Global cyber security firm opens 'centre of excellence' in Maidenhead

Global cyber security firm Ultra Intelligence & Communications has opened its UK flagship facility in Maidenhead.

The £30million ‘cyber centre of excellence’ will provide a base for 250 employees as an engineering, integration and testing hub and marks the company’s 13th location in the country.

Ultra Intelligence & Communications (also known as Ultra I&C) specialises in the field of tactical communications and cyber security.

It has clients around the world including the U.S. Department of Defense, the UK Ministry of Defence and the Canadian Department of National Defence.

The 56,000 sq ft building located in Foundation Park will also serve as a hub for cyber technology development and the company’s UK STEM programme.

Known as ‘Cyber First’ it will work with schools to identify and nurture young talent in cyber security through education and work placements.

The opening of the Maidenhead site represents a sizable investment in Maidenhead and the UK and will support the development of high-end skills in cyber security and manufacturing.

Richard Dingley, president of Ultra I&C’s cyber business, said that opening the Maidenhead Cyber Centre of Excellence will support job growth in the engineering sector, which is critically needed to protect national security.

“Opening this location solidifies our long-term commitment to developing the skills and capabilities required to ensure the U.K. and our partners are protected and prosperous in the future,” he said at the launch. 

Also present for the opening ceremony on Friday March 22 were local and national cyber industry figures including government and key clients such as the U.K. Ministry of Defence.

The event acted as a forum for Ultra I&C staff and other leaders in the cyber and security space to meet and discover how the company supports the UK government and other allied nations in delivering on their defence and national security missions.

Outgoing MP Theresa May spoke at the opening ceremony where she commented on what this opening means for Maidenhead.

“Ultra I&C’s Maidenhead facility represents a significant investment in the community to build skills, develop more careers in STEM and support the UK’s ability to respond to, and combat, the threats of the future," she said.