When most people think of Cheltenham, its historic architecture and world-famous festivals are likely to spring to mind. The town is known the world over as the home of the four-day Cheltenham Festival, where people gather to watch top jockeys and horses compete. Besides horse racing, the town also has a reputation for its restaurants, shopping, and attractions like the Neptune Fountain.
What you may not know if you’re new to the area or have never visited before, is that Cheltenham has also established itself as a hub for technology and digital innovation, with startups and multinational corporations alike already calling the town home.
In this article, we look at how Cheltenham has become a place where tech companies and startups want to set up shop.
The Cheltenham Science Festival and Innovation Culture
While tech innovation and festivals aren’t necessarily synonymous, Cheltenham is changing that. One of the town’s marquee events is the annual Cheltenham Science Festival, one of the biggest of its kind in the UK.
This year’s festival runs from Tuesday June 3 to Sunday June 8 at the Imperial Gardens and other venues in and around the town. It attracts some of the best minds in science and has featured esteemed speakers like Brian Cox, Robert Winston, and Alice Roberts in the past.
Beyond science and technology, Cheltenham is known for its major cultural and sporting events, including the Cheltenham Festival, which is widely considered one of the most important horse racing events in the world. The event attracts thousands of visitors each year, from the rich and famous to everyday fans, and generates millions for the local economy.
Leading up to the March event, fans around the world visit websites like Oddschecker to learn more about Cheltenham festival betting and the promotions offered by various sportsbooks. While the racing itself is the focus of the Cheltenham Festival, over the years, tech and digital innovation have helped to make the event more interactive and accessible, including for those who can’t attend in person.
Widespread broadcasting, the availability of race stats, and the rise of betting apps and comparison platforms has all contributed to a more meaningful at-home experience.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Without the appropriate infrastructure, Cheltenham wouldn’t have become what it is today. The town has invested in its digital infrastructure, something that has played a big role in its growth as a tech hub in recent years.
For example, as part of its Golden Valley Development, which includes Cyber Central UK, the town is set to deliver over two million square feet of commercial space and more than 3,000 new homes, with the goal of creating a sustainable innovation district with a cyber-tech focus.
Cheltenham’s proximity to major cities like Birmingham and Bristol is another reason it has had so much success attracting top businesses and talent. Businesses that want a mix of urban amenities and a high standard of living for their employees find Cheltenham has a strategic location, as well as modern infrastructure that’s hard to beat.
The Role of GCHQ and Cybersecurity
Another big player in Cheltenham is the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), which is home to the UK’s intelligence and cybersecurity agency. Having GCHQ in its backyard has proven invaluable to the town’s efforts to attract tech firms and startups, many of which specialize in cybersecurity.
GCHQ has had an active role in the community, including its startup programs that mentor and support emerging companies. This relationship between GCHQ and the private sector has made it possible for Cheltenham to become a national leader in cybersecurity.
Support for Startups and Business Growth
Cheltenham knows the importance of supporting businesses that establish themselves in the town and has done so with various initiatives, including the MX Innovation Centre, which comes equipped with spaces for entrepreneurs. From startups and academia to industry and government, the MX acts as a hub connecting them all.
Local governments and business organizations have also contributed to the town’s growth by offering support programs and networking opportunities. One of their success stories is Emerge Digital, a tech firm that won £500,000 in contracts, increasing its overall turnover by 30% and its customer base by 26%.
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Anchor: Cheltenham Festival betting
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