Lancashire has formed a new partnership to shape, support and promote the county’s cyber eco-system.
Officially launched at the county’s first ever Lancashire Cyber Festival, the aim is to develop Lancashire as a world-leading destination for cyber businesses, investors, careers, training, academia and innovation.
They’ll do this by working together to implement initiatives and strategies which will facilitate and boost cyber-led economic growth across the County’s digital industries, technology supply chains, and broader disciplines.
The Lancashire Cyber Partnership (LCP) includes:
- National Cyber Force;
- Lancashire County Council;
- Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP);
- University of Central Lancashire (UCLan);
- Lancaster University;
- and BAE Systems.
“Lancashire has recognised that by combining our commercial, industrial, academic and political strengths, we can become one of the world’s leading destinations for cyber jobs, R&D, and investment,” explained Andy Walker, Lancashire County Council’s Head of Business Growth.
“The Lancashire Cyber Partnership is a testament to that partnership approach, and we are relishing the opportunities which a thriving and inclusive cyber economy will bring to all of Lancashire’s communities and stakeholders.”
The LCP will also enhance and support the North West Cyber Corridor: a growing cluster of cyber businesses; specialist centres of excellence; governmental agencies; digital innovation hubs; hi-tech co-working spaces; and critical infrastructure providers, which are based across the North West.
“I am immensely proud that the NCF is set to play a pivotal role in the development of Lancashire’s cyber ecosystem, and the far-reaching benefits that the cyber sector will bring to the whole of the County,” added Air Vice-Marshal Tim Neal-Hopes OBE, Commander of the National Cyber Force, which will be opening its new home in Samlesbury, Lancashire, in 2025.
“This partnership, and opportunity, will ensure that Lancashire is uniquely placed to further establish its role as a national leader for cyber and security related capabilities, delivering enduring security, resilience, and prosperity for the nation. Working alongside our colleagues in the region, the LCP will further support the development of an integrated and collaborative North West Cyber Corridor, helping us to achieve the objectives outlined in the Government’s National Cyber Strategy.”
BAE Systems employs around 10k people in Lancashire and will offer an advanced aerospace and defence technology perspective to the LCP. It leads digital defence solutions and enterprise cyber security provisions, through its Digital Intelligence business.
“BAE Systems is proud to be at the heart of the county’s advanced manufacturing, digital technology, and defence capability, with thousands of colleagues in the region,” explained Dave Holmes, BAE Systems FalconWorks’ Managing Director.
“We’re proud of the role we play supporting the wider Lancashire economy and community, especially promoting STEM-related careers to Lancashire’s young people. Being part of the Lancashire Cyber Partnership will help us build on that work, and we are looking forward to supporting Lancashire, and all its regional and national partners.”
