Cyber partnership aims to ‘unlock’ sector potential

A new North East partnership is aiming to strengthen the region’s cyber ecosystem and drive innovation.

Waterstons and CyberNorth have unveiled a strategic collaboration to support sector growth and resilience.

The partnership brings together CyberNorth’s growing network with Waterstons’ expertise in digital transformation and cyber resilience, supporting organisations across the North East and beyond.

Durham-based Waterstons, which employs more than 280 people and operates internationally, will play a key role in supporting talent development, innovation and business growth across the sector.

Since its inception in 2018, CyberNorth has established a strong regional presence, supporting hundreds of businesses and thousands of professionals across sectors including fintech, space, maritime and defence.

Bosses say the collaboration will focus on expanding education and skills programmes, increasing support for SMEs and strengthening industry events.

They add it will also aim to build momentum behind the proposed North East Cyber Innovation Centre, positioning the region as a leading UK hub for cyber security.

Stewart Hogg, associate director at Waterstons, said: “CyberNorth plays a critical role in bringing together the region’s cyber community, and we’re proud to support them at such an important point in their journey. 

“This partnership is more than sponsorship. 

“It’s about backing a shared vision for the North East as a thriving, nationally recognised cyber hub.

“By working together, we can help strengthen connections between industry, academia and the public sector, supporting North East cyber prominence, whilst at the same time helping to inspire the next generation of talent and open up more accessible pathways into the sector.”

Jon Holden, chief executive of CyberNorth, added: “We are now focused on growth –growth in reach, in impact, and in opportunity for the region.

“This strategic partnership with Waterstons means we can continue building and scaling the programmes that matter most, building stronger talent pipelines, and creating a more inclusive and resilient cyber ecosystem for the North East.

“Importantly, this partnership gives us the stability to think long-term. 

“It means investing more deeply in young people, supporting SMEs more effectively, and accelerating major initiatives like the North East Cyber Innovation Centre.

“Strategic partnerships like this are critical to enabling CyberNorth to continue its work and impact in the region. 

“It helps us to provide support to our growing industry and the businesses within it and without them, we would cease to exist. 

“In short, this partnership is a powerful statement of intent from both organisations – a shared commitment to champion opportunity, advance inclusion, and unlock sustainable economic growth across the North East’s cyber security sector.”

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