Cyber professionals’ brilliant work often goes unrecognised. CyberNorth’s landmark partnership with The National Cyber Awards aims to address this, putting essential cyber talent in the spotlight and showcasing their brilliance.
The National Cyber Awards sat down with CyberNorth CEO Jon Holden to talk about what this partnership means for the North East.
How does the partnership between CyberNorth and The National Cyber Awards strengthen the bridge between the North East’s regional ecosystem and the national cybersecurity stage?
It’s about making sure the North East isn’t just a footnote in the national conversation. We’ve spent years at CyberNorth knitting together a proper community from scrappy start-ups and University researchers to the big public sector players. This partnership gives us the megaphone we need to show the rest of the country exactly what we’re capable of.
I’ve been in the info-sec game for over twenty years now, and I’ve seen far too much talent go unnoticed because people assume the “real” innovation only happens in London or the M4 corridor. It’s just not true. Cyber brilliance is everywhere. It’s in small towns and big cities, tiny start-ups and big players. Talent is everywhere and it’s time we start recognising that.
“The Northern Cyber Powerhouse has everything it needs to go toe to toe with the very best on the global stage: the talent, the innovation, the resilience and, most importantly, the collaborative spirit. What’s happening across the North East and wider North isn’t just important regionally, it’s becoming nationally and internationally significant.”
Why is it vital for North East cyber talent, from start-ups to established enterprises, to be represented at a national level through these awards?
In short? Because if you don’t blow your own trumpet, no one else will.
We’ve got a bit of a habit in the North of just getting our heads down and doing the work without making much of a fuss. But, recognition brings opportunity. For a small start-up, a national award isn’t just a trophy; it’s the “social proof” that leads to a crucial investment or a partnership that changes everything.
Beyond the business side, it’s about the next generation. We need kids in our local schools to see that you don’t have to move to the South East to have a high-flying career in cyber. You can do it right here, on your own doorstep.
With the recent growth of the North East Cyber Innovation Centre, how do awards like this help solidify the region’s position as a UK center of excellence?
The Innovation Centre is a massive statement of intent. It’s us saying, “We’re here, and we’re serious.” But creating the space is only the foundation; you have to prove that the innovation exploding inside those walls is top-tier.
When our local firms and researchers start picking up national accolades, it builds a huge amount of confidence. It tells the government and global investors that the North East isn’t just “up and coming” we’re already a powerhouse. It validates the academic strength of our universities and the sheer grit of our tech scene, cementing our reputation as a genuine centre of excellence.
How is the North East currently leading the way in nurturing the next generation of cyber professionals?
The ‘secret sauce’ here is definitely the way we collaborate. It’s quite rare to see universities, colleges, and private firms working this closely together. Whether it’s through apprenticeships, mentoring, or STEM outreach, there’s a real “pulling together” mentality.
I’m particularly proud of how we’re opening doors for people who might not have a traditional tech background. We’re moving away from the “hoodie in a basement” stereotype. Cybersecurity needs different perspectives, and the North East is leading the charge in making the industry accessible to everyone, regardless of where they started out.
If you could give one piece of advice to a North East company or individual who is hesitant about entering for 2026, what would it be?
Stop talking yourself out of it.
I see it all the time. Brilliant people doing incredible work think they aren’t “big enough” or “ready yet” to compete nationally. It’s a total myth.
Even the process of entering is useful. It forces you to sit back and actually appreciate how much you’ve achieved over the last year.
Being shortlisted is a massive door-opener, but even if you don’t win, you’re putting the North East on the map. We’ve got a fantastic story to tell up here, so don’t be shy about telling it. Put your hat in the ring.
