WOLVERHAMPTON, UK – 28th September 2022 – Goldilock, a UK-based cyber security hardware innovator, has accelerated its growth trajectory by relocating its headquarters to the West Midlands. The start-up will open its new base with a state-of-the-art facility at Wolverhampton Science Park on 1 October 2022, establishing a UK ‘centre of excellence’ to reach out to a wider pool of diverse cyber security talent.
With sales representative offices already in Prague, Madrid, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and London, and following a residency in Cheltenham as one of five companies selected for the NCSC for Startups programme, Goldilock is moving its HQ to the West Midlands to develop vibrant cyber communities in the region. The West Midlands continues to lead the way in industry and innovation, providing fertile ground for Goldilock’s pioneering, hardware-powered approach to cyber security.
The move is part of a wider community outreach programme, which will see Goldilock encourage greater diversity and inclusion both within its own company and in the larger cyber security sphere. Goldilock aims to bring more young people from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life into cyber security careers, particularly in its own specialist area of hardware development.
This follows a government push to boost digital skills and create opportunities for young cyber talent to flourish in the industry. Goldilock has strong links with the University of Wolverhampton, collaborating with Professor Prashant Pillai, Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange, Professor of Cybersecurity, and Chair of the Ethnic Minorities in Cyber network, to develop the knowledge and skills of the next generation of cyber leaders. The support of Goldilock and other cyber partners has seen the West Midlands digital sector being named the UK’s fastest-growing region, with the area predicted to create an extra 52,000 tech roles by 2025.
Goldilock was recently among the first start-ups to be accepted on the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Cyber First programme, a government outreach and educational programme aimed at helping young people explore their passion for tech by introducing them to the world of cyber security. The partnership will help to expand the cyber talent pool and close the skills gap at a time when strengthening cyber resilience is more crucial than ever.
Denisa Hudečeková, Project Management Lead at Goldilock, commented: “We are committed to encouraging diverse young talent to develop their cyber security skills and gain a foothold in this exciting and much-needed industry. As a woman in cyber, I am proud that Goldilock is leading the way in inspiring and engaging with traditionally underrepresented groups. Diverse teams create innovative and inclusive solutions, so we have a responsibility to promote equality of opportunity not only internally but externally too.”
Stephen Kines, Co-founder of Goldilock, added: “Goldilock has something compelling to offer the next generation: we are a hardware business in a world of software-based solutions, individuals that work with us have more varied skills to build a solid foundation for their career. Our technology is redefining how data, devices, and critical infrastructure are protected, making it a truly innovative and refreshing place for talented individuals to hone their skills.”
The Department of International Trade, as part of its Global Entrepreneur Programme, recruited Goldilock to relocate from the EU, where it set up a provisional base in Cannock. DIT has been supportive throughout this initial year appointing both a Dealmaker and an International Trade Associate to Goldilock and numerous site visits.