Government opens Cyber Demonstration Centre to showcase 'world leading' UK cyber security firms
'The UK is a world leader in this sector,' said Minister for Trade Lord Maude
The government has officially opened a new Cyber Demonstration Centre designed to showcase and promote British cyber security firms to potential customers across the globe.
Located within the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, the government- backed UK Cyber Demonstration Centre is designed to enable over 900 British cyber security companies to demonstrate their capabilities to potential customers in a specialised and secure environment.
The Centre was opened by Lord Maude, Minister for Trade and Investment, who warned that businesses need to ensure that they're as protected as they can be against potential cyber attacks.
"There are two kinds of companies, there are businesses that know they've had a cyber attack and businesses that don't yet know that they've had one," said Lord Maude.
Prior to serving as Minister for Trade, Maude had responsibility for cyber security in the role of Cabinet Office Minister during the previous David Cameron led administration.
Maude told the audience of cyber security experts and business executives that five years ago the level of awareness surrounding cyber security was "very low " but that through collaboration between government and business "the message is getting across and awareness is much higher".
Lord Maude said the Cyber Demonstration Centre will be good for British firms who want to gain new customers.
"I am delighted that companies in the cyber sector have a facility to demonstrate products to foreign clients and partners. It is important that we can offer them not only this facility but also the advice and support they need to export their technology," he said.
"The UK is a world leader in this sector and many countries around the world have significant requirements that UK companies can offer high-quality solutions," Maude claimed.
Julian David, CEO techUK, described the initiative as "a great example of what can be achieved when all parties work together".
"The hub demonstrates the strength and breadth of UK capability - we have over 800 companies across the country who can provide world-class solutions to tackle the growing cyber security threat being faced around the world," he added.
The UK Cyber Demonstration Centre was developed by UKTI, the Department for Culture Media and Sport and technology firm Raytheon UK.
The government plans to host foreign delegations in the Centre to highlight the cutting-edge research, products and services being developed in the UK.