Northern Cyber Clusters Collaboration Project - UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration

The Northern Cyber Cluster Collaboration project board. Left to right: Danielle Phillips, Paul Boardman, Sarah Raw, Phil Jackman, Michael Faulks.

Northern Cyber Clusters Collaboration

The three cyber security clusters in the North – CyberNorth, North West Cyber Security Cluster and Yorkshire Cyber Security Cluster – have come together with UKC3 in commissioning the Northern Cyber Clusters Collaboration project to better understand cyber security assets and key cyber security players in the Northern regions, and develop ways for them to work together.

We are seeking to understand what can be done to create strong ties, develop relationships and nurture collaboration that will see individuals, organisations, communities, sectors and the economy throughout the North of England benefit.

We look forward to working with the cyber community in the North over the coming months to better understand their needs and opportunities, and forge partnerships to ensure greater prosperity and levelling up of these organisations.

About

Annual cyber security revenue in the UK is now estimated at a huge £10.1 billion, increasing by 14% in the last year alone. There are approximately 1,800 firms within the UK providing cyber security products and services, and 52,700 people employed full-time in cyber security related roles. But the sector is not growing at the same rate across the country.

To date, the South of England has seen greater investment and development in this sector than the North, and this project will aim to support the levelling up of the North by working as one unified region.

55% of cyber security firm offices are located in Southern regions of the country (South West, London, South East) compared to 17% in Northern regions (North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, North East).
In 2021, total cyber security investment in these Southern regions accumulated to £982.4 million (accounting for 97.1% of all investment). Investment in the above mentioned Northern regions came to just £8 million (0.8% of all investment).
The Southern regions of South West, London and South East have an estimated 53% of UK based cyber security employment, while the Northern regions North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and North East have just 16%.
Moreover, average advertised salaries for cyber security roles in the Southern regions are £11,500 higher than in the Northern regions (£62,500 versus £51,000).

Source: UK Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis 2022, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

The Northern Cyber Clusters Collaboration project aims to better understand the cyber security assets and key players in the Northern regions, in order to understand what can be done to create strong ties, develop relationships and nurture collaboration that will see individuals, organisations, communities, sectors and the economy throughout the North benefit.

The Northern Cyber Clusters Collaboration survey has now closed. Thank you to everyone who took part.

Are you part of the North East, North West or Yorkshire cyber security sector? If so, we want to hear from you!

We’re seeking contributions from cyber security organisations, communities and professionals to find out what you want out of the clusters collaboration across the North of England, and how you see the clusters progressing in the future.

If you want to get involved, complete our 5-10 minute survey by 13 March.

Join Our Listening Events!

We’re hosting a number of round table listening events around the North of England to talk to people like you about what you want from the Northern Cyber Clusters Collaboration project.

We’re keen to explore ideas on how we can collaborate, learn from one another, share business and ideas, and together level up the North to attract even more cyber talent, investment and opportunities for all.

This is your chance to really shape our sector and if you’re a part of the cyber security sector in the North in any capacity, we’d love you to come along. Spaces are limited so sign up today through Eventbrite to secure your spot.