British technology giant Dyson has announced plans to significantly expand its UK operations by opening a new 517 acre research and development campus in the Cotswolds.
The expansion is part of a wider £2.5bn investment to support the development of new technologies and boost their exports from the UK.
Announcing the news on 28th February, company founder James Dyson said: "The UK's skills shortage is holding Dyson back as we look to increase the amount of technology we develop and export from the UK. We are taking matters into our own hands."
The company is best known for its vacuum cleaners, however it has successfully diversified into other areas over the past few years and the campus will be focusing on the research and creation of robotics, batteries, vision systems and artificial intelligence.
Prime Minster Theresa May praised the company's plans as a "vote of confidence," in the UK's industry. "Dyson’s exporting strength and commitment to creating jobs in Britain is a real success story that demonstrates the opportunity that our plan to create a truly global Britain can present."
Work is due to commence in May 2017, with a view to completion by the end of the year.