Midlands Cyber

What Midlands Cyber does

Midlands Cyber is a not-for-profit regional cybersecurity cluster organisation recognised by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and operating as part of the UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3) network of seventeen nationally designated cyber clusters. Founded in 2021 and headquartered at Malvern Hills Science Park in the Cyber Valley corridor spanning Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the cluster is the successor to the Midlands Cyber Security Cluster, from which it rebranded in June 2021. It connects over 2,000 businesses, professionals, public sector bodies, NHS organisations, universities, and government agencies across the West Midlands regional cyber ecosystem, with founders and trusted partners including the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The organisation does not develop or sell proprietary technology products; it functions as a coordination and facilitation platform. Its core offering consists of free cluster membership providing access to events, sector roundtables, tailored business support, supply chain introductions, skills and training pathways, and international trade missions. Membership is free for cyber and tech businesses, public sector bodies, academia, and third sector organisations in or targeting the West Midlands. The cluster supplements free membership with a partnership and sponsorship programme that allows organisations to co-deliver strategic programmes, sponsor flagship events such as the Midlands Cyber Summit, and gain formal recognition as a strategic partner of a DSIT-recognised national cluster. Inward investor soft-landing support and international market access are delivered through MoU-based cluster partnerships spanning Maryland (USA), Hauts-de-France, Ireland, and now Australia.

Midlands Cyber's revenue mechanics are not commercially productised. There is no disclosed revenue, pricing schedule, or subscription fee; operating resources are derived from government support and grants routed through DSIT/UKC3 programmes and from strategic partnership and sponsorship contributions. The cluster is led by Cluster Manager Ryan Protheroe alongside Directors Jennifer Long and Steve Borwell-Fox, with founder Gary Woodman (Chief Executive of Worcestershire LEP) anchoring the relationship with the founding Local Enterprise Partnership. Distribution is primarily event-driven and community-led, leveraging LinkedIn, Twitter, a 2,000+ subscriber email newsletter, sector roundtables, trade missions, and flagship events such as the Midlands Cyber Summit.

Name

Midlands Cyber

Legal name

Midlands Cyber

Website

https://midlandscyber.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Midlands Cyber is the DSIT-recognised, not-for-profit cybersecurity cluster for the West Midlands, UK, headquartered at Malvern Hills Science Park. It connects over 2,000 businesses, public sector bodies, universities, and government agencies through free membership, events, trade missions, and defence and inward-investment programmes.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cybersecurity Cluster Services

SIC

Services-Business Services, Nec (7389)

akta.pro primary industry

Cybersecurity Staffing (BPACADAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Privacy, Data Protection & Cyber Governance (GRC) (BPAHAFAF)

Keywords

• Cybersecurity cluster
• Regional cyber network
• Cyber trade missions
• Cyber skills training
• Cyber policy advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Worcester

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership fees: Cluster membership is free for cyber and tech businesses in the West Midlands. No fees, subscriptions, or conditions apply to joining.
2. Partnership and sponsorship: Organisations can become strategic partners or sponsors of the cluster, gaining co-delivery of programmes, flagship event sponsorship, and formal recognition as a strategic partner of a DSIT-recognised national cyber cluster. This represents a non-monetary value exchange rather than direct revenue generation.
3. Government support and grants: As a DSIT-recognised cybersecurity cluster, Midlands Cyber receives support from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and participates in UKC3 programmes, suggesting government funding for cluster activities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Midlands Cyber is a not-for-profit regional cybersecurity cluster organization connecting over 2,000 businesses, professionals, public sector bodies, and academic institutions across the West Midlands cyber ecosystem. It provides free membership to cyber and tech businesses, facilitates sector roundtables, events including the Midlands Cyber Summit, trade missions, supply chain introductions, partnership and sponsorship programmes, and inward investment support. The cluster is DSIT-recognised and is part of a national network of seventeen UK cyber clusters.

Product overview

Midlands Cyber is a not-for-profit regional cybersecurity cluster organization for the West Midlands, UK. It is not a product or technology company with a commercial software portfolio. Rather, it functions as a community platform connecting over 2,000 businesses, professionals, public sector organizations, and academic institutions across the regional cyber ecosystem. The organization's core 'offering' consists of membership-based cluster services including: free membership for cyber and tech businesses providing access to events, roundtables, trade missions, and business support; partnership and sponsorship programs for organizations seeking strategic involvement; and inward investment facilitation for international businesses exploring the West Midlands as a UK base. Midlands Cyber also provides policy engagement, skills pipeline development, and international market access facilitation through its global network of cluster partnerships. The organization operates from Malvern Hills Science Park at the heart of Cyber Valley and is recognized by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cluster Membership
• Partnership and Sponsorship Programme
• Midlands Cyber Summit and Events Programme
• International Trade Missions
• Inward Investment Support

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2,000 organisations and individuals connected through the cluster
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Howard County Government, Maryland, USAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2024Midlands Cyber hosted a delegation from Howard County Government, Maryland, USA, led by key officials and industry leaders committed to fostering international collaboration. The visit underscored the strength of the long-standing MoU with the Maryland Department of Commerce.
• UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUKC3 has been launched to support Cyber Clusters and encourage greater collaboration across regions and nations of the UK. Midlands Cyber is one of seventeen recognised clusters participating in the UKC3 network.
• Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSIT is the government department that drives innovation for improved public services, new jobs, and economic growth. Midlands Cyber is the DSIT-recognised cybersecurity cluster for the West Midlands.
• Maryland Department of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Maryland Department of Commerce is the leading voice for business and only state-wide business advocacy organization in Maryland. Long-standing MoU partnership for transatlantic cybersecurity collaboration.
• Cyber Association of Maryland (CAMI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAMI convenes partners in industry, government, academia, workforce training, and economic development to build a more cyber aware and cyber prepared Maryland.
• Nord France InvestcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNord France Invest is the investment promotion agency for the Hauts-de-France region. Midlands Cyber has an MoU with Nord France Invest to foster collaboration between academic institutions in Hauts-de-France and the West Midlands.
• Cyber IrelandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCyber Ireland is the national cyber security cluster organisation for Ireland, an industry-led body with support of academia and government focused on addressing the needs and challenges of the cyber security sector.
• Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWLEP is responsible for creating and delivering economic growth and jobs in Worcestershire. WLEP is the founder and trusted partner of Midlands Cyber.
• BetaDencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBetaDen is The Midlands dedicated commercial tech accelerator, designed for entrepreneurs and scaleup businesses. BetaDen is partnered with Worcestershire 5G, positioning businesses at the forefront of future technology.
• West Midlands Cyber Resilience CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWMCRC is part of a network of centres being established across the country to provide businesses and organisations with an affordable way to access cyber security services and consultancy to help improve cyber resilience.
• University College BirminghamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity College Birmingham is a specialist, globally-connected institution offering vocational education and training. They partner with Midlands Cyber on cyber security initiatives and placements.
• Coventry UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoventry University's Institute for Future Transport and Cities coordinates expertise across manufacturing, engineering, design and intelligent systems, working with industry partners to deliver safe and secure transport solutions.
• University of DerbyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe University of Derby is a modern, applied university with a strong focus on innovation, research, and industry collaboration, with growing focus on cybersecurity, data science, and emerging technologies.
• Warwick Manufacturing Group - University of WarwickcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWMG at University of Warwick is a centre for manufacturing and cyber research excellence. Home to the IoT-SETEC Lab for IoT security testing and evaluation.
• Worcester 5GminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorcester 5G is part of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership's digital infrastructure initiatives, supporting next-generation connectivity in Cyber Valley.
• QinetiQcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQinetiQ is a major defence and security company based in Malvern, part of the Cyber Valley ecosystem and anchor institution for the regional cyber cluster.
• Malvern Hills Science ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome to Midlands Cyber headquarters at Unit 50-51, Malvern Hills Science Park is at the heart of Cyber Valley, supporting cyber and tech businesses.
• Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Research CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch centre focused on cyber security innovation, supporting the regional ecosystem with academic research and development capabilities.
• Midlands Centre for Cyber SecurityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Herefordshire Digital Forum events and regional cyber initiatives.
• Ministry of Defence (MoD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMidlands Cyber played a key role in the foundational meeting of the West Midlands Defence and Security Cluster, working with MoD stakeholders alongside WMCA, Midlands Aerospace Alliance, and Manufacturing Technology Centre.
• West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWMCA collaborated on the foundational meeting of the West Midlands Defence and Security Cluster and is key to regional economic planning.
• Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the West Midlands Defence and Security Cluster initiative, representing the aerospace sector in regional collaboration.
• Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the West Midlands Defence and Security Cluster initiative, bringing advanced manufacturing expertise to the defence and security ecosystem.
• Cyber Chain AllianceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaborated with Midlands Cyber on the Cyber Social Fringe Event during Birmingham Tech Week.
• CyberQ GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaborated with Midlands Cyber on the Cyber Social Fringe Event during Birmingham Tech Week.
• HCR LawminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaborated with Midlands Cyber on the Cyber Social Fringe Event during Birmingham Tech Week.
• Midlands EnginecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMidlands Engine partnered with Midlands Cyber to publish a white paper on strategic cyber and defence investment potential in the Midlands, drawing on insights from a landmark roundtable at MIRA Technology Park.
• IOT Solutions World Congress (IOTSWC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMidlands Cyber is an Ambassador Partner for IOTSWC 2025 and Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress, offering exclusive discounts to members.
• Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosted Australian Trade Delegation in collaboration with CyberNorth, CyNam, and Austrade as part of CyberUK 2025.
• CyberNorthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Midlands Cyber to co-host Australian Trade Delegation as part of CyberUK 2025.
• CyNamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Midlands Cyber to co-host Australian Trade Delegation as part of CyberUK 2025.
• Aston UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAston University's Cyber Security Innovation Research Centre hosted the Howard County delegation. Midlands Cyber collaborates with Aston on cyber research, innovation, and skills initiatives.
• Howard County GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted delegation visit to strengthen transatlantic cybersecurity partnerships, showcasing Aston University's cyber innovation research.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• CyNam: UK-based cyber cluster organisation covering the Chiltern region. CyNam is a directly comparable cyber cluster facilitating networking, events, and member engagement, and has collaborated with Midlands Cyber on events such as the Australian Trade Delegation at CyberUK 2025.
• Cyber Ireland: Ireland's national cyber security cluster organisation. Cyber Ireland is a directly comparable national cluster body, focused on industry, academia, and government collaboration, and has a formal MoU partnership with Midlands Cyber for cross-border collaboration.
• Cyber Association of Maryland (CAMI): Maryland-based cyber cluster and industry association. CAMI is a directly comparable US state-level cyber cluster, sharing the cluster facilitation model and operating as a transatlantic peer under the Midlands Cyber/Maryland Department of Commerce MoU.
• CyberNorth: Northeast England's cyber security cluster organisation. CyberNorth is a directly comparable regional cyber cluster, sharing the same cluster model and partnering with Midlands Cyber on joint events including the Australian Trade Delegation at CyberUK 2025.
• West Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre: West Midlands-focused cyber resilience centre providing affordable cyber security services and consultancy to regional businesses. Operates in the same geographic ecosystem as Midlands Cyber and is listed as a core strategic partner within the cluster network.
• Nord France Invest: Investment promotion agency for the Hauts-de-France region with a formal cyber MoU partnership with Midlands Cyber. Directly comparable as a regional economic development body facilitating cross-border cyber ecosystem collaboration, particularly between academic institutions.

Broad incumbents

• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC): UK government's national authority on cyber security, part of GCHQ. NCSC is a broader incumbent operating at the national policy level; Midlands Cyber engages directly with NCSC on regional cyber policy and is recognised through its DSIT cluster status.
• UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3): UK-wide umbrella body for recognised cyber clusters. UKC3 is a broader incumbent sitting above Midlands Cyber in the national cluster hierarchy, coordinating collaboration across all 17 DSIT-recognised clusters and shaping national cluster policy.

Regional players

• Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP): Regional economic development body responsible for jobs and growth in Worcestershire. WLEP is the founder and trusted partner of Midlands Cyber and represents the cluster's regional governmental anchor, comparable as a local LEP with cyber cluster responsibilities.
• BetaDen: Worcestershire-based commercial tech accelerator partnered with Worcestershire 5G. BetaDen is a regional peer operating in the same Worcestershire/Malvern ecosystem as Midlands Cyber and is a core strategic partner accelerating cyber and tech scaleups.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MidlandsCyber
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/midlands-cyber

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Midlands Cyber