Cyber in the West Midlands is no longer just a business activity, it’s a cluster. With the right action, it can become a strategic economic engine. This review critiques the Midlands Engine Cyber & Defence Report (April 2025) and sets out a ten-point plan to make that transformation real. The opportunity is clear. The data is in. Now we must deliver.
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Cybersecurity has become a pillar of national security, digital economy growth, and global diplomacy. From ransomware attacks on hospitals to interference in democratic elections, governments worldwide now treat cyber threats as matters of statecraft, not just IT hygiene. While national strategies differ, a few shared patterns have emerged: defence of critical infrastructure, capacity building, and international coordination.
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The United States is arguably the most influential force in global cybersecurity, but its governance model is sprawling, federal, and often opaque to outsiders. Responsibility is distributed across military, civilian, and intelligence agencies, each with their own authorities, funding mechanisms, and strategic priorities.
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The European cybersecurity landscape is layered, fragmented, and fast-evolving. Unlike the centralised approaches of some governments, the EU’s model of collective sovereignty means cybersecurity is coordinated, rather than controlled by Brussels. National governments still manage their defence and digital sovereignty, but major funding, regulation, and cross-border frameworks increasingly come from the EU level.
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The definitive guide to who shapes cyber policy in Whitehall, and how to work with them.
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An extensive guide mapping the networks, policy engines, commercial power bases, and future-shapers of British cybersecurity.
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Influencing senior leaders in cybersecurity and technology is no small task, especially in the UK, where credibility, networks, and standards carry immense weight. Whether you’re a startup founder, a scale-up CISO, or a policy influencer, knowing where the key conversations happen (and who shapes them) can make the difference between being heard and being ignored.
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As Chair of the West Midlands Cyber Working Group, I’ve helped lead DSIT’s Cyber Local steering group for the region over the past two years. Working alongside regional experts, I’ve supported the selection of projects that strengthen cyber resilience on the ground, including Aston University’s powerful work on cyber violence against women and girls. This experience has reinforced just how critical locally informed funding is to building practical, inclusive, and impactful cyber capability.
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Neurodiversity is a vital consideration in cybersecurity, with one in five professionals in the industry identifying as neurodivergent. This article, based on a Cyber Runway: Scale session led by a Plexal Innovation Associate, explores the importance of neurodiversity, common misconceptions, and practical ways to support neurodivergent employees while maximizing their unique strengths.
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