Bringing cyber security best practice into the East Midlands
East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster (EMCSC) is a regional division of the UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration. It is a Leicestershire-based Community Interest Company founded to develop the ecosystem in the region.
Shaping a secure digital future
East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster CIC was founded by Dr Ismini Vasileiou, Associate Professor in Information Systems at De Montfort University, in June 2023.
It is one of a number of regions under the UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3), a national body driving cyber security innovation and growth.
UKC3 is the central hub for public and private organisations, bringing together regional cyber clusters, fostering collaborations, and empowering knowledge exchange.
Its purpose is to shape a secure digital future for the UK. It does this by funding and supporting cyber clusters in their mission to drive economic growth in the sector. Regional best practice and opportunities are developed and shared to secure national growth.
Our values
East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster is a trusted partner to regional and national partners.
Trust – We create a network where all partners have the confidence to communicate openly and transparently to further shared knowledge.
Collaboration – We work alongside all stakeholders to raise understanding of cyber protection, digital security, and the risk of cyber attack.
Education – We share knowledge and information for people to build productive cyber secure businesses and careers.
Innovation – We develop new ideas and share best practice within our regional and national networks.
How we can help
East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster is a comprehensive resource and support network for businesses in the region. It provides:
Awareness and Education
by organising events, workshops, and seminars.
Networking events
to connect businesses, experts, and other stakeholders.
Signposting to services
to provide access to trusted cybersecurity solutions.
Guidance on compliance
for businesses in understand requirements and solutions such as Cyber Essentials.
Meet the team
Dr Ismini Vasileiou
Ismini is a Co-Founder of East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster. She is Associate Professor in Information Systems (FBCS, SFHEA) at De Montfort University Leicester. Ismini has extensive leadership experience in Computer Science and has led a range of prestigious institutional bids. Her research interests include Social Engineering, Security Education, Learning Analytics and technology-supported learning. Ismini is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of IT.
David Nicholls
David is a Co-Founder of East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster. He has more than 20 years of experience in supporting SMEs with secure and scalable IT solutions. David is the Managing Director of Better-IT Limited, a Leicestershire-based business working with UK businesses on premium remote, technology-led practices that are based on security, productivity, and communication. He is a Director of Leicester Business Festival CIC and a former Policy Lead and Regional Chair for the Federation of Small Businesses.
Rob Kneller
Rob is Director of East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster. He has spent more than15 years in the cyber security industry and is currently the Director of KIT365 Ltd, a cyber security managed service provider and consultant. Rob has a wealth of experience in the field and is a Cyber Scheme Team Member (CSTM), Cyber Essentials Plus Lead Assessor, and NCSC-approved Cyber Advisor providing expertise in assessing organizations for Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. He is committed to helping organizations of all sizes achieve robust cyber security and is comfortable communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Get involved
Connect with us to learn about our upcoming events, explore partnership opportunities, and discover how you can support our mission in securing regional cyber defences.