The Cyber Quarter – Midlands Centre for Cyber Security project has been supported by an investment of £3m from the Local Growth Fund.
Located on Skylon Park in Hereford, the new Centre offers high quality research facilities through the University of Wolverhampton’s Cyber Security Research Institute as well as providing office space for cyber businesses and advanced training facilities designed specifically to tackle threats in cyberspace.
The new Centre organises, facilitates and supports the development of cyber security on a global scale whilst at the same time presenting opportunities to develop high quality academic, vocational educational and training programmes to address the digital skills shortage being experienced nationally.
£3million Growth Deal 3 investment
2,800m² new commercial floorspace, supporting new SMEs and spin-out businesses
106m² new learning and training floorspace and 78 new training courses
It provides innovation workspace for small and start-up businesses to operate from, offering consultancy support from the University and shared facilities including laboratory space and training rooms.
There is a range of specialist facilities for the cyber sector including server space and high-speed broadband as well as research and development laboratory space.
The Centre stimulates an enhanced base of businesses engaged in cyber security solutions which improves insight for businesses on the challenge faced in the future and drive-up levels of innovation activity across the Marches.
The project is expected to complete in 2025 and, as a result of Local Growth Funding, the centre is expected to create 185 jobs from the investment, along with a range of other economic and skills-based outcomes.
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