We were delighted to be able to welcome a group of leading cyber businesses and organisations from Maryland, USA, last week.

We hosted the group’s visit in Worcestershire, in order to showcase the cyber trade and investment opportunities available in the region, and to continue the productive relationship that has been formed with Maryland. This relationship was formed back in June 2017, when we signed our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the State of Maryland Department of Commerce, on behalf of Midlands Engine Cyber.

The MOU recognises our region’s strong offer in terms of internationally recognised cyber security businesses. In the cyber valley region alone, we are home to 20 per cent of the UK’s top cyber companies and contain globally recognised names such as GCHQ, QinetiQ and the Special Services in Hereford.

We know that this is a draw for international investment and Maryland is able to boast a similarly experienced environment, with close proximity to the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Defence headquarters. This shared expertise has provided the county with a very productive platform which we have been able to lead at the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, on behalf of the Midlands Engine.

This is just one example of an international relationship that we have developed in order to promote trade and investment opportunities, and we are continuing to build new routes to highlight our fantastic cyber expertise internationally. We know the Midlands is one of the most lucrative cyber markets in Europe and we’re keen to ensure that Worcestershire can make the most of this profile.

If you would like more information on the Memorandum of Understanding and the progress that we are making in building trade relationships across the world, do visit our Worcestershire LEP website, wlep.co.uk

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