Cheltenham's Golden Valley Development will play a key part in the Government's National Cyber Strategy.

The strategy was launched at the NEC in Birmingham, by Stephen Barclay, cabinet office minister. In his opening speech, he highlighted the importance of Cheltenham's emerging cyber campus.

The newly published strategy said: "We will increase our support for innovators and entrepreneurs outside of London and the South East to develop their products and services, grow their businesses and recruit skilled staff. This includes the Golden Valley campus, led by Cheltenham Borough Council, dedicated to supporting the growth of cyber-related technology businesses."

It puts the Golden Valley Development, home of Cyber Central, as a key deliverable in the levelling-up agenda for innovation and cyber-tech growth.

The strategy makes a commitment to Cheltenham, stating: "We will transform the Cheltenham Innovation Centre, which includes the cyber accelerator 'NCSC for Startups', into a true international centre of innovation: the National Cyber Innovation Centre."

Tim Atkins, MD of place and growth at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "It is great to see Gloucestershire being recognised for its leading role in the UK's mission to be a science super power and be the world's safest place to live and do online business.

"To have Golden Valley Development and Cheltenham Borough Council both recognised and supported in the National Strategy is a major step forward for us in progressing the council's corporate priority to become the UK's cyber capital."

Also taking part in the event were Sir Jeremy Fleming, director of GCHQ, Lindy Cameron, CEO of the Cheltenham-based National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and Richard Yorke, co-founder and MD of Cynam.

You can read more about the Golden Valley Development in the big feature in the new edition of Punchline-Gloucester.com.