Cyber spooks to take pivotal role in Lancashire economy as agency commits to Samlesbury base by 2025
Lancashire is to be the home for the National Cyber Force in 2025, burnishing the credentials of the county as a cyber security centre.
The NCF will move into a new home in Samlesbury, Lancashire, in 2025 to carry out cyber operations to defend national security.
Established in 2020, the NCF is a partnership between defence and intelligence comprising GCHQ, the Ministry of Defence, MI6, and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
Air Vice-Marshal Tim Neal-Hopes OBE, Commander of the National Cyber Force, said: “I am immensely proud that the NCF is set to play a pivotal role in the development of Lancashire’s cyber ecosystem, and the far-reaching benefits that the cyber sector will bring to the whole of the County.”
A new Lancashire Cyber Partnership will also include skills programmes led by the University of Central Lancashire, which has specialisations in combating international cyber crime.
“This partnership, and opportunity, will ensure that Lancashire is uniquely placed to further establish its role as a national leader for cyber and security related capabilities, delivering enduring security, resilience, and prosperity for the nation. Working alongside our colleagues in the region, the LCP will further support the development of an integrated and collaborative North West Cyber Corridor,” Neal-Hopes said.
As well as helping to create jobs across the technology and digital supply chains, the NCF’s presence in Lancashire will also support and enhance other cyber-related investments, R&D assets, and key sub-sectors. aligning work between Lancaster University and BAE Systems, which has around 10,000 workers in Lancashire, and supports thousands more jobs across the local supply chain.
Lancaster University recently announced a £19m flagship investment into cyber security and protection science.
A new Lancashire Cyber Partnership will also include skills programmes led by the University of Central Lancashire, which has specialisations in combating international cyber crime.
The LCP’s other members are Lancashire County Council (LCC) and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the partnership was officially launched at the County’s first ever Lancashire Cyber Festival this week at the University of Central Lancashire.
The LCP’s mission is also to ensure that all of Lancashire enjoys the positive social, cultural and educational benefits set to be generated by a rapid increase in cyber-related jobs, and significant inward investment, over the coming years.
Debbie Francis OBE, Chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, said: “The LEP was very closely involved in bringing the NCF to Lancashire, and throughout that process we ensured that the needs and priorities of all of Lancashire’s different business communities, and sectors, were represented.
“Through our industry-led sector groups, our Digital Strategy, and our Innovation Board’s new five year Innovation Plan, the LEP will continue to act as the voice of business as the Lancashire Cyber Partnership moves forward. This is genuinely a once in a lifetime opportunity for the County, and we now need to all work together to maximise the benefits set to be generated for all of Lancashire.”
Commenting on the formation of the Lancashire Cyber Partnership, Andy Walker, Lancashire County Council’s Head of Business Growth, said: “The Lancashire Cyber Partnership is a testament to that partnership approach, and we are relishing the opportunities which a thriving and inclusive cyber economy will bring to all of Lancashire’s communities and stakeholders.”
