The defence and security industry is a critical pillar of the UK economy and national resilience. By forming a dedicated cluster, we aim to create a platform where businesses, academia, and government can work together to drive growth, share expertise, and tackle emerging challenges aligned to the Ministry of Defence's Industrial Strategy.

Foundational Meeting: Setting the Vision

Midlands Cyber was proud to play a key role in shaping this initiative. Our Cluster Manager supported the steering group and hosted the first foundational meeting in October, organised together with stakeholders from:

• Ministry of Defence (MoD)
• West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
• Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA)
• Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)

This meeting laid the groundwork for the cluster’s objectives, governance, and future activities. The energy and commitment in the room demonstrated the shared ambition to make the West Midlands a leading hub for defence and security innovation.

What’s Next?

The next phase is all about building the cluster’s identity; defining its values, goals, and priorities. These will guide how the cluster operates and ensure it delivers real impact for members and the wider region.

Our immediate focus includes:

• Creating a clear mission and vision for the cluster
• Establishing governance and membership structures
• Engaging stakeholders across industry, academia, and government
• Gathering interest from organisations and individuals who want to be part of this exciting journey

Help shape the future of defence and security in the West Midlands. Contact us if you're interested and become part of a collaborative network driving innovation and resilience across the region.

Contact us