Leeds SMEs to unlock cyber security support with £100k programme

A new £100k initiative to support Leeds City Region SMEs with their cyber security measures has been launched.

Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has commissioned the North East Business Resilience Centre (NEBRC) to deliver a £100K programme to support the self-employed and micro-businesses of less than 10 employees across the region.

The NEBRC will work to run an outreach education programme to improve cyber resilience through assessment, testing, certification, education, and guidance - embedding free or affordable solutions where required, alongside an ongoing partnership approach.

Roger Marsh OBE, DL, chair of Leeds City Region LEP and NP11, commented: “The LEP is continuing to support businesses with the impact of Covid-19, and cyber security is a key part of our recovery plans to produce resilient and thriving businesses.

“I am delighted to be working with NEBRC on our new cyber resilience programme to help those that currently need it the most.

“This is a brilliant opportunity for micro-businesses to benefit from expert advice, and I’d encourage all to get in touch and find out how they can mitigate cyber security risks and protect their business.”

NEBRC director and police superintendent, Rebecca Chapman, added: “We are proud to be part of this crucial, new programme, working with SMEs across the region to support cyber security in this modern age.

“As an organisation we work with our partners to protect people, places and processes. We are only too aware of the difficulties many micro and small businesses in particular are facing during this pandemic, when so many of us are working from home and reliant on new and different IT systems.

“We are looking forward to offering insight and support to the local and regional community to help ensure that cyber safety is a priority for all.”