Roke Manor Research is expanding its UK operations by opening a second office in Gloucester, bringing it closer to defence, government and commercial customers in the region.

The digital technology sector has seen job growth nearly three times faster than the rest of the UK economy, with the West of England making a significant contribution according to Roke. Its expansion into the Gloucester area will help it to drive forward cyber recruitment and support technology innovation, creating new opportunities for people and businesses in the region.

Roke will initially employ 20 new staff, specialising in cyber security at its Gloucester office. In addition to the 365 electronic engineering consultants already employed at its headquarters in Hampshire, the company plans to double staff numbers over the next five years.

David Cole, Managing Director of Roke, said: “As a key cyber security adviser to UK Government, we are at the sharp end of trying to tackle the UK skills shortage of high quality engineers and consultants. Gloucester and the West of England enjoy a thriving digital economy, which has the cyber security talent we need to help protect both government and commercial critical infrastructure.”