CyberNorth and Sage have announced a partnership to support the North East of England's cyber security sector and promote the region as a centre of technological innovation.
The collaboration between CyberNorth, the North East cybersecurity cluster, and Sage, a large employer in the region, will focus on accelerating the development of cybersecurity capabilities. Central to the initiative is the proposed creation of the North East Innovation Zone, intended as a physical hub for technology businesses to expand and collaborate.
Sage, based in Newcastle and employing more than 1,200 people at its Cobalt Park headquarters, is one of the region's largest technology companies. The partnership aims to capitalise on existing expertise while providing new opportunities for growth among businesses and professionals in cybersecurity.
Danielle Phillips, Chief Executive Officer at CyberNorth, said, "The North East has a stellar roll call of companies blazing a trail across the cyber security landscape, however there is still further potential which remains untapped. Our plans are ambitious, but essential. This partnership with Sage really is a pivotal moment for CyberNorth and the cybersecurity community as a whole in the region."
According to recent figures, approximately 67,300 people are currently employed in the cybersecurity sector across the United Kingdom, with more than 6,600 new jobs created over the past year. Industry revenues have reached GBP £13.2 billion, with gross value added totalling GBP £7.8 billion. Sector growth is attributed to increasing cyber threats, stricter regulatory requirements, and rapid adoption of artificial intelligence technologies. National policy is also reflecting this strategic priority, with measures such as the proposal of a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill in the King's Speech.
Sage's involvement in the partnership is intended to enhance the resilience and visibility of the North East's digital economy. Mads Howard, Manager in the Chief Executive Office at Sage and recipient of an MBE for her cyber security work, commented, "Sage is proud to work with CyberNorth and support its ambitions to showcase the North East as a Global Innovation Hub. The North East has a rich heritage of innovation. By investing in our local ecosystem, we are helping to build a strong, more resilient digital economy for the future."
Since its establishment, CyberNorth has fostered a network comprising 100 businesses and over 2,000 professionals across various sectors, including fintech, space, maritime, and defence. The organisation reports successful collaborations with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, and endorsement from the recently elected North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, for its "Influencing the Influencer" campaign.
Danielle Phillips said, "This exciting partnership paves the way to further bolster our presence, and collaborative charge on a regional, national and international platform. We look forward to seizing all the exciting new opportunities this partnership will bring to the table."
The North East is also home to two National Cyber Security Centre-accredited Centres of Excellence in Cyber Security Research, based at Northumbria University and Newcastle University. This distinguishes the region as the only location outside London with more than one such centre, contributing to workforce development and skills growth in cybersecurity.
