About East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster
Bringing cyber security best practice into the East Midlands
East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster (EMCSC) is a regional division of the UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration. We are a Leicester-based Community Interest Company founded to develop the ecosystem in our region.
Shaping a secure digital future
East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster CIC was founded by Dr Ismini Vasileiou, Associate Professor in Information Systems at De Montfort University, in June 2023.
We are one of a number of regions under the UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3), the national body driving cyber security innovation and growth.
UKC3 is the central hub for public and private organisations, bringing together regional cyber clusters, fostering collaborations, and empowering knowledge exchange.
Its purpose is to shape a secure digital future for the UK. It does this by funding and supporting cyber clusters in their mission to drive economic growth in the sector. Regional best practice and opportunities are developed and shared to secure national growth.
Delivering CyberLocal
EMCSC is a partner of CyberLocal, the UK government scheme which is strengthening cyber security capabilities, skills, and partnerships through tailored regional projects.
CyberLocal empowers local organisations, charities, and businesses to address region-specific cyber challenges. In doing so, it works to close skills gaps through dedicated training and outreach programmes.
EMCSC’s work on CyberLocal projects has:
- Brought £100,000s of funding to the East Midlands
- Upskilled businesses in cyber security planning and workforce skills development
- Supported local priority sectors including manufacturing and logistics
- Engaging 90+ schools and colleges to improve cyber resilience and career pathways for young people
- Created the East Midlands Cyber Summit.
Leading change
EMCSC is an active participant in programmes to lead nationwide change in UK cyber security.
Our white paper – authored by EMCSC founder Dr Ismini Vasileiou and published by EMCSC in collaboration with De Montfort University Leicester, UKC3 and the APPG on Cyber Innovation – addresses the national shortage of cyber skills.
It calls for a national taxonomy aligning cyber skills, accreditation, and employer demand – highlighting the urgent need for shared language and structure in the sector.
Our values
East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster is a trusted partner to a wide range of regional and national partners.
Trust
We create a network where all partners have the confidence to communicate openly and transparently to further shared knowledge.
Collaboration
We work alongside all stakeholders to raise understanding of cyber protection, digital security, and the risk of cyber attack.
Education
We share knowledge and information for people to build productive cyber secure businesses and careers.
Innovation
We develop new ideas and share best practice within our regional and national networks.
How we can help
East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster is a comprehensive resource and support network for businesses in the region. It provides:
Awareness and education
Organising events, workshops, and seminars to promote skills and cyber security careers.
Networking events
Connecting businesses, experts, and other stakeholders.
Signposting to services
Providing access routes to trusted cybersecurity solutions.
Guidance on compliance
Helping businesses plan strategy and gain understanding of the requirements and solutions of tools such as Cyber Essentials.
Our directors
Dr Ismini Vasileiou
Ismini founded East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster. She is Associate Professor in Information Systems at De Montfort University Leicester. Ismini has extensive leadership experience in Computer Science and has led a range of prestigious institutional bids. Her research interests include social engineering, security education, learning analytics and technology-supported learning. Ismini is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of IT. She is Co-Chair of UKC3.
David Nicholls
David has more than 20 years of experience in supporting SMEs with secure and scalable IT solutions. He is the Managing Director of Better-IT Limited, a Leicestershire-based business working with UK businesses on premium remote, technology-led practices that are based on security, productivity, and communication. Davis is a Director of Leicester Business Festival CIC and a former Policy Lead and Regional Chair for the Federation of Small Businesses.
Rob Kneller
Rob has spent more than 15 years in the cyber security industry and is the Director of KIT365 Ltd, a cyber security managed service provider and consultant. Rob has a wealth of experience in the field and is a Cyber Scheme Team Member (CSTM), Cyber Essentials Plus Lead Assessor, and NCSC-approved Cyber Advisor providing expertise in assessing organisations for Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. He is committed to helping organizations of all sizes achieve robust cyber security and is comfortable communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Get involved
Connect with us to learn about our upcoming events, explore partnership opportunities, and discover how you can support our mission in securing regional cyber defences.