On October 24, 2024 UKC3 held their Pan Cluster 6 (PAN6) event, a day packed with insights, collaboration, and a vision to drive UK cyber security forward. This bi-annual event, brought together representatives from clusters across the UK, giving them a platform to tackle key challenges, share fresh ideas, and plan for the future. Here’s a quick roundup of the day’s highlights and where UK cyber security is headed.
Morning: Big Plans and a Look Ahead
The day began with a warm welcome from Linda Smith, Chair of UKC3, who shared the network’s latest achievements and goals. With over 10,000 students and young people engaged, a membership that’s grown to 18,000, and 17 active clusters nationwide, UKC3 has been making huge strides. Linda and Ben Shorrock, Ecosystem Lead, laid out UKC3’s strategic direction for expanding support to clusters and advancing UK cyber initiatives on a national scale.
UKC3’s New Game Plan
UKC3 is adjusting its focus to make an even bigger impact. This involves strengthening strategic partnerships and structures that help UK cyber security stay strong and adaptive. The organisation is moving towards a model that emphasises collaboration, funding support, and national advocacy, giving clusters the resources they need to respond to both local and national demands.
Fresh Initiatives in the Spotlight
Rebecca Bryant and Sue Lowe from the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) took to the stage, discussing the government’s focus on cyber resilience and innovation. They highlighted key projects under the National Cyber Strategy, including CyberFirst, which is helping to build a more diverse and sustainable talent pool for the future.
Simon Newman shared insights from new cluster funding case studies, specifically in London’s cyber sector, where findings underscored training gaps, a reliance on Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and the need for more standardised accreditation.
Afternoon: Building Stronger Clusters and Startup Innovation
The afternoon sessions kicked off with Danielle Phillips of CyberNorth, followed by group discussions led by Annabel Berry, who focused on Cluster Maturity Development. Attendees explored ways to strengthen regional collaboration, support cyber talent, and secure sustainable funding. This segment underscored the importance of a united approach to regional cyber development.
Robin Kennedy then introduced Cyber ASAP, the Cyber Security Academic Startup Accelerator Programme. This program has had remarkable success, creating 32 startups and generating £32 million in follow-on investments. Robin encouraged more academic and industry involvement to drive the next wave of UK cyber innovations.
Future Plans: National Goals and Local Initiatives
UKC3’s next six months are looking ambitious. Plans are underway to establish a National Cyber Industry Council and a Cluster Consultation Group to drive private-sector engagement. Additionally, a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is being developed to promote best practices in resilience, digital identity, and professionalisation of the cyber workforce.
2025 will also see the roll-out of “Cyber Local” initiatives, with new funding and projects designed to address local needs and fuel the UK’s regional cyber capacity. The PAN6 event wrapped up with networking sessions, where the day’s learnings and plans for action were celebrated.
Key Takeaways
1. UKC3 is Growing: The network’s expansion will continue to shape both local and national cyber agendas.
2. Strengthening Resilience: Tackling regional skill gaps, supporting SMEs, and reducing cyber disparities remain top priorities.
3. Collaboration is Key: Academic and industry partnerships are crucial for initiatives like Cyber ASAP and CyberFirst to continue driving the UK’s cyber resilience.
With a solid foundation and a clear roadmap, UKC3 and its clusters are well-equipped to elevate the UK as a leader in cyber security. This year’s PAN6 event has set the stage for a resilient, inclusive, and innovative cyber future in the UK.
View the days highlight reel:
