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Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has laid out a strategy to grow the cyber security capabilities of the city-region.
The Greater Manchester Cyber Strategy 2023-28 includes a series of partnerships between government, private sector organisations and academia to strengthen the resilience and diversity of the cyber sector.
It says the city-region is already a sought-after location for cyber orientated businesses, with more than 150, and assets such as the Digital Innovation Security Hub and Cyber Advisory Group.
The latter will play a leading role in delivering the strategy, providing strategic oversight and management.
GMCA pointed to the siting of the National Cyber Force at nearby Samlesbury, saying it has the potential treble cyber roles in Greater Manchester to 20,000 by 2035 and contribute £2.7 billion per year to the regional economy of the North West.
The strategy is also aimed at growing the digital economy of the city-region, currently worth around £5 billion per year.
Productivity and resilience
Cllr Nick Peel, GMCA lead for digital, said: “Through greater collaboration, innovation and skills development we have a real opportunity to deliver improved productivity and resilience that benefits businesses and individuals across Greater Manchester.
“Having a cyber strategy for the region is key. We know that growth of our cyber sector will lead to the creation of high value jobs, which, in turn will contribute to a greener, fairer and more prosperous Greater Manchester.
“We’re ensuring community engagement is throughout our plans and drawing in cyber talent from across the region. Through this strategy, we will empower people by making them feel safer and more confident to use digital technologies for work, health, or to access online public services.”
