Partnership aims to power cyber growth

Lancashire has announced a new strategic partnership to maximise the county’s ‘once in a generation’ cyber opportunity. 

The National Cyber Force, local authorities, industry, and academia, have joined forces to create the Lancashire Cyber Partnership (LCP). 

Its role will be to shape, support and promote the county’s world-class cyber strengths and fast-growing cyber ecosystem.  

The partnership’s members are Lancashire County Council (LCC); the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP); the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan); Lancaster University; BAE Systems and the National Cyber Force (NCF). 

The LCP was officially launched at the county’s first ever Lancashire Cyber Festival this week.  

Hosted at UCLan, the event brought together a wide range of participants, including businesses owners, council leaders, academics, and representatives from national government.  

Over two days delegates took part in discussions and workshops which explored how Lancashire’s ambition to create a high-value, high-skilled, and inclusive cyber economy, could be realised.  

In a statement the LCP said its mission was also to ensure the entire county enjoys “the positive social, cultural and educational benefits set to be generated by a rapid increase in cyber-related jobs and significant inward investment over the coming years”. 

In addition, the LCP will enhance and support the North West Cyber Corridor: a growing cluster of cyber businesses; specialist centres of excellence; governmental agencies; digital innovation hubs; high-tech co-working spaces and critical infrastructure providers, based across the region. 

The LCP vision is for the county and the corridor to be one of the world’s leading destinations for cyber businesses, support agencies, careers, training and research. 

Its launch comes as the NCF, a partnership between defence and intelligence, gets set to open its new home in Samlesbury in 2025. 

Andy Walker, the county council’s head of business growth, said: “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. 

“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.”   

Air Vice-Marshal Tim Neal-Hopes, NCF commander, added: “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. 

“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.”

Lieutenant General Tom Copinger-Symes, deputy commander, UK Strategic Command, is pictured here with Andy Walker at the launch of the Lancashire Cyber Partnership.