HP concocts new Labs office in Bristol

New office will remain as vendor's lead research facility for security technology

HP has boosted its presence in Bristol with the opening of a new Labs office in the city centre.

The company established its Labs division in 1966, which operates as an industrial research laboratory for the vendor.

It established its first Labs office in Bristol in 1985, which has since served as the EMEA department for its Labs division.

HP said the Bristol team will relocate to the new facility, which will continue the legacy of its predecessor as the vendor's lead research facility for security technology.

George Brasher, HP MD for UK&I, stated: "The investment in a new Bristol HP Labs office - focused on security - is a sign of the facility's ongoing importance to HP and the wider industry.

"HP recognises that as the universe of connected devices grows exponentially, so does the sophistication and volume of cyberattacks.

"Businesses must continue to invest in security research to maintain a step ahead of the hackers.

"Our team in Bristol has contributed to many of the tech advances that enable HP to offer the world's most secure printers and PCs, and I'm delighted that this progress will continue."

Margot James, minister of state for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, welcomed the news.

"The UK is leading the way on cutting-edge cybersecurity and the new investment in the HP Security Lab in Bristol is great news for the region and our booming cyber sector," she said.

"It is vital other manufacturers follow HP's lead and develop devices and associated products that are secure by design."