Malvern-based technology accelerator BetaDen has appointed Encore Communications (Encore) as its retained PR agency following a competitive public tender.

Encore will be tasked with raising awareness of the accelerator among investors, commercial partners and potential applicants as it welcomes its third cohort of businesses to the programme.

Linda Smith, CEO of BetaDen, said: “BetaDen was established to provide a location and environment for entrepreneurs and technology businesses to develop their ideas alongside the Worcestershire 5G project team, positioning them at the forefront of futuretech.

“We’re delighted that since our launch two years ago, many cohort businesses have successfully commercialised their business and even secured financial investment as a result of their time at BetaDen.

“As we welcome our third cohort to the programme, we are looking forward to the next phase of our development; strengthening commercial relationships and celebrating the leading role both our cohort businesses and the accelerator itself now play in this fast-moving sector.

“Encore Communications won the tender as they demonstrated a clear understanding of our aims and the challenges we face, combined with a strong track record of securing effective media coverage across our target markets.”

Elizabeth Laidler, director at Encore Communications, said: “We’re looking forward to working with BetaDen, helping them share their success stories and demonstrate their value to investors, commercial partners and potential cohort businesses alike.

“Malvern and the wider Worcestershire and South West Gateway is fast becoming a ‘go to’ location for technology expertise and, as a local business, we’re excited to be able to play our part, getting word out about the exciting developments and technologies supported by BetaDen.”

Situated at Malvern Hills Science Park, BetaDen offers entrepreneurs, start-ups and scale-up businesses a package worth over £50,000 to help them prove and commercialise their ideas. Support includes free office space, mentorship from hand-picked experts, access to Worcestershire’s 5G testbed and a proof of concept grant worth £15,000. Applications for cohort 4 will open in December 2020. For further information, visit www.beta-den.com