MALVERN Hills Science Park is putting Worcestershire on the map as a world leader in cyber security.

Innovators at the park, off Geraldine Road, are already developing technologies which will help the government improve the UK’s ability to withstand cyber-attacks, as Chancellor Philip Hammond announces a funding boost of £1.9bn to crackdown on cyber-crime

Home to QinetiQ, 3SDL, Borwell, UTC Aerospace Systems and Dephrisk, the science park is driving developments in cyber-security with the UK’s National Cyber Skills Centre sitting at its hub.

The National Cyber Skills Centre is a focal point for cyber activity and was set up as the UK’s only e-skills accredited centre. This, coupled with the cluster of high-profile cyber security companies at Malvern, is helping Worcestershire’s Local Enterprise Partnership attract ground-breaking businesses and new skills to the region.

Dr Stephen Wright, the centre’s general manager, said: “Cyber is an intrinsic part of our private and business life and protecting it from being misused needs to be a priority.

“Businesses and individuals can defend themselves from 90 per cent of attacks by taking some basic defensive steps – it is just knowing what those steps are which is where we can help.

“Cybersecurity is an on-going threat and the knowledge based at Malvern Hills will help change the game for the region and UK.”

Dr Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for the economy, said: “We have the third fastest growing economy in the UK and a large part of this is the investment made in game changer site such as Malvern Hills.

“Any cyber, defence, IT or technology business looking for a UK hub can see that Worcestershire has like-minded organisations which are keeping the UK safe by developing technologies to prevent cyber-attacks.”

Phase Five of the science park’s development is currently under way at Malvern Hills following a £4 million investment from the LEP. Phase Four was completed in 2015 following investment from WCC and Malvern Hills District Council.

“Malvern Hills is pivotal to the region’s growth strategy,” said Gary Woodman, executive director of the LEP.

“Expanding the science park will encourage businesses from the IT, cyber security and technology sectors to join this significant cyber-cluster and generate additional jobs in this high growth sector.

“We aim to be the ‘go-to’ county for businesses looking for cyber support and we are already leading the way with the creation of the National Cyber Skills Centre.”