SWLEP to launch new Cyber Centre in Spring 2022
As part of the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership ( SWLEP ), the Business Cyber Centre ( BCC ) will launch next year .
With a focus on cyber-security , the BCC will work within a rapidly growing eco-system of business , academia and military organisations focussed on cyber security in the Swindon and Wiltshire area .
Its primary objective will be to create cyber confidence and support SMEs to grow . Services to SMEs will be affordable and will be delivered remotely to meet the expectations of start-ups and growing organisations .
The BCC will provide services ranging from virtual cyber training to security awareness for cyber-SMEs and micro-businesses , through to specialist courses and cyber career opportunities for young adults , mature learners , and existing cyber professionals and freelancers .
The BCC has been allocated £ 3.7 million of a successful £ 9.7 million grant from the Getting Building Fund ( GBF ) secured by the SWLEP . The fund has been provided by central Government in response to the Covid-19 pandemic .
It will be the first business-led cyber centre in the UK , and will partner with Government departments and funded organisations , such as the National Cyber Security Centre , to address the pressing need to support SMEs and to help close the cyber skills gap .
SWLEP Chair , Paul Moorby , said , “ Working with our key strategic partners we will seek to build upon the existing ecosystem and cyber community to create opportunities for SMEs and cyber professionals .
“ The BCC ’ s skills and research agenda , shaped in partnership with the University of Bath , will help to close the UK ’ s cyber skills gap . Working with Defence Digital at MOD Corsham and other MOD organisations in the region , we are looking to maximise opportunities for learners , SMEs , freelancers and veterans .
“ As Chair , I am delighted that this project has been funded by the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy and that SWLEP is working closely with the Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport and other central Government departments and organisations such as the National Cyber Security Centre , to maximise this investment in the local economy and within the Western Gateway . We would also like to thank our corporate partners , Nationwide Building Society and Zurich Insurance based in Swindon for their ongoing commitment to this exciting project .“
Tom Marshall , Business Development Manager for the BCC said , “ Cyber security has never been more relevant , both to businesses and individuals . The threat of financial loss and risk to intellectual property is constant and is only going to increase , therefore it is essential to be able to access the specialist knowledge and support to mitigate this risk . The Business Cyber Centre will provide the support required for UK businesses to grow safely .
" We will be testing our products and services with businesses in the region later in 2021 and invite businesses who are interested in joining a cohort to enquire through our website .”
To find out more about the Business Cyber Centre email : tom . marshall @ swlep . co . uk or call : 07780 040 599 .
“ The Business Cyber Centre will be the first business-led cyber centre in the UK providing the support required for businesses to grow safely ”
Tom Marshall , Business Development Manager for the new Business Cyber Centre
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