£400k Cyber Security Support for Yorkshire Manufacturers

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£400k Cyber Security Support for Yorkshire Manufacturers

Made Smarter Yorkshire has rolled out a fantastic £400,000 cyber security programme aimed at helping small and medium-sized manufacturers safeguard their operations against cyber threats and boost their digital resilience.

In collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University, this government-funded initiative provides four tiers of fully funded support. These range from basic cyber security awareness to specialized training that guides businesses toward achieving the internationally recognized ISO 27001 certification.

The goal of the programme is to cultivate Cyber Security Champions within manufacturing firms, empowering employees with the skills to spot threats, enhance security practices, and protect their increasingly interconnected production systems.

This initiative comes in response to rising concerns about cyber threats targeting UK manufacturing. Research from Make UK revealed that 30% of manufacturers faced a cyber incident, either directly or through their supply chains, in the past year.

Additionally, government-commissioned research estimated that major cyber attacks cost UK businesses nearly £195,000 on average, contributing to an overall annual economic impact of £14.7 billion.

Jessica Armitage, Programme Manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire, emphasized:

“Cyber attacks are no longer something manufacturers can afford to think will happen to somebody else.”

The programme kicks off with a 2.5-hour online Cyber Security Awareness session that covers topics like phishing, weak passwords, and cloud security. SME manufacturers throughout Yorkshire and the Humber can take advantage of this introductory training without needing to register with Made Smarter beforehand.

For those looking for more advanced support, there are pathways through Cyber Essentials, Cyber Essentials Plus, and Cyber ISO 27001, complete with training and personalized coaching to bolster security measures and prepare for certification.

Support is available online, at Sheffield Hallam University, and for select advanced courses, right at the manufacturers’ locations.

This initiative also links manufacturers to the broader Made Smarter support network, which offers guidance on digital adoption, skills development, and even potential funding for new technologies.

If you’re looking for details on eligibility and training opportunities, check out Made Smarter Yorkshire Cyber Security.