IT’S GAME ON FOR LEAMINGTON SPA AS HUNDREDS OF NEW JOBS ARE CREATED

A total of 500 games jobs are set to be created in Leamington Spa.

The Leamington Spa games hub will create 500 new game development jobs over the next two years, opening up huge opportunities for young people and graduates.

Research carried out among video games companies within the Leamington Spa area comes as the town hosted the second Interactive Futures conference and expo – a celebration of the talent and culture within

Warwickshire business branches out

Leading tree and ecology consultancy Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants has moved to new offices in rural King’s Coughton.

Wharton, previously based at Minerva Mill in Alcester, was founded and headed by Peter Wharton. It manages natural infrastructure projects and developments, providing a full service in land, tree, ecology and landscape architecture advice.

At a time when the need to plant trees and protect nature has never been higher on the agenda, the team encourages clients to see natural landscaping as a fundamental part of their schemes.

the area, now one of the largest games hubs within the UK games ecosystem.

The report lists eight towns and cities where the games industry generates more than £60 million in GVA: Leamington Spa, Edinburgh, Newcastle upon Tyne, Crawley & Horsham, Manchester, Guildford, Slough & Heathrow and London.

In terms of jobs types, the top five roles being sought are artists, designers, producers, programmers and engineers, with other roles such as marketing, HR, administration, community support also up for grabs.

Sarah Windrum, chair of Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Digital Creative Business Group, said: “It is testament to the talent and creativity of the area that we continue to attract businesses to the region.

Mayor of West Midlands praises innovation at Coventry-based engineering company

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, has lauded a Coventrybased design engineering company after experiencing the world’s first 3D printed window regulator during an official factory visit.

Andy was shown the design for MarchantCain’s new acoustic barriers for the rail sector, designed to absorb sounds radiated by HS2 and other infrastructure projects.

He also saw technology that can automate the entire logistics process to enable drivers to deliver 50 per cent more parcels per shift.

The highlight was MarchantCain’s 3D printed window regulator, which is being incorporated into the first-3D printed car.

The innovation is a result of decades of experience designing window regulators which enable glass to fit and move in specialised cars. This, together with soaring demand for active aerodynamic components is fuelling significant growth for the company, allowing it to move into a much larger factory.

Rob Marchant, Managing Director, said: “We were delighted that the Mayor was so impressed by the work that goes on here every day.”