Local MP Harriett Baldwin has this week backed calls for Malvern's science and technology community to be placed at the centre of the county's economic development strategy. The MP attended the unveiling of the plan during a high-profile launch event at Sixways last week (Friday November 9). The plan hopes to raise the profile and attract new companies to the region and to promote the county across the world. Harriett commented that there is already much potential for growth in Malvern and the town needs to be at the heart of any growth strategy. She said: “The Worcestershire LEP laid on an impressive event and it is an important step to put some ideas on the table for discussion. “Malvern businesses are going from stregth to strength as Britain competes in a global race. “The brilliant brains of Malvern are working hard to innovate and create new jobs. We must do all we can to help them succeed." “We have a very successful science park and clusters of successful businesses in defence and engineering. “Companies like Malvern Instruments, QinetiQ and Morgan help to keep our profile up but there is still much to do. “Growing businesses like Goodrich, Metrasens, ZBD and Txt-Local, are all Malvern start-ups looking to grow. “We need to increase the available space at the Malvern Hills Science Park to incubate more new businesses and there is also room for further similar expansion in the town. “Any strategy must encourage national and international visitors and link us more closely to export markets. Worcestershire is a great place to do business and every time I have hosted visitors they are encouraged by the great people and great places. “I will be working with the LEP to make sure that we spread the word that Worcestershire is the best place in England to base a business.”