Business advisors at the Cheltenham office of national audit, tax, advisory and consulting firm Crowe are calling on the Chancellor to prioritise Gloucestershire as a key area for investment into AI and cybersecurity.

Nick Latimer, Tax Partner, said: “We already have a critical mass of expertise in the county. Gloucestershire is the UK’s leading cyber-tech hub outside London, anchored by GCHQ and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

“Talent in this sector is eyeing up Gloucestershire as a place to live and work and we need to make employment opportunities across the county match their ambition.”

He was speaking in advance of Crowe’s annual live Autumn Budget event on Wednesday 28 October which will be held at Ian Coley Sporting, near Cheltenham.

The event, which is free and open to all business owners and their advisors, runs from registration and lunch at 12 noon, with the Chancellor’s speech viewed live and then followed by a Q&A with Crowe’s Cheltenham partners including Nick Latimer, Sue Daye and Chris Mould.

Latimer said: “Our Autumn Budget event is designed to give you immediate specialist insights following the Chancellor’s speech.

“We will share our instant reactions and lead a focused discussion on the key outcomes and what they mean for you, your business and your sector.”

As well as calling for increased investment into cutting edge AI and cyber research, he is also asking the Chancellor to go further in supporting those who are looking to buy their first homes through government-backed lending.

“House prices in Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds are high so we need to prioritise housing that is with reach of the budget of those seeking to buy their first home.

“With doubt and confusion over the future of district councils versus one unitary authority in Gloucestershire since the changes were put on hold, there is a real danger of a leadership vacuum over the next two years.

“Large executive family homes will always sell in Gloucestershire but we need to enable our young talent to settle in the county and take their first steps on to the property ladder.”

He said there were many national initiatives likely to be announced in the Budget, but IT sector investment and support for housebuilding for first time buyers could be key factors in driving growth in Gloucestershire’s postcodes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged when he took office.

To book your place at Crowe’s Gloucestershire live Budget event, visit here or email nick.latimer@crowe.co.uk