Ecosystem
A Collaborative Approach
Each core member of the Lancashire Cyber Partnership: BAE Systems, Lancashire County Council (LCC); Lancaster University, the University of Lancashire and the National Cyber Force (NCF); brings unique expertise, insights, and resources to support the LCP’s aspirations and are committed to:
- Enabling a collaborative approach to realising the vision of the LCP
- Realising the value which brings mutually reinforcing benefits for National Security and Economic Growth
A Mission-led Approach to Cyber Challenges
Lancashire and the wider North West has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead the UK’s cyber and technology revolution. The region already has the foundations.
Our core partners are part of a wider innovation and cyber security ecosystem with strong academic institutions, industry-led cluster organisations and a highly supportive public sector.
Businesses locating to Lancashire will not only be at the heart of the UK's cyber capabilities (and Lancashire's wider defence and security expertise), but will have access to a range of stakeholders who they can work with collaboratively to identify innovative solutions to cyber-related challenges in direct and adjacent sectors, including:
Academia
Cluster Organisations
- The NW Regional Defence and Security Cluster aims to be recognised as the UK’s leading region for Defence and Security by supporting the distinctive clusters and trade bodies across the North West, helping them work together to seize shared opportunities and drive prosperity for communities across the region.
Its mission is to enable Defence and Security innovation, foster strong partnerships, and accelerate large‑scale growth by leveraging the North West’s advanced R&D strengths, extensive manufacturing, assembly and testing facilities, and its highly collaborative approach.
- Established in 1994, the NW Aerospace Alliance has played a central role in advancing the aerospace, defence and space sectors across the North West for more than 30 years. Representing around a quarter of the UK’s aerospace industry, the Alliance brings together over 240 member companies with a combined turnover of more than £7 billion. This makes the North West one of the most significant aerospace regions in the UK, contributing substantially to a national sector valued at £30.5 billion with £20 billion in exports.
As the professional trade association for the region, the NWAA advocates for its members locally, nationally and internationally. It supports a diverse and dynamic network that includes major global manufacturers—such as BAE Systems, Rolls‑Royce, Airbus, MBDA and Safran—alongside innovative SMEs shaping the future of aerospace. Through its work, the NWAA strengthens supply chains, fosters innovation and promotes sustained economic growth across the North West.
- The North West Cyber Security Cluster is a not‑for‑profit Community Interest Company made up of cyber security specialists and professionals from across the North West. The organisation exists to support, connect, and empower the region’s cyber community, with activity centred on three priority areas: Innovation Connection, Skills Growth, and Ecosystem Development.
Its mission is to drive innovation, strengthen cyber skills, and build a resilient and collaborative cyber ecosystem across the North West. Membership is free and open to individuals, businesses, and organisations in the region with an interest in cyber security.
- The Lancashire Cyber Alliance Lancashire Cyber Alliance is a newly formed network bringing together cyber security specialists and practitioners. It is open to everyone, including SMEs, large companies, training and education providers, and public sector bodies.
The Alliance operates as a branch of the North West Cyber Security Cluster (NWCSC), which represents the cyber interests of each area across the North West. The NWCSC is connected to the UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3) and works closely with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
- Innovate Lancashire is Lancashire County Council’s innovation investment programme, created to accelerate innovation and support business growth across the county. It brings together businesses, universities, investors and public partners to strengthen the county’s innovation ecosystem, promote world‑class R&D, boost digital skills and showcase Lancashire’s high‑value tech strengths. The programme also supports key assets such as the Lancashire Digital Hub, the Digital & Tech Ecosystem programme and Fraser House Tech Hub, and has developed initiatives like the fhunded early-stage investment programme.
Its work is guided by the Lancashire Innovation Plan and overseen by the Lancashire Innovation Board, ensuring activity aligns with the county’s wider economic growth ambitions. Through targeted projects, collaborations and engagement, Innovate Lancashire drives economic growth, increases inward investment and positions the county as a competitive, connected and resilient centre for innovation.
- The Electech Innovation Cluster supports the growth of the region’s electronics technology sector, creating an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive. It strengthens the local talent pipeline through training, apprenticeships and upskilling, and brings together companies, researchers and educators to collaborate on innovation and new commercial opportunities.
The cluster also works to improve the infrastructure and visibility of the Electech sector, developing shared facilities, promoting the region to policymakers and investors, and championing sustainable, low‑carbon initiatives. Guided by values of collaboration, innovation and ambition, it aims to establish the region as a recognised hub for Electech excellence
NW Cyber Corridor
The North West Cyber Corridor is a growing cluster of cyber businesses; specialist centres of excellence; governmental agencies; digital innovation hubs; hi-tech co-working spaces; and critical infrastructure providers, which are based in and around the North West.
Local Authority Partners
Each of Lancashire's 15 local authorities is committed to ensuring the ecosystem has the relevant supporting infrastructure and quality of life offer in place. In addition to this, public organisations are helping to shape the narrative and articulate the benefits of supporting the ecosystem. This helps position Lancashire and the North West Cyber Corridor with wider stakeholders – signalling what the opportunities and ambitions are and bringing people and investment into this vision.
Lancashire Combined County Authority
The newly established Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) will drive economic growth and supporting infrastructure through the realisation of its ambitious ten-year economic growth plan. The LCCA has already secured £20m as part of Lancashire's Devolution Deal to support the development of the ecosystem and maximise the transformational benefits from the location of the National Cyber Force in Lancashire. Planned investment include the development of the Innovation Hub at Samlesbury, Silicon Sands in Blackpool and the Blackburn Technology Innovation Hub.