• UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3) recently celebrated its first 12 months of operations.
  • UKC3’s mission is to support growth of the UK’s cyber sector by enabling cyber clusters to collaborate and deliver activity across key areas: ecosystem development, innovation and skills growth.
  • UKC3 Cyber Clusters boosted by nearly £2 million investment, over 2 years, from DCMS strengthening regional cyber ecosystems.
  • Since it was launched, UKC3 has accomplished several achievements: supporting the launch of the National Cyber Strategy 2022, creation of new clusters, development of skills, talent and job opportunities and connecting the industry.

Backed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3) has celebrated its first anniversary following the launch in May 2021. In the past 12 months, the organisation has seen the development and recognition of 12 cyber clusters across the UK, all focused on driving regional growth of the cyber ecosystem and the businesses within it.

During the last year, the number of UKC3 recognised clusters grew from seven to twelve across UK regions and nations with a further two expected to come on board in the next six months. These local clusters play a vital role in supporting local cyber businesses and connecting the UK cyber sector into a thriving ecosystem. As part of their strategy, the organisation is supporting cyber skills growth initiatives such as regional Cyber First Schools pilots, apprenticeship schemes and various direct-to-student/college projects. In addition, a number of clusters are actively involved in Cyber Runway, a programme for cyber innovation.

Over the last 12 months, UKC3, a Community Interest Company, has secured nearly £2million of investment from DCMS to fund cluster activities from May 2021 over a 24 month period, as the UK Government continues to support the growth of the UK cyber sector.  As part of this, UKC3 is playing a central role in the Government’s National Cyber Strategy 2022 to deliver on growth and strengthening the UK cyber Ecosystem.

Security minister, Minister Lopez said:

“Supporting our thriving cyber sector and its talented professionals is vital to ensuring we remain a global tech power. Our investment in UKC3’s ambitious cyber programme is boosting skills and supporting businesses to develop cutting-edge tools which can keep people safe and secure online.”

Commenting on the first year of operations, UKC3 Chair, Richard Yorke, said:

“Cyber continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK economy with the talent and capability in our regions and nations playing a pivotal role. It’s been an exciting first year; we’ve created the right foundations and are now building from them. I’m delighted with how we are working with cyber clusters across the country to support and develop their local ecosystems and put in place the conditions in which cyber start-ups and SMEs can flourish in a particularly dynamic, fast-moving industry. All businesses involved with the cyber sector can benefit from being part of their local cluster, individually and as part of the collaborative effort. It’s a good place to be.”

UKC3 will be at the industry’s leading event, InfoSec 21st-23rd June, where they will be holding a workshop for people working in the cyber sector to see how their local cluster can support them. To find your local cyber cluster, click here.