With the UK’s fastest-growing tech sector firmly rooted in the West Midlands, perhaps it’s not surprising that cybersecurity is a regional strength. More eye-opening is the anticipated rate of growth of this specialist area, predicted to increase in value from £118bn in 2022 to £287bn by 2029. Joshua Mark Bradley, Project Manager at Goldilock, says that locating the tech start-up in the West Midlands was a straightforward decision.
‘We’re located on the University of Wolverhampton’s Science Park, which is home to the Wolverhampton Cyber Research Institute (WCRI) and many other innovative tech companies, so it’s a great fit for us. We’re rubbing shoulders with software-based cybersecurity companies all looking at different areas of protection. Goldilock is unique in developing a hardware-based, physical product. It’s really inspiring to be so close to the University, and the Park has great facilities.’
In December 2023, the government chose to launch its National Cyber Strategy in the West Midlands. Mr Bradley says,
‘I think a major advantage for Goldilock is the amount of talent in the area, not just in terms of software development, but also electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, product design… We recruit from quite a large radius and within our catchment area there are several universities all producing really strong candidates. As a hardware company that does all its own manufacturing in-house, we need a diverse set of skills and, as a young company, we need a workforce that’s adaptable and willing to wear different hats. It’s difficult to find a talent pool as rich as the one we have in the West Midlands.’
All that talent is certainly contributing to Goldilock’s success. In September 2024 the company was named as one of only ten to progress to the second phase of the Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), an initiative set up by NATO Allies to tackle complex security challenges. As part of Phase II, Goldilock will receive funding of up to 300,000 euros, as well as tailored programming, investor networking, and adoption opportunities. Mr Bradley comments,
‘We’re really proud that Goldilock’s innovative work in cybersecurity has brought recognition to both the company and the West Midlands. In November 2023, we were selected from 1,300 applicants as one of 30 participants in Phase I of the accelerator programme, which gave us access to NATO’s innovation network, test centres, and strategic partners. It also generated €100,000 in funding to further develop our unique physical network isolation technology. To progress to Phase II is recognition of our hard work.’
The initial six-month programme helped Goldilock strengthen its position within dual-use technology markets. With deeper connections to NATO, enhanced investor networking and a pathway to wider market adoption across Allied nations, Goldilock’s continued success is indicative of the West Midlands’ growing impact on the global cybersecurity landscape.
‘Being involved in NATO’s DIANA programme has been great, and it’s a real accolade. We’re making connections with other orgnisations too,’ Mr Bradley comments. The company participates in the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) For Startups programme with Plexal, as well as the Ministry of Defence’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), all of which strengthen its reputation as a leading innovator, and the region’s as a centre of cybersecurity innovation. In 2023 Goldilock was named a finalist in the UK’s Most Innovative Cyber SME competition. Mr Bradley sees the region’s wider cybersecurity ecosystem, as well as the company’s location, as keys to its success.
‘Goldilock has completed two successful projects under the DASA initiative, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner for critical national infrastructure (CNI) and defence applications. And our selection as the only CNI-focused cybersecurity company in the DIANA cohort underlines the West Midlands’ growing role as a hub for cutting-edge technological innovation.’
He adds, ‘In Wolverhampton we’re incredibly well-connected. Excellent transport links mean we’re able to bring visitors from overseas to run product demonstrations in our facility, and our workforce can travel from slightly further afield, giving them freedom to choose where to live. And so many businesses use Birmingham’s conference centres as a base to meet and discuss new ideas. We’re able to network with lots of potential clients without any logistical difficulties.’
That’s not to say innovation comes without challenge. As Bradley admits, ‘We can get so far ahead, sometimes it can go against us. A lot of cybersecurity is about being reactive – seeing what threat actors there are. Constantly trying, testing and responding with software to mitigate that risk. Our solution is hardware-based. We provide a means of instantly detaching an organisation from the internet and any external network as soon as a threat has been identified. As a physical solution, it makes an organisation or facility attack-proof. But this is a new concept for a lot of people, and sometimes they struggle to visualise exactly how it works. That’s why it’s so important we’re able to demonstrate our products in person, and it’s another advantage to working in an environment as pleasant as the Science Park.’
Mr Bradley puts the growth of the West Midlands’ tech sector down to the region’s adaptability.
‘If I had to use three words to sum up the region’s character, I’d say: Creative. Innovative. Adaptive. People in the West Midlands don’t follow the herd. They’re problem-solvers, and they don’t shy away from technology just because it’s new. We really embrace new ideas, not just in terms of products but in terms of ways of doing things – it makes Wolverhampton an exciting place to be.’
Goldilock certainly seems to embody those characteristics. The company is in the process of exploring new operating methods and procedures. Goldilock is also testing coating materials which will make its products resistant to heat, sulphur, corrosives and chemical attacks.
‘Ultimately, we want to integrate Goldilock products into every area of the nation’s critical infrastructure: transport, gas supply, electricity. We want to provide peace of mind that our services are protected and our country is safe. Of course, this is going to mean expansion and when we grow, we’re going to do it right here, in the West Midlands.’
