The West Midlands cyber sector is experiencing rapid growth – with Midlands Cyber at the forefront.
Over 12 months, Worcestershire launched its first TechFest, Birmingham hosted Tech Week, and the region opened the West Midlands Cyber Hub – a dedicated space for cyber businesses to collaborate and grow.
Midlands Cyber, the region’s cyber cluster, has moved from hosting events towards building permanent infrastructure that supports businesses and talent across the sector.
Launched last month, the West Midlands Cyber Hub marked a significant development in building a more integrated and supportive regional ecosystem.
Based in central Birmingham – Led by Wayne Horkan and Andy Horkan from CyberTzar and created in partnership with TechWM, the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands, Aston University, and the Innovation Alliance – the Hub provides cyber businesses with a dedicated workspace and access to key networks and resources.
The Hub’s targets by March 2026 are ambitious: support 25+ SMEs, host 20+ sector events, and engage more than 100 participants.
It’s designed as a hub-and-spoke model that will expand beyond Birmingham to Wolverhampton, Coventry, and Worcester – ensuring cyber opportunity reaches across the entire region.
The Hub delivers practical benefits including:
- Access to partnerships and markets – connections across the regional cyber ecosystem and beyond.
- Innovation and skills support – links to Aston University and resources to help businesses stay competitive in an evolving threat landscape.
- Investment visibility – addressing the region’s historical funding gap by attracting investment and keeping regional talent local.
- Community and inclusion – a focused environment that values diverse voices and perspectives in cyber.
The West Midlands now has the infrastructure, partnerships, and momentum to build on this foundation and support genuine cyber sector growth.
Building on the success of 2025’s inaugural event, TechFest 2026 is already in planning, showing a pattern of sustained, strategic growth and a commitment to continuous ecosystem development.
Ben Shorrock, UKC3 Director and Ecosystem Development Lead, said: “Our 18 clusters have deep roots in their local cyber security ecosystems, and what’s happening in the West Midlands is a powerful example of how dedicated infrastructure, partnership, and sustained focus can accelerate growth and create real opportunity for businesses and talent.”
