Defence & cyber security
Herefordshire has emerged as a dynamic hub for the Defence and Cyber Security sector, underpinned by a combination of strategic investment, academic excellence, and a growing ecosystem of innovative businesses.
Midlands Centre for Cyber Security
At the heart of the regional transformation in cyber security and defence is the Cyber Quarter – Midlands Centre for Cyber Security.
This is a state-of-the-art, £9 million facility located at Skylon Park in the Hereford Enterprise Zone. The Cyber Quarter provides advanced research laboratories for cybersecurity innovation and training and education facilities for students and professionals. Additionally, the Quarter acts as a hub and office space for cyber-focused SMEs and start-ups. The centre anchors a growing ecosystem of companies tackling the world’s most pressing digital threats.
Providing regional advantages
Herefordshire’s cyber and defence industry benefits from a combination of strategic geography, infrastructure, and collaboration.
Its close proximity to national assets such as GCHQ and RAF installations supports strong defence-sector links. The region forms part of the West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster, which is the largest network outside London and the South East, contributing over £5 billion in Gross Value Added to the UK economy. Furthermore, dual-use innovation enables technologies originally designed for military use to have cross-sector applications across the healthcare, automotive, and advanced manufacturing sectors. This blend of defence expertise and commercial adaptability strengthens Herefordshire’s position as a national leader in applied security technology.
Success through partnerships
Herefordshire’s success in this industry is built on deep partnerships across public and private sectors.
The Herefordshire Digital Technologies Forum fosters knowledge exchange, while regional events like the Specialist Defence and Security Convention (SDSC-UK) connect local firms with major procurement teams, investment opportunities and leading innovators across industry, government, and emergency services. Hereford’s New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) helps further drive innovation and skills development in the sector. Strategically, the West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster operates to strengthen these networks. Together, these initiatives keep Herefordshire at the forefront of research, policy, and practice in digital and physical security.
Developing success for the future
Herefordshire’s cyber economy is strengthened through a highly skilled workforce, many with military or technical backgrounds.
The provision of targeted funding and business support from organisations such as the Herefordshire Growth Hub also provides added value and support for this growing sector, whilst a county wide commitment to digital sustainability and low-carbon innovation bolsters this further. The region also benefits from regular networking and knowledge-sharing events.
Key businesses in this sector
Key businesses in Herefordshire within this sector include: AKE Group, Anubis UK, ETL Systems and SyOps.
A blend of private-sector insight and military expertise reinforces Herefordshire’s global reputation for operational excellence and innovation in the defence sector. Herefordshire’s Defence and Cyber Security sector continues to expand through strategic infrastructure, academic partnerships, and industry collaboration.