A new cybersecurity programme, Cyber Innovate to Elevate (CItE), which launched in September, has now approved its first projects, marking a major step in boosting the digital skills and resilience of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across Suffolk and Essex amid rising cyber threats.
Eight fully funded consultancy projects have already been awarded through CItE, with more in development as the programme scales via the University of Essex’s Innovation Fund to meet high demand. Early participants include manufacturers, education providers and high-hazard chemical suppliers such as Portable Space (Bacton, Suffolk), Curtis Machine Tools (Colchester, Essex), Thurstable School (Tiptree, Essex), Construction Training Services (Needham Market, Suffolk) and East Harbour Group (Colchester, Essex).
Delivered by Freeport East in partnership with the University of Essex, the programme is funded by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Cyber Local Project (Project Number: 10161735). It provides fully funded, collaborative projects that combine academic expertise with hands-on support to help organisations reduce their vulnerability to fast-evolving cyber threats.
As well as providing access to the latest cutting-edge research and expertise being developed by academics at the University of Essex, it is also delivering valuable industry engagement for Essex’s Masters students through collaboration with local businesses, strengthening their skills for the workplace. Delivered by Freeport East in partnership with the University of Essex, the programme is funded by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Cyber Local Project (Project Number: 10161735). It provides fully funded, collaborative projects that combine academic expertise with hands-on support to help organisations reduce their vulnerability to fast-evolving cyber threats.
As well as providing access to the latest cutting-edge research and expertise being developed by academics at the University of Essex, it is also delivering valuable industry engagement for Essex’s Masters students through collaboration with local businesses, strengthening their skills for the workplace.
Since opening initial registrations, the programme has received more than 150 expressions of interest from local businesses – almost three times the target, highlighting the urgent need for accessible cybersecurity support in the area. Many SMEs across Freeport East have reported feeling underprepared for rising cyber threats, as they face increasing compliance requirements, limited resources, and a rise in data breaches and ransomware.
Through the programme, organisations gain access to:
- Specialist expertise from University of Essex academics and technical teams
- Comprehensive cyber audits, governance guidance and secure-by-design development support
- Practical workshops, technical deep dives and knowledge-sharing sessions
- A six-week ‘iTeams’ innovation challenge connecting SMEs with MSc and PhD students
- Networking opportunities that strengthen peer support and expand the region’s cybersecurity ecosystem
To further strengthen support, CItE is also working with the Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre (ECRC), a police organisation established to help small and medium organisations tackle the rising threat of cyber-attacks, which will provide additional guidance and aftercare to help businesses continue improving their security posture beyond their project.
Many of the SME businesses involved are also responding to the requirements of regulators or large clients, such as Sizewell C, where small businesses must be appropriately certified to benefit from supply chain opportunities.
The programme is set to deliver real value to SMEs, offering strengthened cybersecurity processes, improved understanding of risk, enhanced internal capabilities and increased confidence in navigating potential threats.
Steve Beel, CEO at Freeport East, commented: “This is a major investment for the East of England and a real vote of confidence in our region as a place to do business and participate in unique economic clusters. Ukrspecsystems brings market-leading innovation to the UK that will create new opportunities and partnerships for local supply chains and job-seekers.
The Freeport East area, Port of Felixstowe, A14 corridor, and wider region offers unique strengths for development of digital and technology-based products and for testing of autonomous aerial transport systems. This investment is also a clear endorsement of the support Freeport East can offer ambitious international firms looking to grow their footprint in the UK.”
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. Through this partnership with Freeport East and Innovate UK, we’re not only strengthening cyber resilience across Suffolk and Essex but also providing our students with valuable industry experience and helping local businesses build the capability and confidence to thrive.”
Steve Beel, CEO at Freeport East, commented: “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.
Ed Mayhew, Operations Director at Curtis Machine Tools, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of the Cyber Innovate to Elevate programme. Strengthening our resilience against cyber threats is a top priority, and this initiative offers a fantastic opportunity to do just that. Beyond the technical benefits, we’re equally excited about how it will empower our team with deeper awareness of the evolving cyber landscape and the risks it presents.”
Emma Bailey, Project and Funding Manager at Construction Training Services, commented: “Construction Training Services are 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.
“This support is hugely valuable to us as a small business, and we are grateful for the safer, more resilient future it enables.”
Mark Dolman, Managing Director at Portable Space, added: “I’m happy that we’re working with the University of Essex and Freeport East through the Cyber Innovate to Elevate programme. Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of new challenges is critical for a growing business like ours. This collaboration gives us invaluable insight from experts we can trust.
“Beyond the business benefits, I’m proud that we’re part of a regional initiative that brings together local businesses and academia to strengthen our communities here in Suffolk and beyond. It’s exciting to be contributing to something that makes a real difference.”
Given the level of demand, Freeport East, its partners and the University of Essex are now 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 combination of academic expertise, tailored support and practical capability-building has the potential to become a national blueprint for stronger SME cyber resilience across the UK.
To learn more about the Cyber Innovate to Elevate programme, please visit https://www.essex.ac.uk/business/expertise/funding-opportunities/cyber-innovate-to-elevate.
