In March, CybExer, a global leader in Cyber Range technology, opened a new office at Dorset Innovation Park, a premier hub for defence and security innovation.
Andrus Kivisaar, CEO of CybExer, said the Dorset Innovation Park provides an ‘ideal environment’ to collaborate with industry leaders, government agencies and defence organisations to advance national cybersecurity preparedness’.
The new UK office, located at Dorset Innovation Park will serve as a central hub for CybExer’s activities in the region, fostering collaboration with partners and facilitating the deployment of its state-of-the-art Cyber Range technology. The move aligns with CybExer’s ongoing commitment to equipping organisations with the tools and training necessary to defend against the evolving cyberthreat landscape.
This investment – outside of London and the M25 corridor – is not an isolated case. More and more frequently, we are seeing cybersecurity ‘hubs’ and innovation centres featuring in other regional locations across the UK.
From Herefordshire to Leeds, Belfast to Powys, there are numerous examples of such initiatives, each one playing a crucial role in national defence while also providing local jobs and economic benefits to regional areas.
Dan Kitchen, CEO of IT Managed Services, Cloud, Connectivity and ERP solutions provider razorblue, highlighted how Manchester has established itself as a leading cybersecurity hub outside of London, playing a crucial role in the UK’s digital defence.
“Its strong tech ecosystem, skilled workforce and continued investment in innovation make it a go-to location for businesses strengthening their cyber-resilience,” he said.
“A key driver of this growth is Manchester’s well-established tech infrastructure. With major innovation centres, research institutions and the presence of GCHQ, which has attracted significant public and private sector investment.
“This is boosting the wider North West economy – creating high-value jobs, increasing investment and expanding the tech ecosystem. The rising demand for cybersecurity expertise is driving further collaboration and innovation.”
He added that Manchester’s role as a tech hub also decentralises the cybersecurity sector, ensuring businesses across the UK – not just in London – have access to top-tier solutions, strengthening both regional economies and national cyber-resilience.
“At razorblue, we see this first-hand. More North West businesses are prioritising cybersecurity, and as threats grow more sophisticated, continued investment in cyber innovation is crucial to staying ahead and keeping businesses secure.”
Tim Parker, cybersecurity expert, PA Consulting, said that cybersecurity hubs and clusters have tended to form either because of a gathering of like-minded businesses in a small area like a technology park, or as a result of the demand for a like-minded community within a region.
These hubs often act as the local enablers for national initiatives, such as CyberFirst, utilising local knowledge and connections to deliver outreach into their communities.
“Hubs and clusters raise awareness of and collaborate with SMEs on grant initiatives, such as CyberLocal, which is currently offering grants of between £25K and £150K to regional cyberskills projects,” he said. “These hubs support personal and professional development, offering a community of mentoring, advice and guidance to help individuals develop and progress as professionals, as well as sharing insights into companies which may not have a regional presence. For example, the SW Cyber Security Cluster has senior information and cyber security professionals who work in London, but live in the South West as members.
“The government recognises the value of the growing UK cyber sector with cybersecurity exports worth £7.2 billion in 2023. There has been a recognition that there is talent across the nation and supporting these is good for the economy as well as the levelling up agenda.”
Muhammad Yahya Patel, Lead SE & Evangelist, Office of the CTO at Check Point, said the UK’s strategic establishment of cybersecurity hubs beyond London addresses multiple areas.
First, it ensures diversification and national resilience – solely relying on skills and expertise in the London area ‘does not align with resilience strategies and creates an unnecessary single point of dependency.’
“The country must be able to respond to cyberthreats using a diverse and wide range of expertise nationwide. Establishing regional cybersecurity hubs provides those key focal points around the country to ensure CNI is protected using regional expertise. The latest establishment to have a significant impact is the National Cyber Force headquartered in Lancashire, further strengthening the cyber ecosystem in the North West,” he said.
In addition, these regional hubs – when collaborating closely with local educational institutions – provide training and employment opportunities.
“Young people are struggling today to enter the cybersecurity industry as they lack experience, but the regional hubs help them overcome this challenge by providing real hands-on opportunities to upskill and gain experience,” he said.
“The regional hubs have a broader impact on the local economy as they support job creation and career pathways for new and existing cyberspace entrants. Regional cyber-clusters have helped SME businesses with cybersecurity hygiene and practices, which helps those businesses survive cyberattacks. Many of these hubs also attract technology partners for innovation projects that drive economic growth and technological advancements.”
Finally, he cited improved security posture nationwide as a result of these initiatives.
“Having regional hubs puts focus on local businesses, charities and the community in general to be better protected against different cyberthreats. We also find that some of the larger cybersecurity organisations and vendors will engage with local hubs as their own offices and workforce is national, meaning access to cybersecurity expertise is right on the doorstep for regional hubs.
“The regional hubs can localise messaging and have in-person activities to help educate society on cyberthreats, which wouldn’t be possible if the only hub was in London.”
