Business Minister Margot James and local MP Harriett Baldwin were briefed that people working in the cyber sector are getting double the average salary at a growth summit held in Malvern last week. Business leaders and local authority chiefs gathered at Malvern Hills Science Park to discuss economic growth plans and to secure the support of the Minister and West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin. The group was told that advertised salaries in the cyber technology sector are now double the national average. Harriett coined the phrase ‘Cyber Valley’ to describe the cluster of major technology businesses growing rapidly in and around Malvern. The area is now recognised as one of the UK’s major hubs for cyber expertise. People taking up jobs in the industry are getting an average £50, 000 salary – double the average salary in the county. The statistic was highlighted by Worcestershire Enterprise Partnership chairman Mark Stansfeld in his presentation to the Business Department Minister. Harriett commented: “I have championed Malvern’s cyber expertise for more than six years now and it is good to see the rewards of success being passed on to local people. “We have a strong cohort of small and medium-sized businesses taking on more staff and skilled people are clearly in high-demand. “Its great news for the people who are getting these salaries but also good news for the wider local economy. The message could not be clearer that a career in the cyber sector is both rewarding and valuable to our economy and our country.” Photo: (l-r) Cllr Phil Grove, Margot James MP, Cllr Ken Pollock, Harriett Baldwin MP, Cllr Simon Geraghty.