Why Manchester is a top cyber security hub
Home to the world’s first stored-program computer and the origin of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is well known for its innovation throughout history. The northern city is also one of the most exciting and fast-growing places to be in the UK when it comes to the tech sector, especially if you are looking for a perfect new opportunity in cyber security.
Greater Manchester already boasts a £5 billion digital economy, with a solid cyber security ecosystem as the beating heart of it all. Behind only London, the city is now second in Europe in terms of investment within the industry.
The region is a melting pot for talent, innovation and investment, all of which underpin an ambition that has already helped Manchester to become one of the world-leading cyber security destinations.
Why is Manchester such a large cyber security hub?
The tech industry as a whole has been flourishing in Manchester over the last few years, particularly in areas such as digital health, digital manufacturing and cyber security.
Not only has the city fostered homegrown cyber security firms like Avecto and Hedgehog, but more recently it has attracted the cyber divisions of large defence organisations such as BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon. That’s not to mention Britain’s government security agency, GCHQ, which established a hub in the city in 2019 with plans to sustain over 1,000 jobs.
In fact, Manchester’s cyber security sector has benefited from numerous investments and initiatives to cement its place as one of the top industry destinations, not just in the UK, but in Europe.
Digital Innovation and Security Hub
Manchester’s Digital Innovation and Security Hub (DISH) was founded in 2021 and the £10 million programme has served as a core part of the Greater Manchester Digital Footprint. The facility offers support to startups and growing digital security organisations, through mentors, coaching and dedicated programmes.
Headquartered in Heron House, an 11,000-square-foot state-of-the-art space in the heart of the city, DISH is spearheading the development of new products, driving economic growth and creating new jobs, all of which are growing Manchester’s cyber security ecosystem.
GM Cyber Foundry
The Greater Manchester (GM) Cyber Foundry is a £6 million cyber security collaboration between four regional universities: The University of Manchester, Lancaster University, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford.
Launched in 2018, the programme has so far supported 135 small and medium-sized enterprises to prepare for a digital future, as well as the development of 46 new products and services.
North West Cyber Resilience Centre
This joint venture between Manchester Digital and Greater Manchester Police is a non-profit partnership that provides cyber security services to small businesses, supply chain organisations and other third-sector companies in the region.
The North West Cyber Resilience Centre began in 2019 with the ambition of equipping every business in Manchester with the skills and knowledge to defend against digital attacks. In 2022, it was featured in the HM Government National Cyber Strategy as a network of UK Cyber Resilience Centres.
The DISH, GM Foundry and North West Cyber Resilience Centre are three names of more than thirty that make up the Greater Manchester Cyber Advisory Group. Alongside them are the likes of Cisco, Barclays and Microsoft.
This kind of collaboration between public and private sectors has propelled Manchester to become a world-leading cyber security hub, boasting the necessary infrastructure, leadership and mandate to protect the UK from threats.
How to find your next cyber security job in Manchester
The cyber security industry offers a wide variety of different job opportunities. The majority of roles in the sector boast salaries above the national average and professionals in Manchester can benefit from fantastic career progression and networking opportunities, largely as a result of the initiatives in the region.
To kickstart your job search, the best place to start is on a specialised job board like CyberSecurityJobsite.com. Recruiters and hiring managers know that cyber security professionals use sites like these and you can even register your CV to let them reach out to you directly if your skills and experience match what they are looking for.
Take a look at our latest cyber security vacancies in Manchester to find your perfect new job. If you're ex military, find the best jobs for veterans in the UK.