In episode 51 of CyberVersed, Mandy Haeburn-Little is joined by Michelle Ohren, T/Detective Chief Inspector and Director at the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands, and Wayne Horkan, Founder and Project Lead at the West Midlands Cyber Hub.

The podcast focuses on the work and the purpose of the recently founded West Midlands Cyber Hub. Mandy begins by asking about the concept of the Cyber Hub and why it is an important addition to the West Midlands' cyber ecosystem. She explains how and why Wayne came to her with the inspiration and how it is now establishing itself as a place for collaboration and innovation across the region.

Wayne then explains how Hub8 in Cheltenham and DISH Manchester (Digital Innovation Security Hub) inspired him to create something in the region where SMEs could work with Enterprise businesses and students to create a friendly, innovative space that provides a real sense of community.

Wayne and Michelle discuss how the Hub's location at Millennium Point is ideal, from the space and facilities available to the location's accessibility for visitors.

Michelle explains the importance of policing's involvement in the Hub and how it complements the ongoing work being done with SMEs through the Cyber Resilience Centre. She explains how this collaboration provides a much broader view of the cyber landscape than policing alone could ever achieve. Wayne expands on this by pointing out the region's heavy reliance on manufacturing and the specific threats these companies face as part of the supply chains of large-scale enterprises in the future.

Mandy then explores the structure of the Hub and how it is run and governed, to which Wayne outlines the current Steering Group and his longer-term plan to turn the Hub into a C.I.C. (Community Interest Company)

The attention is then turned to how the Hub will also benefit Cyber PATH students, offering them much greater opportunities for engagement and skills development. She cites an example of a student who is thriving through working with Michelle, the CRC, and the Hub, who was offered a week's work experience, which led to a year-long placement with one of the Hub partners.

Michelle also touches on her plans to introduce clinics at the Hub and how they will be an important part of what's available there for SMEs and students.

Wayne rounds up the discussion by outlining what he wants to see regarding the development of the Hub for the rest of this year and beyond. The primary goals are to champion women and neurodiversity in cyber. However, this year the focus will be on how they engage more young people at the Hub and in cyber in general.