SKYLON Park is the only Enterprise Zone in the country with a defence and security sector focus.

And next month Hereford will be welcoming one of the biggest gatherings of defence and security experts in the UK at an expo in the city.

The first ever Defence and Security Expo, at the Courtyard Theatre on February 1, is a chance for this sector, and the businesses which operate in it, to demonstrate how innovation and technological advances which are being made are making our economy prosper and our citizens secure.

When one in 10 people has been a victim of online fraud and two thirds of large companies have experienced a security breach, the sharing of knowledge and expertise happening today is essential to protect everyone’s future.

The expo, which is supported by Skylon Park, also aims to stimulate new business and growth in a sector that has an increasing commercial significance.

It is a prime opportunity to showcase our sector expertise in Hereford and the supply chain opportunities we have ready for investors to locate here at the Enterprise Zone.

I’d like to put on record our thanks to Richard Morgan at Harrison Clark Rickerbys solicitors for instigating the event, and the hard work his team have put in to its organisation, with support from the University of Wolverhampton and ourselves.

I am delighted that Hereford is hosting this event.

With nationally renowned speakers, over 20 local companies exhibiting, and hundreds of delegates expected from the sector, it will really help to put Hereford and the Enterprise Zone on the map.