A Goverment Minister has put his weight behind Harriett Baldwin’s plan to create a ‘cyber valley’ hub for important high-tech businesses in the county. The MP for West Worcestershire was given backing for her campaign by Government Minister Greg Clark during questions to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Harriett told the House of Commons: “As QinetiQ in my constituency has restructured, many of the brilliant brains employed there have started new businesses in a range of different areas.” She called on the Minister to support her efforts in securing funding for additional office space at Malvern Hills Science Park to allow the incubation of important new hi-tech start-ups. Greg Clark confirmed that he would be willing to visit Malvern to see the thriving business community first hand. He added: “I know that my hon. Friend is trying—successfully, given the number of high-tech businesses there—to market Malvern as a cyber-valley. “We know that silicon valley has prospered because of the links between existing high-tech firms and new ones, and I know that that is what she wants to achieve.” FULL TEXT Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): What steps he is taking to assist unemployed people to start new businesses. [85398] The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Greg Clark): The new enterprise allowance is now available nationwide and is providing access to business mentors and financial support to help unemployed people start their own businesses. On 14 November we launched My New Business, a service on the Business Link website, providing help for everyone looking to start a new business. Harriett Baldwin: As QinetiQ in my constituency has restructured, many of the brilliant brains employed there have started new businesses in a range of different areas. May I invite the Minister to Malvern to help back my campaign for phase 4 of the Malvern Hills science park as a further incubator? Greg Clark: It would be a delight to visit Malvern. I know that my hon. Friend is trying—successfully, given the number of high-tech businesses there—to market Malvern as a cyber-valley. We know that silicon valley has prospered because of the links between existing high-tech firms and new ones, and I know that that is what she wants to achieve. | Hansard