UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration

UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration

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Midland Cyber Security Cluster Seek Cluster Manager

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Midlands Cyber is one of the fourteen officially recognised regional cyber clusters under UKC3, driving cyber sector growth throughout the UK, that’s currently supported by DSIT.

The Midlands boasts many regional opportunities in Cyber/Digital Security that span across a range of sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Security by Design, Industry 4.0, Automotive, Rail, Aerospace, Fintech & Potential Quantum Tech applications.

Midlands Cyber belongs to the ‘Cyber Valley’, a Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Malvern networking community. The valley is home to the highest concentration of cyber businesses in the UK outside of London – a statistic that is only set to grow with the continued innovation bought by one of the UK’s first 5G testbeds.

Midlands Cyber is dedicated to providing a platform in order to access new markets, discover new partnerships, strengthen international connections, connect with academics to engage with new technologies and promote the skills agenda needed for this sector to flourish in our region.

They are looking for a Cluster Manager to join the team and be part of our journey to accelerate the ecosystem for the Midlands Region. Your key role would be to project manage and deliver the Midlands Cyber project with support from 2 industry directors, a strategic advisor and WLEP CEO.

For more information and details about how to apply go to: Job details

UKC3 Hosts Bi-Annual Pan Cluster Event in Manchester

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On Tuesday, 14th March, we held our UK Bi-Annual Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3) Pan Cluster event at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. Driven by our mission to support regional cyber clusters, we were delighted to have representatives from all 13 clusters in one room. From discussions on the numerous opportunities that UKC3 and the cyber security clusters can offer to local UK communities to the future of cyber security, the day was full of educational talks, plans for the future, opportunities to connect, and even an escape room exercise!

We started the day by discussing UKC3’s future as an umbrella organisation from data collected by KADA Research. Our chair, Linda Smith, highlighted the importance of approaching cyber security awareness from not just a regional level but also national in order to have clear transparency and growth across the country. By setting clear strategies, UKC3 aims to enable our clusters to further inform and assist UK cyber clusters. KADA Research was able to provide more of an insight into how each region working collaboratively can deliver globally inspiring strategies

“Since launching in 2021 UKC3’s Cluster network continues to develop. Representing the regional and national breadth and depth of cyber capability, innovation and skills in the UK. We aim to increase the cluster numbers and collectively represent the UK’s excellence in this sector.”

– Linda Smith, Chair of UKC3

With special guest speakers such as Ulrich Seldeslachts from LSEC – Leaders in Security and Ed Greig from Deloitte Digital, the clusters were able to connect and learn how best we can all dedicate ourselves to building successful and innovative cyber communities naturally. 

We ended the day with a fun, and competitive, exercise led by the North Wales Police Cyber crime unit in which cluster representatives teamed up against each other to help prove innocence to a fictional police commissioner. Although a gentle reminder for strong password protection and to be aware of what we as individuals are publishing online, it was just another example of how cyber skills can be taught in a new and innovative way.

Plans are already in place for future UKC3 Pan Clusters in which we’ll be further discussing connections, learning opportunities, networks, and the resources available to participating clusters. 

If you are interested in joining one of our clusters- please feel free to connect with us here.

Meet The Cluster Manager: Kerrianne Gauld

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In a new feature, we sit with a cluster manager to find out a little more about them and their role. This month, Kerrianne Gauld, Community Manager, Bristol & Bath Cyber Cluster, shares her thoughts. 

 

 How did you come to work in the cyber security industry? 

 I have worked in the technology sector for nearly 40 years. Sometimes in a hands-on practitioner/tactical role and sometimes in administrative, investment, or strategic role.  I love technology; I find it fascinating, empowering, and a little bit addictive. It makes me curious, and I like being curious. 

In some of my most recent roles, understanding the regional and national tech landscape was part of my remit, so I attended networking events and conferences across the UK looking at trends and building an understanding of the emergent companies and technologies. A lot of the events in the West of England that I attended were run by techSPARK. Last year, one of the techSPARK team mentioned that they were recruiting for a Community Manager for the Bristol & Bath Cyber Cluster and sent me the job description. It really resonated with me, and I applied for the role.  I was lucky enough to be offered the job and I started last January. 

What does your role as a Cluster Manager involve?  

 I think my primary goal is to get to know my community as well as I can.  I can only support the cyber ecosystem in my area if I can understand their challenges and barriers to growth. This knowledge helps me to connect organisations and individuals across the community, whether they’re a startup, a scaleup, or a large enterprise. The Cluster is a platform for collaboration, education, and innovation and for the ecosystem to thrive it needs to grow, and that means working across public and private sectors, and academia, to bring them together and help them get the support and collaboration that they need to spark ideas, investment, and the odd unicorn.  

I’m very lucky to have four Universities in my region that all deliver cybersecurity education and research, so there’s always something new to shout about. I encourage them to provide me with their news and achievements, and I share that with the community.   

Supporting innovation is crucial. I am currently putting together some Roundtables that will look at some of the trends in the technology sector (such as quantum, AI, space/satellite applications), and where those sectors intersect with cybersecurity.  I also make sure that any programmes and initiatives that support companies starting up or growing are shared with the community.  This might be the techSPARK Investment Activator Programme, or the NCSC for Startups Programme, or any other initiative that could spark growth in my community. 

Even in a security conscious, camera shy, community like cyber, people still like to meet up, so I organise regular in-person networking events with topics designed to have a broad appeal across the community and at all levels of knowledge and expertise.  The annual Bristol Bath CyberCon enables me to offer information and networking for more specific groups within the community.  In addition to the keynote speakers, we have technical workshops and knowledge sharing, and last year it included a taster for Cyber Runway.  

Supporting the delivery of cybersecurity schools’ initiatives is also very important. techSPARK is part of the CyberFirst Schools Pilot Programme consortium run by CyNam, that is working to expand the programme across the Southwest.  I work closely with our Schools Lead, and the other clusters in the region (CyNam, SWCSC, and SWCC), to encourage schools to sign up to the programme, and to support existing CyberFirst Schools with access to Industry.  

Community Managers foster connections between individuals, teams, and companies, and the knowledge and assistance that the community needs to grow and thrive. 

Are there any upcoming projects for your cluster that you can tell us more about?  

I am about to issue to Call for Speakers for Bristol Bath CyberCon23, so I’m very interested in the hot topics and challenges for the coming year, and I’m hoping for plenty of engagement from the cyber community across the region and nationally.  I do hope that some of the other UKC3 Clusters will get involved too. 

I will be contacting the other clusters with details of the planned Roundtables to see if they can identify any leaders and pioneers in their areas that might be interested in getting involved.  I’m hopeful that the events will spark a continuing dialogue that will help to further innovation across the sector. 

We are still piloting a cyber focus on the Investment Activator Programme across the Western Gateway region.  There are some events coming up soon that might be of help to startups in the West of England/South Wales. https://invest-southwest.com/  

Is there any work that you’ve done as Cluster Manager/in the industry as a whole that you’re particularly proud of? 

I’m proud of what I do every day.  Though I think my community appreciates the networking events, and CyberCon, the most. There is always a great vibe when they’re gathered in the same place to network and collaborate. It’s taking time, but more of them are getting involved and there is an energy in the cyber community now, that is growing in strength and vibrancy, and I love it! 

Do you have any goals/aspirations that you hope to achieve in your time as Cluster Manager?  

I’d like to see the cluster be financially independent, but that needs me to build something valuable for the community first.  The little wins, the useful connections, the sparks of innovation and growth, need time to establish themselves and for their benefits to become apparent across the local ecosystem. And the organisations need to learn to trust that the Cluster will be there to support them.  Once we have a tangible value proposition then the financial support should be more readily available.  It’s beginning to happen, but we’re not there yet. 

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?  

I have a tiny tea company.  It’s very niche. I sell single Estate, high quality, Seasonal Ceylon teas from Sri Lanka.  These teas are specially selected for their unique regional characteristics and flavours by Robert Wilson, his family have been planters and agents, for at least 5 generations, since 1840.  

All of the teas carry the Ceylon Lion logo, the symbol of quality, issued by the Sri Lankan Tea Council, and Robert has won more Great Taste awards for his teas than any other tea producer; 70 at the last count. 

It’s an absolute joy for me, as I drink a lot of tea! 

I used to do a range of aerial arts activities, static trapeze, lyra hoop, and silks, but an injury a few years ago (not related) followed by two years of lockdowns has severely hampered my circus skills! I don’t think I’ve got a head for heights anymore.  

I volunteer at Glastonbury every year. I’m part of the team at the John Peel Stage.  It’s such a great time and full of amazing experiences and memories.  I met Primal Scream this year, only a few months before they lost Martin Duffy.  They were all really lovely and very gracious.  Not all of the bands are this nice! 

I also grow chillies and like making very hot sauces and condiments with them.   

Do you have any advice for other Cluster Managers?  

My one piece of advice would be: Persevere!   

When I first began contacting individuals and companies in my Cluster area it was hard to articulate what the Cluster was for, why it existed, why they should get involved. Everything seemed very subjective and ethereal.   

Now it’s easier: Both because I know more about what I can do for them, but also because they have been to an event or the conference, or been connected to someone useful, or had a chance to share their news to a willing audience, and they can now see why they should be involved with the community and what the benefits are. 

It does feel like you’re repeating yourself and being rejected by people you’re trying to help, but it does get easier, and it is rewarding. 

 

Government’s new tech ministry show renewed commitment to innovation

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The UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3) embraces the formation of the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, announced yesterday (7/2/23) by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Under the leadership of Michelle Donelan, the new technology department aims to boost economic growth, create new high-paying jobs, and enhance public services through innovation.

UKC3 is dedicated to supporting cyber clusters throughout the UK by fostering connectivity and promoting growth in their ecosystems. Our 13 recognized clusters serve thousands of member companies and professionals in this crucial industry. UKC3 focuses on the following:

  • Connecting innovation across the public, private, and academic sectors
  • Developing a talented pool of industry professionals through skills programs from school to continuing professional development
  • Enabling ecosystem success by sharing best practices, showcasing achievements, and building connections.

UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration looks forward to working with the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology in the coming weeks, building upon our established relationship with DCMS to benefit the entire UK cyber security sector.

 Linda Smith, Chair of the UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration, said: 

“The government’s renewed commitment to tech and innovation is a positive development, and we look forward to strengthening our already strong ties with DCMS and other departments.

In 2022, the UK’s cyber security industry generated over £10bn in revenue, a remarkable 14% increase from the previous year. This industry is also a significant employer, with over 50,000 professionals and a 13% growth in job opportunities in the past 12 months.

With more than 70% of cyber security companies located outside of London, the continued growth of this critical sector benefits the entire UK economy and demonstrates its innovation capacity on a global scale.”

UKC3 elects new board members

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UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3) is pleased to announce its newly elected board. After an electoral process, the UKC3 welcomes Linda Smith, a business innovation and trade specialist, as its new Chair and two new members to the board, Paul Boardman, Strategic Growth and Collaboration Lead at the North West Cyber Security Cluster, and Ben Shorrock, Managing Director of TechSPARK.

With a background in driving commercial innovation within the cyber and technology sectors, the new chair of UKC3, Linda Smith, has a proven track record across public and private sector environments. Having previously been employed by the Department for International Trade (DIT) in the West Midlands, Linda was also responsible for the creation and delivery of the BetaDen Tech Accelerator programme based at Malvern Hills Science Park, which works closely with the Midlands Cyber Security Cluster.

UKC3 also welcomes Ben Shorrock to the board as Ecosystem Development Lead. Ben has been working to help grow tech and digital businesses for the last decade and is Managing Director of TechSPARK, the Southwest’s network for tech start-up and scale-ups working with 35,000 people a month to help them recruit, network and raise capital.

Also joining the UKC3 Board as Innovation Join-Up Lead is Paul Boardman. Paul’s background in the Cyber, National Security and Defence sector extends back 15 years, during which time he has worked with GCHQ, NCSC, The Home Office and the Ministry of Defence. He currently works with the North West Cyber Security Cluster as the Strategic Growth and Collaboration Lead.

Linda Smith, chair of UKC3 said “I’m delighted to become Chair of the UKC3 board and to welcome Paul and Ben to the board. Since the launch of UKC3 in 2021, we have worked closely with clusters to build sustainable cyber ecosystems that support innovation, growth and skills. On behalf of the board, I look forward to continuing to support the clusters’ initiatives and helping to make the UK the safest place to live and work online.”

Other members of the board, who have been re-elected are:

John Davies MBE, who has worked closely with UKC3 since its inception and has been elected as Vice Chair. In addition to working in information security for 35 years, John has helped add more clusters to the Welsh cyber ecosystem and formed Cyber Wales in 2017, a not-for-profit umbrella organisation that supports the 8 Cyber Security Clusters that now run in Wales. He received an MBE for “Services to the UK Cyber Ecosystem.”

Melanie Oldham who has over 18 years of experience in the Information Security Industry and has taken the position of Cyber Skills Growth Lead. In 2015, Melanie founded the Yorkshire Cyber Security Cluster, to help grow the local cyber security ecosystem and support regional practitioners with knowledge sharing, skills, innovation, and growth. She is also the founder of the Cyber Edtech company, Bob’s Business, bringing cyber security to life through animation and storytelling to help organisations deliver cybersecurity cultural change programmes.

Phil Jackman has been elected as UKC3’s Treasurer and Secretariat. Phil has a wealth of experience working with organisations in the North East; Phil is the former Director of Dynamo North East, an industry-led initiative focused on growing the tech sector in the area and leads the CyberNorth cyber cluster.

Surrey Cyber Security Cluster Seek Cyber Cluster Coordinator

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The Surrey Cyber Security Cluster is looking for a proactive Cluster Coordinator with experience of building and maintaining relationships who will drive the development of the local ecosystem. This role is suited to an all-rounder with experience in business and partnership engagement, marketing & communications, and event planning. The position will cover everything from social media and website content development, through to project management and office coordination. This position provides an ideal opportunity for someone who is looking for a role where they can take ownership of a project and demonstrate delivery capability and impact.

The post holder will have autonomy to oversee the cluster’s activities in collaboration with the Directors of the cluster company (a not-for-profit organisation) and officers from Surrey County Council. You will need to attend some in-person events in and around Surrey, so travel needs to be a consideration.

While some knowledge of cyber security is desirable, it is not essential for the role. You will be given full training and induction on the Surrey cyber security landscape if successful.

For more information and details about how to apply go to: Job details

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