Protection Group International (PGI) has launched the world’s most sophisticated cyber training facility open to the private sector. Karen Bradley, Minister for Modern Slavery and Organised Crime, opened the centre, highlighting the UK Government’s commitment to ensuring that companies and public sector organisations address the significant risks posed by cyber crime.

Representatives of the Home Office, the Association of Chief Police Officers, the National Crime Agency and UK Trade & Investment, foreign diplomats and defence attachés as well as FTSE100 and global corporations travelled to Bristol for the official opening of the facility.

The Academy offers cutting-edge cyber security courses in PGI’s state-of-the-art immersive environment delivered by world-leading experts and is designed to equip both businesses and public sector institutions with the knowledge and skills to identify and offset cyber threats to their networks, data and other assets.

In addition to training for cyber security specialists, PGI has developed tailored courses and programmes for board members and senior management, mainstream IT specialists and entire workforces. Each course provides immersive tuition and rapid skills and knowledge development, delivered in a language and form suitable for the audience to ensure that all levels of an organisation are equipped to respond effectively to cyber threats.

Speaking at the opening, Karen Bradley MP said: “This Government is committed to tackling cyber crime and through the National Cyber Security Programme has taken decisive action to transform the UK’s response.

“To stay one step ahead of the cyber criminals, we need to ensure enough people in all sectors of the economy have the right skills to understand and take action against the threat they pose. PGI’s innovative training facility marks a major step forward in this ongoing fight. It is an excellent example of how British know-how and capability can help governments and businesses around the world protect themselves in cyberspace.”