New £150,000 cyber security programme launched for East Midlands businesses

A new £150,000 support programme is being rolled out to help East Midlands businesses, particularly those in manufacturing, logistics, and professional services, strengthen their cybersecurity defences.

The initiative is spearheaded by Dr Ismini Vasileiou, an associate professor at De Montfort University Leicester and founder of the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster. It aims to provide practical, hands-on guidance to firms looking to better manage cyber risk, train staff, and safeguard their operations.

The project is a collaborative effort, delivered in conjunction with regional consultancy 1284 Communications and digital design agency Bulb Studios. It has secured funding through the Government’s Cyber Local scheme, being one of only 20 initiatives selected across England from more than 110 applicants.

Dr Vasileiou explained: “The programme is designed to meet businesses where they are. It’s aimed particularly at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that do not have dedicated cybersecurity expertise in-house or rely on the same trusted person to ‘do the IT’.

“The reality is that cyber threats have changed. Ransomware, phishing scams and data breaches are constantly looking for weaknesses. Whether you’ve got a full IT team or just someone who’s always ‘looked after the computers,’ now’s the time to think differently. It’s about building confidence and capability. Our mission is to make cyber resilience as second nature as health and safety.”

She added: “As a region powering the UK’s manufacturing, logistics, and professional sectors, the East Midlands urgently needs practical, localised cyber support to protect its businesses and sustain economic growth. This project turns national ambition into local action – equipping East Midlands businesses with the tools to become resilient, confident, and digitally secure.”

The pilot programme will support 30 businesses through tailored interventions: 15 will focus on building organisational cyber resilience via governance and strategy; 10 will develop internal workforce plans and reskill staff into cyber roles; and five will host academic placements to test research-led cyber innovations. An outreach campaign will also ensure that underrepresented organisations benefit from the scheme.

Building on the success of “CyberSprint: Fast Track to the Future,” the new programme will conclude with the East Midlands Cyber Growth Summit. This event will showcase project outcomes, foster partnerships, and lay the groundwork for an annual regional cyber industry gathering.

Once the pilot programme concludes, the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster (EMCSC) plans to scale and commercialise the model to provide ongoing regional support.

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