CloudGuard in Manchester plans to expand its team, creating 20 new jobs in cybersecurity within a year.
- The expansion follows a substantial investment from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
- CloudGuard aims to increase its workforce from 30 to 50, enhancing its city operations.
- The company will strengthen its AI research and expand the CloudGuard Cyber Academy.
- This development is a testament to Manchester’s growing status as a cybersecurity hub.
CloudGuard, a startup headquartered in Manchester, has announced plans to enhance its workforce by adding 20 new jobs in the cybersecurity sector within the next 12 months. This expansion is supported by financial backing from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, facilitated through Praetura Ventures. The exact financial figures remain undisclosed, described only as a ‘multi-million pound’ investment, which will be used to expand its operations and increase staff numbers.
The company’s current workforce of 30 is set to grow to 50 as part of the expansion plans. This increase is aimed at bolstering CloudGuard’s operational capacity in Manchester. Founded in 2020, the company seeks to solidify its presence and capabilities within the thriving local cybersecurity scene.
Further to workforce expansion, CloudGuard is committed to advancing its research capabilities in artificial intelligence by collaborating with universities in Manchester. Additionally, the company plans to grow its CloudGuard Cyber Academy, which offers training and practical experience in the cybersecurity field for individuals of all ages and skill levels.
CloudGuard’s CEO, Matt Lovell, highlighted the challenges businesses face due to the increasing complexity and frequency of cyber threats. He emphasised the importance of utilising automation and AI for effective threat management, advocating for prompt response times to mitigate the impact of such events. Lovell expressed enthusiasm for the company’s growth and the support received from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, noting Manchester’s emergence as a significant cybersecurity hub.
Sue Barnard, a senior manager at the British Business Bank, praised the investment as evidence of the North West’s leading position in the UK’s cybersecurity industry. She emphasised that such investments play a critical role in providing high-skilled job opportunities and fostering economic growth across the region.
CloudGuard’s expansion is a clear sign of Manchester’s increasing prominence in the UK’s cybersecurity industry.
