Malvern-based IQHQ, has been able to grow its high-tech business following a Worcestershire Expansion Programme (WEP) grant.
The Worcestershire Expansion Programme, which is supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund and delivered locally by Worcestershire County Council on behalf of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, was put in place to enable local companies to realise their growth potential, strengthen their position in the market and lever in private investment, safeguard jobs and to increase productivity and growth.
IQHQ specialise in researching and developing radio frequency, microwave and video systems and have engineers who deliver innovative solutions for commercial organisations via both mobile and fixed wideband communications.
With £61,953 invested by the company, and matched by the grant, IQHQ are now able to further research and develop a unique and secure video data waveform which will be adopted as the new standard for helicopters and unmanned Aerial Vehicles in many different infrastructure and utility commercial applications. The secure waveform has already been registered as a Trade Mark and is known as ELGAR©. The investment has led to six new jobs being created whilst safeguarding another seven full time positions.
IQHQ has already provided career support to local schools and will continue to expand its introduction to engineering for the next generation of students. It is currently developing key advanced engineering programmes with University of Southampton and under a University of Coventry scheme has employed two graduates in the past year, with a further two more to be employed this year, helping to support the development of skills in the younger workforce which is a priority across Worcestershire.
Managing Director of IQHQ, Maurice Husband, said: “In order to maintain our leading edge capabilities in communication systems as well as expand our engineering base IQHQ wanted to invest in state-of-the-art test facilities.
“The Worcestershire Expansion Programme Grant has solved these problems and allowed us to maintain our dominant position in the provision of the next generation of data link systems. Our Clients are well aware of the latest test equipment we need to deploy to meet the latest challenges that new technology has to meet. Such facilities are also important in maintaining the high degree of engineer expertise we have recruited now and in the future.”
Gary Woodman, Executive Director of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “It is great to see the difference that this funding is making to businesses such as IQHQ. There is an exceptional technology cluster in Malvern, with the National Cyber Skills Centre also based on the Malvern Hills Science Park, and it is great to see the cutting edge technology which is being developed right here in the County.
“It is also good news to see the growing workforce at IQHQ and their investment in skills for the younger workforce.”
Cllr Simon Geraghty, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Infrastructure, added: “This is a great example of the Worcestershire Expansion Programme in action, supporting the growth of businesses in the county. It is part of our wider Open For Business priority to support the local economy and create new jobs. The fact that this funding has helped IQHQ to provide new employment opportunities as well as safeguarding existing posts illustrates the value of such schemes.”
The Worcestershire Expansion Programme overall has seen £2,265,892 invested levering £13,789,205 from the private sector. The programme will safeguard 103 existing jobs and create 240 new positions.