Approval has been given to create a ‘cyber cluster’ in the borough of Scarborough.
Scarborough Borough Council are to invest £140,000 in an initial pilot phase of the project which is being supported with a £97,000 contribution from the mining company Anglo American.
Across the UK there are three existing clusters with another four in the planning stage.
Each one focusses on a specific area of expertise. For example, the London cluster leads on industry, Manchester on digital innovation and Cheltenham on national security.
They’ve been established in response to the increasing number of cyber threats posed by hostile organisations and criminal networks.
They also meet national ambitions to create more cyber and digital talent in the workforce.
The Yorkshire coast cluster would focus on operational technology such as home automation or the so-called internet of things.
This could include sensors to control domestic heating systems or large pieces of equipment in a business or industrial setting.
The aim is to establish the borough as a national centre of excellence with a partnership between local and national government, industry and academic institutions.
Scarborough Borough Council have been working in partnership with CU Scarborough, GCHQ Scarborough, Anglo American and the York and North Yorkshire LEP to develop the proposals.
The cluster has the potential to create highly skilled new jobs, opportunities, products, services and digital solutions.
The first phase of the project would include a pilot programme of cyber engagement sessions, courses and workshops for individuals, and a separate programme for businesses.
Local small to medium enterprises would be supported to secure the government-backed Cyber Essentials Accreditation and there would be cyber training within schools.
Councillor Liz Colling, cabinet member for inclusive growth, said: “A cyber cluster in our borough has the potential to establish the Yorkshire coast as a centre of excellence for cyber and digital skills.
“There is a great deal of expertise and skill here already and a strong partnership of organisations such as the university, GCHQ and businesses to make this a success.
“The initial phase of activity will help us develop a longer-term approach which will support the ambition for a cyber cluster in the devolution plans for York and North Yorkshire.”
Gareth Edmunds, corporate relations director at Anglo American, said: “We’re proud to be playing a central role in the creation of a cyber cluster on the North Yorkshire coast, which is part of our wider ambition to create additional jobs alongside our Woodsmith Project.
“The study we commissioned highlighted huge potential for growth in this sector and we’re delighted that we’re now seeing this come to fruition through commitment from ourselves and with support from several key organisations in the area.”
