UK Cyber Growth Action Plan: What It Means for SMEs and IT Support Providers in Essex

In June 2025, the UK Government unveiled the Cyber Growth Action Plan (CGAP) a strategic initiative offering up to £16 million in funding to bolster domestic cyber innovation. (1). AIS tech, as a leading IT support company in Essex, is ideally positioned to help local SMEs harness these new opportunities.

CGAP aims to stimulate growth in the UK’s £13.2 billion cyber sector, already employing over 67,000 professionals, by fostering security innovation and resilience (1). This marks a pivotal moment for small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) across Essex and the UK, who must raise their cyber posture as regulation and threat complexity deepen. AIS stands ready, offering managed IT support, consulting, and practical solutions tailored to SMEs.

This post explores CGAP’s objectives, its implications for Essex SMEs, the evolving threat landscape, and how it services & consulting firms like AIS tech can provide cost‑effective, expert support.

1. What Is the Cyber Growth Action Plan?

CGAP’s Core Objectives

• Drive innovation within UK cyber‑security firms, from start‑ups to scale‑ups.

• Strengthen public‑private collaboration in cyber defence.

• Position the UK as a global leader in cyber resilience.

  
  

Key Features for Businesses

• £10 million for CyberASAP: fuels academic research spin‑outs, with 34 already launched and expected to deliver 25 more by 2030 (1).

• £6 million for Cyber Runway: supports SMEs and early‑stage security startups to scale, access markets, and mature offerings

• CGAP integrates with the forthcoming National Cyber Strategy, aligning innovation with policy support (2).

These initiatives aim to fast‑track the commercialisation of technology such as protective monitoring, encryption, and threat intelligence tools. SMEs will benefit from greater access to research breakthroughs and tailored cyber solutions.

2. Why This Matters for Essex‑Based SMEs

The Regional Cyber Reality

• Over 90% of UK businesses are SMEs, forming the backbone of local economies. (3).

• In Essex, SMEs in sectors such as retail, finance, legal, and manufacturing often lack dedicated cybersecurity teams, making them vulnerable targets.

• NCSC statistics show 43% of SMEs suffer attacks annually, with 60% going out of business within six months post‑attack. (4).

CGAP Benefits for Essex SMEs

1. Funding access: SMEs may benefit indirectly via vendor supply chains or accelerators like Cyber Runway.

2. Tools & training: Easier access to threat intelligence feeds, cyber‑hygiene products, and certification schemes.

3. Partnership model: Encourages investment in managed IT support over costly in‑house hiring.

AIS leverages CGAP momentum to help SMEs tap into tools, train staff, and align with funding‑driven innovation.

3. New Security Standards & the Threat Landscape

Rising Compliance Pressures

• Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (CS&R): Introduced July 2024, it expands NIS 2018, mandates ransomware reporting, and enforces supply‑chain compliance. (5)

• ISO/IEC 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus, and CS&R introduce tighter controls—relevant for government contracts and regulated sectors.

  
  

Evolving Threats & Statistical Evidence

• 2025 Cyber‑Security Breaches Survey: 43% of all UK businesses and 67% of medium firms reported breaches… a slight improvement, yet still substantial. (6).

• Phishing dominates, affecting 84% of businesses; ransomware incidents are rising among medium/large firms .

• State‑sponsored & AI‑enhanced threats: Reports from NCSC and Reuters show a tripling of severe attacks and an emerging AI‑driven threat vector.

These trends show basic hygiene is no longer sufficient, SMEs must shift to proactive, managed security strategies.

4. How Managed IT Support Helps Navigate the Change

Local IT support companies in Essex, like AIS, deliver robust cybersecurity that SMEs can’t replicate affordably:

• Proactive patch management and automated endpoint protection remove vulnerabilities as they emerge.

• 24/7 monitoring & incident response ensure real‑time threat detection and help limit breach impact.

• Cyber Essentials support speed certification, reducing insurer premiums and boosting compliance.

• Cost‑effective vs in‑house: SMEs can access high‑grade cyber defences without full‑time hires.

  
  

AIS Tech’s approach aligns with CGAP’s standards, delivering innovation, resilience, and regulatory readiness through accessible, managed services.

5. Preparing for Opportunities & Funding

AIS Tech’s Cyber Growth Roadmap for SMEs

1. Infrastructure Audit – Identify gaps in patching, access control, and backups.

2. Compliance Mapping – Determine Cyber Essentials, ISO27001, or CS&R needs.

3. Funding Alignment – Assess eligibility for CGAP‑funded accelerators or resellers.

4. Cyber as Growth – Position cyber-security investment as a business enabler, not just cost.

5. Plan for Scale – Help SMEs adopt scalable technologies ready for future CGAP expansion.

   
   

Through proactive consulting, AIS Tech transforms security into a strategic asset, ready for CGAP-driven growth.

6. AIS Tech Cyber Support Services at a Glance

• Cyber-security audits & risk assessments

• Managed firewalls & network defences

• Secure Microsoft 365 and cloud configurations

• Email filtering and advanced endpoint protection

• Phishing awareness training for staff

• Secure backup & disaster recovery plans

  
  

Each service is tailored to ensure SMEs in Essex meet baseline standards and build towards resilience, compliance, and economic opportunity.

Quote from AIS Tech Director

“Secure digital growth isn’t just protecting what you have, it’s how you succeed tomorrow. The Cyber Growth Action Plan gives SMEs not just funding, but a pathway to innovate confidently. At AIS Tech, we’re here to help Essex businesses turn that pathway into real‑world advantage.”

5‑Point Checklist: What Essex SMEs Should Do Now

1. Review your cyber‑health – Identify current risks and certification status.

2. Get Cyber Essentials – It’s simple, affordable, and insurer‑approved.

3. Secure managed support – Get proactive defence with patching and monitoring.

4. Educate staff – Run regular phishing awareness sessions.

5. Talk to AIS Tech– Find out if your firm can tap into CGAP accelerators and funding.

Conclusion

The UK’s Cyber Growth Action Plan, backed by £16 million in funding, represents a major shift in national cyber strategy. It’s a critical moment for Essex SMEs, both vulnerable and full of untapped potential. The time is now to elevate security, gain compliance, and make cyber a competitive advantage.

AIS tech is ready to help. Through tailored IT support, proactive monthly management, compliance roadmaps, and growth consultations, we empower Essex firms to thrive securely in today's landscape.

Want to see how cyber‑secure your business really is? Book a free cyber health check with AIS tech or contact us today for a full consultation.