Waterstons and CyberNorth announce strategic partnership to accelerate growth of North East cyber ecosystem

The partnership reflects a shared ambition to strengthen the North East’s cyber security sector, supporting talent development, business resilience, and regional growth while positioning the region as one of the UK’s leading cyber hubs.

Strategic partnerships are central to CyberNorth’s growth ambitions, and this alignment with Waterstons is proof of confidence in the organisation’s continued ability to spearhead the drive to make the North East a UK centre of excellence for cyber security. This new partnership further strengthens the powerful ecosystem of collaborators, supporters and partners, including industry leaders such as Gateshead College, and FTSE 100 company, Sage.

Technology and growth partners, Waterstons support organisations to achieve their ambitions through digital transformation, cyber security, and strategic IT services. As one of only a handful of National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC’s), Cyber Resilience Auditors, Waterstons are committed to elevating cyber resilience standards across the UK, helping organisations strengthen their defences in a time where cyber threats continue to rise.

Proudly based in Durham, Waterstons are keen to support CyberNorth’s mission to encourage innovation, scale the ecosystem and nurture the talent pipeline in the region. With over 280 employees, offices in London, Scotland and Australia and working on key government accounts, Waterstons are a great example of how a business can thrive being headquartered in the North East with a national and international influence.

Stewart Hogg, Associate Director, Waterstons, said: “CyberNorth plays a critical role in bringing together the region’s cyber community, and we’re proud to support them at such an important point in their journey. This partnership is more than sponsorship. It’s about backing a shared vision for the North East as a thriving, nationally recognised cyber hub.

“By working together, we can help strengthen connections between industry, academia and the public sector, supporting North East cyber prominence, whilst at the same time helping to inspire the next generation of talent and open up more accessible pathways into the sector.”

As a key contributor to the UK’s overall cyber strategy, CyberNorth leads the growing regional economic impact of a thriving cyber security community. With strong, well-established connections across multiple sectors, including quantum and CNI, CyberNorth is able to support partners through meaningful introductions, collaboration and access to a broad, engaged network.

Jon Holden, CEO, CyberNorth said: “We are now focused on growth – growth in reach, in impact, and in opportunity for the region. This strategic partnership with Waterstons means we can continue building and scaling the programmes that matter most, building stronger talent pipelines, and creating a more inclusive and resilient cyber ecosystem for the North East.

“Importantly, this partnership gives us the stability to think long-term. It means investing more deeply in young people, supporting SMEs more effectively, and accelerating major initiatives like the North East Cyber Innovation Centre.

“Strategic partnerships like this are critical to enabling CyberNorth to continue its work and impact in the region. It helps us to provide support to our growing industry and the businesses within it and without them, we would cease to exist. We are delighted to work with Waterstons to better the region and support their continued success.”

Since its inception, CyberNorth has built a vibrant cybersecurity community in the North East, supporting hundreds of businesses and over 2,000 professionals, while collaborating across a range of sectors from FinTech, Space, Maritime, and Defence. Strong relationships with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Business and Trade have amplified the region’s profile nationally and internationally.

Through the forging of strategic partnerships, CyberNorth will work in unison with key leading cyber businesses and establishments with their shared aims of:

• Scaling impactful programmes across schools, colleges, universities, SMEs, and the wider tech community
• Expanding CyberFirst activity to inspire more young people and strengthen early-stage talent pipelines
• Growing the University & Student Ambassador programme, deepening engagement across all five regional universities
• Increasing SME support through practical workshops, best-practice sessions, and hands-on guidance
• Strengthening flagship events, including CyberFest, the Cyber Awards, and community initiatives
• Building critical momentum and accelerating progress toward the North East Cyber Innovation Centre.

Jon added: “In short, this partnership is a powerful statement of intent from both organisations – a shared commitment to champion opportunity, advance inclusion, and unlock sustainable economic growth across the North East’s cyber security sector.”

For more information on CyberNorth, visit: www.cybernorth.biz/about-us

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