Midlands Cyber

We're delighted to have been nominated for Innovation Thought Leader (Organisation) at The Innovation Awards 2026. 🎉 Being recognised alongside so many outstanding organisations across the Midlands is a real honour and reflects the incredible work happening across our cyber security community. At Midlands Cyber, our mission has always been to bring people together, champion innovation, and help grow the region's cyber ecosystem through collaboration, events, international partnerships, and business support. This nomination is recognition of the collective efforts of our members, partners, sponsors, and everyone who contributes to making the Midlands one of the UK's leading cyber regions. If you've supported our work or believe in what we're building, we'd be incredibly grateful for your vote. 🗳️ Vote for Midlands Cyber here: https://lnkd.in/eTGu9Zgs Voting closes 2 August. #InnovationAwards #MidlandsCyber #CyberSecurity #Innovation #WestMidlands #CyberCluster #UKInnovation #Collaboration Ryan Protheroe ✈️ Steven B. Jennifer Long

🚀 Looking to grow your business in the defence sector? 🛡️ The UK's defence industry presents significant opportunities for businesses across the West Midlands - but knowing where to start can be challenging. Join us for Winning Defence Work: A West Midlands Business Briefing in partnership with The Supply Chain Transition Programme (SCTP) and Orapi Maintenance UK. You'll gain practical insight into accessing defence supply chain opportunities, hear from industry experts, and discover how your business can position itself to win work in this growing sector. Whether you're already operating within the defence supply chain or exploring opportunities for the first time, this event will provide valuable guidance, connections and expert advice to help you take the next step. 📅 Date: Wednesday 23 September 2026 📍 Location: Orapi Maintenance UK, Wednesbury WS10 7XD 👉 Register your place today and discover how your business can become part of the UK's defence supply chain. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ed9bstKh FinditinBirmingham, FinditinCW, Supply Smarter West Midlands, Business Growth West Midlands, Richard Parker, West Midlands Combined Authority, West Midlands Growth Company, Babcock International Group, Midlands Cyber #Defence #Manufacturing #SupplyChain #BusinessGrowth #WestMidlands #SMEs #Procurement #Networking #Finditin

Are you a Herefordshire based business working in, or developing ideas for, the defence and security sector? If so, check out this new funding opportunity below 👇

The countdown is ON! 🚨 Applications for our brand-new Digital & AI BootCamp programme will close in just 3 weeks. ⏰ If you are a Worcestershire-based business or an individual looking to enhance your digital product, develop a new software, or advance your digital processes with AI, this is for you! 🚀 Applications will close on the 7th of July 2026 at 8 PM - don't miss out! ➡️ Act now: https://lnkd.in/eBQ6Qn_p Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership Worcestershire Growth Hub Worcestershire County Council Midlands Cyber Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Bromsgrove District Council Malvern Hills District Council Redditch Borough Council Wyre Forest District Council

Today I’m at the Defence Procurement Conference hosted at Millennium Point Birmingham I’m hosting the “Cyber in Defence” session from 11:40–11:55. The work I’ve been involved in through the West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster has highlighted an important point: defence needs cyber, but cyber doesn’t always need defence. The opportunities are significant for both organisations providing cyber services to the defence sector and those within defence seeking those services. However, aligning these missions to strengthen national resilience requires strong partnerships and collaboration. I’m looking forward to today’s discussions covering Cyber Essentials Plus, DCC, and supply chain risk management, and exploring the opportunities these present for SMEs. Thank you to Richard Fallon for the opportunity to host this session. The momentum generated for this inaugural conference demonstrates that the Midlands can play a leading role in the future of defence. #Defence #CyberSecurity #NationalResilience #SupplyChainSecurity #SMEs #WestMidlands #DefenceProcurement

We’re proud to share that Midlands Cyber will once again be an Ambassador for the Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress for another year. Over the past few years, this partnership has reflected our ongoing commitment to international trade, collaboration, and strengthening connections across the global cyber ecosystem. As a cluster, we’ve built strong relationships across North America, Australia, and Europe - making it a natural step for us to continue supporting and connecting Europe’s growing cybersecurity community. Through our Ambassador partnership, our community can access exclusive discounted passes for this year’s event: • Expo+ Pass - FREE for our cluster members • Full Congress Pass - €225 (54% discount for our community) The Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress continues to be an important platform for innovation, collaboration, and international engagement across the cybersecurity sector, and we’re pleased to continue supporting its mission. LINK: https://lnkd.in/eqs_UisW If you're interested in attending and would like access to the discounted passes, get in touch with at Midlands Cyber or with our Cluster Manager - Ryan Protheroe directly #BCC26 #MidlandsCyber

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology's Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis 2026 is out. LINK: https://lnkd.in/exUkempR Starting off with a stat that gave me a smile: - Regional Cyber Clusters are now the 3rd highest collaboration option for UK cyber businesses. Up 3% and from 5th in 2025. Sitting ahead of universities and public sector bodies. 38% of businesses actively collaborating with a cluster. For me, that's confidence in what I'm doing at Midlands Cyber. Businesses are leaning on clusters as a part of how they grow and connect. But it's not just all about the Cluster. The West Midlands is holding its own and then some. Our share of UK cyber office locations has grown from 5% to 6%, employment share is up from 7% to 8%, and advertised salaries in core cyber roles have risen from £55,500 to £58,300. Meanwhile, London's share of UK cyber firm locations has dropped from 38% to 33%. The ecosystem is decentralising and the West Midlands is one of the regions picking up what it can. There's still plenty more to do, but the direction is right. The broader sector picture is strong too. £14.7 billion in revenue. We're back to 2020/21 number of firms growth (+20%~), with nearly 70,000 people employed across 2,600+ firms. AI security providers up 68% in a year (no surprise there haha). But there's one thing I'm keeping an eye on heading into the rest of 2026/2027. We're seeing a significant rise in micro firms, many of them dedicated, product-focused cyber businesses. At the same time, overall investment into the sector dropped 11% last year, and deal volume is down too. If that trend continues and if we don't see new programmes stepping in to support early-stage growth; I question if we'll start to see those micro firms stall before they can make the jump to small or medium. If you're building a cyber business in the Midlands - or investing in one, I'd love to hear how 2025 felt from where you're sitting. #MidlandsCyber #UKCyber #CyberSecurity #WestMidlands #CyberCluster

At Midlands Cyber, one of our core priorities is supporting Cyber and tech organisations to access finance, accelerate growth, and scale with confidence. We do this by connecting founders to the right investors, expertise and regional opportunities at the right time. That’s why we’re proud to work alongside organisations such as the Catalyse Angel Network, helping investment‑ready founders connect directly with active angel investors. Applications are NOW OPEN for Catalyse Angel Network’s Summer 2026 Pitch Event On 8th July 2026, a select group of high‑potential founders will pitch directly to Catalyse’s angel investors in Worcestershire. If you’re raising finance and ready to take your business to the next stage, this is an opportunity worth acting on. ⚡ APPLICATION DEADLINE: 23:59, Sunday 31 May ⚡ Spaces are limited and selection is competitive - but the impact is proven. ✅ Across the first two pitch events: 90% of founders secured follow‑on conversations with investors Multiple businesses received investment commitments from network members 💡 Who should apply? This opportunity is ideal for founders who are: - Raising £25,000-£500,000 - SEIS and/or EIS ready - Based in Worcestershire or Herefordshire, or open to exploring a move to the region Through partnerships like this, we’re strengthening the Midlands cyber and tech ecosystem - ensuring great companies can access the capital and support they need to grow locally and compete globally. 📩 How to apply Request an Application Agreement Form at: 👉 info@catalyse-angels.co.uk 👥 Interested in joining as an investor? Contact Chris Orr, at: 👉 chris.orr@catalyse-angels.co.uk #MidlandsCyber #CyberGrowth #TechFunding #AngelInvestment #StartupFinance #Worcestershire #UKCyber #ScaleUp

Planning to take part in the Secure Code Warrior CTF at #BSidesBirmingham? Make sure you’re set up ahead of the day by registering in advance. It only takes a couple of minutes and means you can jump straight in when the tournament starts. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eaQfddu2 #BSidesBrum26 #CTF