Issue - meetings

Objective : What is the strategy and action plan in relation to the letting of the building ?

Andrew Roughan, (Managing Director, Plexal)

Bruce Gregory, (Managing Director, Hub8)

Gareth Edmundson, (Chief Executive)

Paul Jones, (Executive Director Finance and Assets)

(O&S Members are reminded to register for the short tour of the MX in the afternoon).

The Chair introduced the item, saying Members had been on a very interesting tour that afternoon, and invited the speakers to introduce themselves.

Andrew Roughan (AR), Chief Executive of Plexal, said he acquired a majority share in Workshop Group in January 2023.  Building clusters round science and technology, Plexal inspires and provides fuel for growth and employment across seven sites in the UK (London, Cheltenham, Manchester).  He is happy to share the scale and competence of Plexal to support Hub8, and said that 2024 promises to be an exciting year, not only because of where and what MX is in itself, but because it creates a town-based bridge to the Golden Valley Cyber Park.

Bruce Gregory (BG) introduced himself as the founder and MD of Hub8 and Director of CyNam.  He said Hub8 launched a co-working space at the Brewery Quarter in 2019 to support cyber-tech in Cheltenham, and was followed by a second site at Gloscol’s Cheltenham campus in 2021.  With Plexal, the National Cyber Security Centre Innovation Centre has opened in Cheltenham town centre, resulting in Hub8 currently running three very successful sites across the town.  These contribute to the town’s economic growth, and MX offers huge opportunity for continued growth, embedded in the fabric of the town.  It is a great way to celebrate some amazing companies, and bring together the creative and cultural activities for which the town is known.

The Chair thanked AR and BG.  Several Member questions and responses had been circulated, and she invited further questions.

A Member began by saying he uses Hub8 a lot in his business life, and it provides an excellent place to work – well resourced, fantastic staff and amenities.  He congratulated AR and BG, adding that he’d expected there to be challenges at the Gloscol site but in fact it works well and businesses enjoy using the site.

Member questions

The Chair said she enjoyed the visit earlier in the day, having attended a planning event earlier in the summer, and wondered if it was worth inviting other Members to visit the site to see how it is progressing.  BG said he would be delighted and welcomed the opportunity to show Members round.  In relation to the Gloscol site, he said this location is pioneering – there are not many other further education colleges in the UK with industry embedded as here.  The positive impact on the students is something to celebrate and he would be happy for Members to visit that site too.

A Member asked what lessons have been learnt, how relationships with clients are developing, and how the buildings are being used to suit clients’ needs.  BG confirmed that his company had been on a huge learning curve since 2019, about what the community needs and how best to serve that need.  MX allows companies to grow, an important component, and Hub8 is taking time to build relationships, get to know the community and understand its needs, to create a safe and trusted environment.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15

Objective : What is the strategy and action plan in relation to the letting of the building ?

Andrew Roughan, (Managing Director, Plexal)

Gareth Edmundson (Chief Executive)

Paul Jones (Executive Director Finance and Assets),

Andy Taylor (Commercial Accountant)

(O&S Members are reminded to register for the short tour of the MX in the afternoon).

Consideration of this item was postponed until the next meeting.