Decision details

To employ Nick Sturge (Omnigenix) on a short-term contract to support the Cyber Central Project of the Golden Valley Programme in leading the Cyber Eco-System work stream and engagement with academia and talent development.

Nick Sturge (Omnigenix) brings extensive specialist experience in establishing innovation hubs and working with tech start-ups and scale-ups. He will support the Council in the development of important workstreams in developing the eco-system in Cheltenham and across Gloucestershire, working with key stakeholders, including businesses and academic institutions in the cyber sector with the objective of maximising the social and economic benefit of Cyber Central UK and assisting with the creation of the Cyber Central Innovation Zone. He has provided specialist input to the procurement process to select a development partner and continues to so as we enter the period of negotiation with the preferred developer. He also represent the Council’s interest on a number of key boards and panels promoting Gloucestershire’s

importance as a focal point for the fast growing cyber tech sector.

The appointment is for a month rolling contract with a maximum value of

£52,500.

Nick Sturge is one of a few who could fulfil this very specialist and important role. There are therefore no alternative options to this course of action in successfully delivering this work stream.

This decision was taken in consultation with Managing Director – Place &Growth – Tim Atkins & Executive Director – Finance & Assets – Paul Jones