About CyNam
The primary aim for CyNam (Cyber Cheltenham) is to help create the conditions for local cyber technology innovation. We provide the capability, community and culture to help set small companies on the path towards becoming ‘unicorns’. We see CyNam as orchestrators – bringing together pioneering start-ups with investment, industry and government for wealth creation in the Gloucestershire region.
Based in Cheltenham, the home of GCHQ and the largest concentration of cyber technology businesses in the country, CyNam (Cyber Cheltenham) began as a modest Meetup networking group in 2015, for members of the region’s cyber security community. In a short space of time, CyNam’s popularity grew dramatically, and today it hosts regular events with hundreds of attendees.
Now more than 900 members strong, CyNam provide a valuable, Cheltenham-centric platform that connects the best cyber technology minds and local SMEs and start-ups to support from people, expertise, guidance, funding, and new business.
Headed by a board of business leaders with vast experience of start-ups and SMEs, CyNam is driven by an unselfish aim to support the development of Cheltenham’s cyber technology industry, and its wider ecosystem.
CyNam is proudly independent, providing unbiased advice and impartial introductions for its members. As a Community Interest Company, CyNam ensures that all profits are invested back into developing even greater value for Cheltenham’s cyber technology community.
Our Values
Community Obsessed
Community Obsessed
Creating Inspiration
Creating Inspiration
Love of Place
Love of Place
Doing what's Needed
Available to Everyone
Available to Everyone
Having Fun Whilst Doing it
What makes CyNam different?
In addition to cyber security advice and support, CyNam offers its community access to a member’s directory providing collaboration opportunities, guidance or support services a growing business needs.
Based in Cheltenham, the UK’s fastest growing hub for cyber security, CyNam connects expert industry speakers and a knowledgeable community, from technical to C-suite, in leading, innovative and knowledgeable companies.
CyNam is an open and independent community, offering relevant information, signposting knowledge for local businesses, from industry experts, government and academia.
Support from our sponsors means CyNam events, and access to our community, are completely free for members.
Our Charity Partners
CyNam works with local charities who help improve lives through technologies, providing these charities with a platform and opportunity to speak and showcase their causes.
GDA is the only charity in Gloucestershire providing practical and emotional support to deaf, hard of hearing and deafened children, young people and adults.
Deafness is one of the most misunderstood conditions in our society. Most people will assume deafness is about not being able to hear when in fact it’s about the daily battle a person faces with communication and the heart-breaking effect it can have on their physical and mental wellbeing.
GDA provides a range of services and support that aim to alleviate the loneliness and isolation people living with deafness can face, from lip-reading classes to social activities and communication support. Everything GDA does has the purpose to give deaf people confidence, to feel safe and inspired and to be part of the wider conversation.
IT Schools Africa is a UK-registered charity operating in Africa and the UK with a mission to transform lives through access to e-Learning.
IT Schools Africa collect, refurbish and upgrade donated IT equipment in the UK and reuse for educational and social projects in Africa and the UK. Since 2004 the charity has sent over 50,000 computers to Africa, installed 20 school e-Learning labs, trained over 750 teachers and given over 3 million children access to IT.
Meet the Team
Richard Yorke
Managing Director at CyNam
Having been in the industry for 20+ years, Richard is now CyNam's Managing Director.
Chris Dunning-Walton
Director at CyNam
As well as being the CEO of InfoSec People, Chris is also a CyNam Director.
Reid Derby
Strategic Director at CyNam
As well as being Innovation Strategic Advisor for the Golden Valley Development, Reid is also our Strategic Director.
Paul Bentham
Director at CyNam
As well as being the Chief Product Officer at Immersive Labs, Paul is also a CyNam Director.
Bruce Gregory
Director at CyNam
As well as being the Managing Director of Hub8, Bruce is also a CyNam Director.
Charlotte smith
Cyber Skills Growth Lead and Enterprise Co-ordinator at CyNam
Charlotte is our Skills Growth Lead as well as Enterprise Co-Ordinator at the LEP.
Daisy North
Marketing Executive Apprentice
Daisy is our Marketing Executive Apprentice, studying at Gloucestershire College.
Amy Cushion
Business Support & Operations Manager
Amy Cushion is our Business Support & Operations Manager.
Clare Bourne
Head of Delivery, Innovation & Growth
Clare is our Head of Delivery, Innovation and Growth for CyNam
Hollie Wakefield
Ecosystem Engagement, Marketing and Events Manager
Hollie is our Events and ecosystem engagement lead.
