PFC Property Ltd is pleased to announce that Oxford Innovation Space will assume management of the Business Cyber Centre (BCC) in Chippenham with effect from 1 October 2026, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of the region's most distinctive business and innovation assets.
The Business Cyber Centre was originally established by the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) as the UK's first business-led cyber centre, created to support business growth, cyber resilience, skills development and collaboration between industry, academia and government.
Following the transfer of SWLEP responsibilities to Wiltshire Council, the building has continued to operate under existing lease arrangements. With the forthcoming surrender of that lease, PFC Property Ltd, as landlord, will take direct control of the building from 1 October 2026, safeguarding the significant public and private investment that has been made in the facility and positioning it for future growth.
As part of this next phase, the building will be relaunched under a new brand and a broader innovation-focused vision, building upon its strong cyber heritage while creating a hub for businesses operating across a range of high-growth sectors including cyber, defence, security, artificial intelligence, digital technologies and other innovation-led industries.
The Business Cyber Centre already offers more than 21,000 square feet of high-quality workspace, modern conference and training facilities, advanced audio-visual technology, excellent digital infrastructure and a professional business environment. The building was designed to support organisations operating in security-conscious sectors and benefits from robust security features, making it particularly attractive to businesses involved in cyber, defence and technology activities.
The new vision is to create an innovation ecosystem where ambitious businesses can collaborate, scale and grow, while leveraging the strategic advantages of Wiltshire's established strengths in cyber security, defence, advanced technology and innovation. The centre's location also benefits from proximity to major defence, security and technology organisations, helping to create opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
To deliver this vision, PFC Property Ltd has appointed Oxford Innovation Space, the UK's largest operator of innovation centres and a leading builder of innovation communities. For almost 40 years, Oxford Innovation Space has partnered with universities, local authorities, developers and investors to create places where ambitious businesses can connect, collaborate and grow. The organisation manages one of the largest innovation centre portfolios in the UK and Ireland and is recognised for creating vibrant innovation ecosystems that support entrepreneurship, business growth and economic impact.
Businesses will benefit from high-quality workspace, professional on-site management, access to a wider innovation community, networking opportunities and connections to expertise, partners and support that can help them grow.
Oxford Innovation Space's approach focuses on creating spaces where innovative businesses can flourish and local economies can grow.
Wendy Trott, Director of PFC Property Ltd, said:
"The Business Cyber Centre represents an important strategic asset for Wiltshire and has already established a strong reputation within the cyber sector. We are committed to protecting the substantial investment that has been made in the building and ensuring it continues to evolve to meet the needs of future businesses.
Our ambition is to build on the centre's successful cyber foundations and create a wider innovation hub that supports businesses operating across cyber, defence, security, AI and other emerging technology sectors. We are delighted to be partnering with Oxford Innovation Space whose experience and proven track record make them the ideal organisation to help realise this vision."
Jo Stevens, Managing Director of Oxford Innovation Space, said:
“We are delighted to be taking on the management of the Business Cyber Centre and helping to shape its next chapter. The building already has excellent facilities, strong technology infrastructure and a unique position within Wiltshire's innovation landscape."
"Our ambition is not simply to manage buildings, but to build a thriving innovation community where ambitious businesses can connect, collaborate and grow. This opportunity strengthens our growing presence across the South West and complements successful partnerships such as Future Space at UWE Bristol, where collaboration between entrepreneurs, industry and academia has created a thriving innovation ecosystem and supported the growth of hundreds of innovative businesses."
"We look forward to working with occupiers, stakeholders and partners to unlock the centre's full potential, building new connections, creating opportunities for collaboration and supporting innovation-led growth across Wiltshire and beyond.”
Cllr Helen Belcher, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said:
“We are pleased to see plans in place to build on the strong foundations already established at the Business Cyber Centre.
“The centre has an important role to play in supporting innovation, attracting investment and creating opportunities for businesses to grow in Wiltshire. Its established strengths in cyber security and technology, together with this wider innovation-focused vision, have the potential to help create high-value jobs, develop skills and support our local economy.
“We look forward to seeing the centre continue to develop and prosper under its new management, helping to strengthen Wiltshire’s reputation as a place where innovative businesses can thrive.”
A mobilisation programme will take place during the coming months to ensure a smooth transition ahead of 1 October 2026. Existing occupiers can expect continuity of service throughout the process, with further announcements regarding the new branding and future plans to follow.
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