Strengthening Cybersecurity Across Essex & Suffolk

Discover the impact of the Cyber Innovate to Elevate programme from Freeport East and the University of Essex.

Join us for a special event to hear first-hand how local businesses have strengthened their cyber resilience as we bring together businesses, innovators and cybersecurity experts from across Essex and Suffolk.

Discover the impact and success of the Cyber Innovate to Elevate programme, as we celebrate the businesses and organisations who’ve taken part and the collaborative projects that have emerged.

Throughout the event, hosted in partnership between Freeport East and the University of Essex, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Discover how expert support has helped businesses elevate their cybersecurity
• Learn from inspiring project case studies designed to spark new thinking
• Gain practical, accessible advice from cybersecurity specialists to help you strengthen your own cyber resilience
• Connect and network with peers, researchers, and industry partners shaping the future of cybersecurity in our region

Whether you’ve been part of the programme already or are simply looking to begin or enhance your own cybersecurity journey, you’ll leave equipped with insights, inspiration and support to take your next steps with confidence.

Reserve your place today.

09:30 – 10:00: Arrivals, refreshments and networking

10:00 – 10:10: Welcome & introductions | Daniel Hewlett, Corporate Partnership Manager, University of Essex

10:10 – 10:20: From Insight to Impact: How Cyber Innovate to Elevate is enhancing cybersecurity in our region | Simon Papworth, Strategy & Policy Manager, Freeport East & Daniel Hewlett, University of Essex

10:20 – 10:30: DSIT – Supporting UK cyber growth and innovation | Jessica Harper, Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)

10:30 – 10:40: Case study (to be announced soon)

10:40 – 10:50: Introducing iTeams: How to innovate with the cybersecurity experts of tomorrow, today | Andy Mew, Head of Essex Startups, University of Essex

10:50 – 11:20: BREAK | Networking and iTeams project showcase

11:20 – 11:35: Building cybersecurity resilience: Essential steps for SMEs | Marta Fernandez de Arroyabe, Deputy Director of the Institute for Analytics and Data Science (IADS) & Reader at Essex Business School, University of Essex

11:35 – 11:55: Panel Discussion & Q&A: Lessons in building cybersecurity resilience in SMEs | Chaired by Holly Leonard, Head of Business Engagement, University of Essex, joined by representatives from Curtis Machine Tools, Bows and Arrows and Portable Space – companies who participated in the Cyber Innovate to Elevate programme.

11:55 – 12:05: Supporting your future cybersecurity plans:

• Opportunities from Freeport East | Simon Papworth
• Opportunities from the University of Essex | Daniel Hewlett

12:05 – 12:10: Closing remarks

12:10 – 13:30: Lunch and networking

The Cyber Innovate to Elevate programme has been funded by Innovate UK’s Cyber Local 2025-26 initiative.