Why it matters: The Cyber Innovate to Elevate programme, delivered by Freeport East in partnership with the University of Essex, launched in September. Organisers say the high level of interest reveals a significant regional skills gap, with many SMEs reporting they feel underprepared for rising cyber threats as they face increasing compliance requirements and limited resources.
The details: Early participants include Portable Space in Bacton and Construction Training Services in Needham Market, with the remaining projects based in Colchester and across north-east Essex. The scheme is funded by Innovate UK through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
By the numbers: All eight SMEs approved so far have received full cyber security internal audits, risk identification, practical policies, training materials and governance processes tailored to their operational needs.
Organisations also receive specialist expertise from university academics and technical teams, comprehensive cyber audits, governance guidance, practical workshops and a six-week innovation challenge connecting SMEs with masters and PhD students.
The bigger picture: Many of the businesses involved are responding to requirements from regulators or large clients such as Sizewell C, where small businesses must be appropriately certified to benefit from supply chain opportunities. The scheme is also working with the Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre to provide additional guidance and aftercare beyond individual projects.
What they're saying: Steve Beel, chief executive 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."
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."
Mark Dolman, managing director at Portable Space, said: "I'm happy that we're working with the University of Essex and Freeport East through the Cyber Innovate to Elevate programme. Cyber security is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of new challenges is critical for a growing business like ours."
Emma Bailey, project and funding manager at Construction Training Services, added: "Construction Training Services is 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."
What's next: Given the level of demand, Freeport East and the University of Essex are 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 bottom line: The overwhelming response to the programme reveals the scale of cybersecurity vulnerability among small businesses in Suffolk and Essex, with the combination of academic expertise and practical support showing potential to become a national blueprint for stronger SME cyber resilience.
