsed Science and Innovation Audit for the region. The Local Enterprise Partnerships will provide a platform for local leaders and businesses to shape policies for their area, in line with the Government’s Industrial Strategy.
Research has shown that there are approximately 40,250 employees across cyber security, IT, digital and defence industries across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire. The digital technology economy in these areas alone are creating jobs at 2.8 times the rate of the rest of the economy.
Nicola Whiting, Chief Operations Officer of Titania, said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be chosen as Commissioner for the Cyber Science and Innovation Audit. Worcestershire is a region that is ripe with talented individuals and innovative businesses, including those in the cybersecurity sector. This audit will explore our current contribution to the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and highlight our potential for growth, it will be invaluable.”
Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire LEP, said: “We are delighted that Nicola has accepted the role of Commissioner for the Cyber Science and Innovation Audit, as her wealth of experience in the cyber industry will be invaluable to the development of global market opportunities. Worcestershire and all other members of the alliance can already boast a highly impressive cyber infrastructure which has the potential to be recognised as an international leading force.”
For more information on the Cyber Resilience Alliance and how you can be involved, email enquiries@wlep.co.uk