Cybersecurity programme proves big hit with businesses

Small and medium businesses across Suffolk and Essex are taking steps to boost their digital skills and resilience thanks to a new cybersecurity programme run by Freeport East, in partnership with the University of Essex.

Cyber Innovate to Elevate (CItE) is offering academic expertise and hands-on support to organisations to reduce their vulnerability, and has received widespread interest from businesses across the region.

Eight fully-funded consultancy projects have already been awarded through CItE, with more in development as the programme scales via the University of Essex’s Innovation Fund to meet high demand.

Early participants include manufacturers, education providers and high-hazard chemical suppliers such as Portable Space (Bacton, Suffolk), Curtis Machine Tools (Colchester, Essex), Thurstable School (Tiptree, Essex), Construction Training Services (Needham Market, Suffolk) and East Harbour Group (Colchester, Essex).

As well as providing access to the latest cutting-edge research and expertise being developed by academics at the University of Essex, it is also delivering valuable industry engagement for Essex’s Masters students through collaboration with local businesses, strengthening their skills for the workplace.

Since opening initial registrations, the programme has received more than 150 expressions of interest from local businesses - almost three times the target, highlighting the urgent need for accessible cybersecurity support in the area.

Many SMEs across Freeport East have reported feeling underprepared for rising cyber threats, as they face increasing compliance requirements, limited resources, and a rise in data breaches and ransomware.

Through the programme, organisations gain access to:

• Specialist expertise from University of Essex academics and technical teams

• Comprehensive cyber audits, governance guidance and secure-by-design development support

• Practical workshops, technical deep dives and knowledge-sharing sessions

• A six-week ‘iTeams’ innovation challenge connecting SMEs with MSc and PhD students

• Networking opportunities that strengthen peer support and expand the region’s cybersecurity ecosystem

To further strengthen support, CItE is also working with the Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre (ECRC), which will provide additional guidance and aftercare to help businesses continue improving their security posture beyond their project.

Many of the SME businesses involved are also responding to the requirements of regulators or large clients, such as Sizewell C, where small businesses must be appropriately certified to benefit from supply chain opportunities.

The programme is set to deliver real value to SMEs, offering strengthened cybersecurity processes, improved understanding of risk, enhanced internal capabilities and increased confidence in navigating potential threats.

Holly Leonard, Head of Business Engagement at The University of Essex, said: “Combining the University of Essex’s cybersecurity research excellence with hands-on consultancy is giving local SMEs practical, fully funded support where it’s needed most. The strong interest we’ve seen underlines the scale of demand for accessible cyber guidance.

"Through this partnership with Freeport East and Innovate UK, we’re not only strengthening cyber resilience across Suffolk and Essex but also providing our students with valuable industry experience and helping local businesses build the capability and confidence to thrive.”

Steve Beel, CEO at Freeport East, said: “We’re very proud to have developed this innovative programme with the University of Essex and Innovate UK in direct response to local SME feedback. Cyber Innovate to Elevate provides fully funded, hands-on consultancy and practical training tailored to the needs of each business.

“The level of interest we have seen highlights a significant regional skills gap but also shows that businesses want to invest in their cyber preparedness and be ready for emerging threats. Until now, dedicated cybersecurity support for SMEs has been limited, leaving many businesses feeling exposed and unsure about how to build internal resilience."

Emma Bailey, Project and Funding Manager at Construction Training Services, said: “Construction Training Services are delighted to have secured Cyber Security funding and to be working with the University of Essex. The funding provides a significant boost that helps us to safeguard our customers and continue growing with confidence.

“This support is hugely valuable to us as a small business, and we are grateful for the safer, more resilient future it enables.”

Mark Dolman, Managing Director at Portable Space, added: “I’m happy that we’re working with the University of Essex and Freeport East through the Cyber Innovate to Elevate programme.

"Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of new challenges is critical for a growing business like ours. This collaboration gives us invaluable insight from experts we can trust.

“Beyond the business benefits, I’m proud that we’re part of a regional initiative that brings together local businesses and academia to strengthen our communities here in Suffolk and beyond. It’s exciting to be contributing to something that makes a real difference.”

Given the level of demand, Freeport East, its partners and the University of Essex are now exploring how the model could be scaled up further to serve more businesses in the region and could even act as a model for elsewhere in the UK.

The combination of academic expertise, tailored support and practical capability-building has the potential to become a national blueprint for stronger SME cyber resilience across the UK.

More information is available on the Cyber Innovate to Elevate programme and Freeport East.