Hereford Enterprise Zone to play key role in inaugural security and defence event

December 13, 2016

Hereford is set to welcome one of the biggest gatherings of defence and security experts in the UK at the first ever Defence and Security Expo next year.
Supported by Skylon park, Hereford’s Enterprise Zone Harrison Clark Rickerbys solicitors and the University of Wolverhampton, the event at the Courtyard Theatre on February 1, will feature speakers from national defence and security bodies, including the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Department for International Trade (DIT).
It will be the first major forum in the area for the sector, which has historic roots in the county through the Armed Forces including the SAS alongside growing commercial significance in the region.
Skylon Park is the only Enterprise Zone in the country with a specific focus on security and defence, providing ready-made and dedicated supply chain opportunities as well as land for investors looking to relocate and expand.
Mark Pearce, Managing Director of Skylon Park, said: “This event will be one of the biggest gathering of defence and security sector experts in the UK, and Herefordshire is exactly the right place for it.
“It will be a prime opportunity to showcase Skylon Park with our unique defence and security sector focus, that builds on Hereford’s association with UK special forces.”
The event is expected to attract business owners and managers, procurement contractors and defence and security experts from across the Midlands.
Key industry speakers will include:

  • Philip Margerison, who manages the MoD’s Defence Suppliers Service, advising and guiding companies interested in becoming MoD suppliers
  • Wing Commander Philip Lamb, the DIT’s assistant director for air services in Europe, who handles trade opportunities
  • Steve Brittan, chief executive of the MoD’s Defence Solutions Centre, which links international customers with UK defence and security businesses
  • Dr Emma Philpott, chief executive of the IASME consortium, offering cyber security accreditation for businesses against international standards
  • James Marment, MD of Exsel Dytecna Engineering, whose military background has informed his work on strategic planning, specialising in the Middle East
  • Tim Williams, Qinetiq’s asset tracking specialist
  • Ian Maxted, Gloucestershire Police’s Safer Cyber Co-ordinator
  • Steve Thomas, founder of X-Reach, cyber security specialists based at Skylon Park.

For more information, to book tickets or to register to become an exhibitor, visit www.hdse.co.uk.

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The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.

The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.

The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.

We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.

The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.

The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk

For any queries about Getting Building Fund (GBF), Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Marches Investment Fund (MIF) projects supported by the Marches LEP please contact: gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk

For any finance queries please contact: michelle.hodgkiss@shropshire.gov.uk

The solvent liquidation of the Marches LEP is being managed by the Evelyn Partners Limited. For any matter related to this please contact: Camilla.Mulholland@evelyn.com

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