Alert Logic creating 130 jobs in Cardiff and Newport

A US cyber security company is to open a European HQ in Cardiff and a UK data centre in Newport, creating almost 130 jobs.

The expansion of Alert Logic, based in Houston in Texas, is being backed by £1.15m Welsh government business finance.

Most of the jobs will be in Cardiff with five at a data centre in Newport.

Fifty researchers and analysts will be recruited this year with more in 2015.

Chief executive officer Gray Hall said the firm chose Cardiff became of its transport links, its proximity to London, the ability to recruit a skilled workforce from the area and local universities which research cyber security.

'Vibrant and promising '

Mr Hall said: "We selected Cardiff after reviewing options in other UK and European cities.

"The city's readiness to ensue we could establish our HQ quickly and support from the Welsh government easily meant Cardiff became the obvious location.

"We look forward to playing our part in the economy of this vibrant and promising capital city and contributing towards its vision of becoming an IT security centre of excellence."

The firm is keen to develop strong links with Cardiff's universities and schools to foster young technology talent.

It employs about 350 people worldwide, providing IT network security to more than 2,500 clients and partners with many of the world's leading cloud and hosting providers.

As well as Europe, the Cardiff HQ will enable it to expand into Middle Eastern and African markets.

'Growing recognition'

Economy Minister Edwina Hart welcomed the announcement, adding she was pleased the company was locating to the Central Cardiff Enterprise Zone.

She said it sent out "a very strong message to industry that in Wales we are creating an supporting an environment conducive for business growth".

"South Wales has a high concentration of active and innovative companies and university expertise in the trust and security sector," said the minister.

"The region has a growing recognition as one of the primary locations in the UK for the research, development and commercialisation of security products and services."

Leader of Cardiff Council Councillor Phil Bale said they have worked closely and quickly with the Welsh government and Cardiff Business Council to secure the investment.

"We look forward to Alert Logic making a valuable contribution to the region's economy," he said.

Short term accommodation for the US firm will be at Cardiff University campus in the Business Technology Centre before it moves into its permanent premises.