Last week cyber security businesses and universities from across the Midlands host a USA cyber security delegation for a total of five days of events and activities. These included business, social and cultural activities, showcasing the assets and geography of Worcestershire and the Midlands region.
The trade mission activities began in London. Cyber businesses and universities from Maryland, USA exhibited at Infosecurity Europe exhibition – Europe’s largest cyber security event, before heading to Worcestershire for a tailor-made event for those operating in the Midlands, held at QinetiQ’s Malvern site. More Midlands based businesses arrived and continued building the trade relationships between the two regions at the QinetiQ event.
Cyber Maryland is dubbed ‘the USA’s epicentre for cyber security and a hub for emerging technologies’. The state of Maryland ranks first in academic R&D intensity, first in high tech share of all businesses and first in STEM job concentration. Teamed with unique assets such as the US Cyber Command Centre and National Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, and 20 military facilities with 12 major installations, it is evident why Maryland is ranking so highly among US states.
borwell was one of the Midlands based companies hosting the delegation, highlighting the strengths and opportunities of the region. Compared to travelling across the USA, getting to Birmingham or London from Worcestershire is no trouble at all. Having direct rail links to both these cities impressed the USA business owners, who travel often.
The borwell team visited Baltimore, Maryland last October on the UK trade mission to the region. The ongoing relationship growing between the Midlands and Cyber Maryland has great potential for both areas – inward investment, overseas trade and collaborations with businesses and academia are just some of the benefits to citizens in both countries.
Cyber-security is imperative to organisations of all sizes and statures. The skills shortage is a problem reflected both sides of the Atlantic. Keep up-to-date of progress at www.midlandsenginecyber.uk