CySec Professionals Ltd shortlisted for Global Star and Micro Business of the Year - advancing UK strategic objectives for a safe, secure and resilient digital nation
- Steven Cockcroft
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
CySec Professionals Ltd, trading as The Digital Trust Institute® (DTI®), has been officially shortlisted for 'Global Star' and 'Micro Business of the Year' in the Greater Manchester Chamber Excellence Awards 2026.
This recognition reflects CySec’s contribution to the United Kingdom’s strategic ambition to build a safe, secure and resilient digital society, as set out across national cybersecurity, resilience, and digital‑governance frameworks.
Operating from Greater Manchester with a micro team, CySec has built, governed, and internationally protected two globally recognised credential ecosystems, NIST Cybersecurity Professional® (NCSP®) and Digital Trust Professional® (DTP®), and launched The Digital Trust Institute® (DTI®), the professional home of the emerging Digital Trust discipline.
These achievements directly support the UK’s strategic priorities in strengthening national cyber resilience, improving organisational governance, enabling secure digital transformation, and building a trusted AI‑enabled economy.
“Our work is aligned to the UK’s strategic mission to ensure organisations are safe, secure and trusted,” said Steven Cockcroft MSc MDTI MBCS MCQI CQP, Founder and Owner. “Being shortlisted for both awards recognises the role Greater Manchester is playing in shaping global Digital Trust capability.”
Supporting the UK’s Strategic Objectives for a Safe and Secure Nation
CySec’s work contributes to several core UK strategic priorities:
1. Strengthening National Cyber Resilience
NIST Cybersecurity Professional® (NCSP®) and Digital Trust Professional® (DTP®) provide NIST‑aligned and NCSC-aligned capability frameworks that support the UK’s ambition to improve organisational resilience across critical infrastructure, public services, defence, and regulated sectors.
2. Advancing Digital Trust and Secure Digital Transformation
DTP® aligns to UK NCSC guidance and supports national objectives in data protection, privacy, transparency, ethics, and digital accountability, all essential for a secure digital economy.
3. Enabling Safe and Responsible AI Adoption
CySec’s Digital Trust discipline directly supports UK ambitions for safe, secure and trustworthy AI, including governance, risk management, assurance, and organisational readiness.
4. Building a Skilled and Resilient Digital Workforce
Through DTI®, CySec is developing professional pathways for students, graduates, veterans, professionals, and organisations, strengthening the UK’s long‑term digital capability pipeline.
5. Enhancing Regional and National Security Partnerships
CySec provides free training and membership to the Northwest Cyber Resilience Centre, Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester University Students, supporting frontline capability and contributing to safer communities and future workforce development.
Global Star Shortlisting - Delivering UK Influence Worldwide
The Global Star shortlisting recognises CySec’s role in projecting UK leadership internationally:
Customers and learners across the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia, in public, private and not-for profit sectors
Multi‑jurisdictional IP protection
Adoption of NCSP® and DTP® across government, critical infrastructure, and enterprise environments in the UK and beyond
Contribution to global standards adoption and international workforce development
This global reach strengthens the UK’s position as a leader in cybersecurity, Digital Trust, and AI assurance.
Micro Business of the Year Shortlisting - National Impact from a Micro Team
The Micro Business shortlisting highlights CySec’s ability to deliver institution‑level impact with fewer than four employees:
Creation of globally unique credential ecosystems
Launch of a professional institute shaping a new global discipline
Delivery of innovation aligned to national security and digital‑governance priorities
Regional partnerships supporting policing, resilience, and education
Influence on national strategies in cybersecurity and Digital Trust
CySec demonstrates how micro businesses can deliver strategic national value.
A Greater Manchester Business Supporting a Secure UK
CySec’s achievements reinforce Greater Manchester’s role as a national centre of excellence in cybersecurity, digital governance, and Digital Trust.
Through The Digital Trust Institute® (DTI®), the organisation is building the professional infrastructure that will shape how organisations are governed, secured, and trusted for the next 20–30 years, directly supporting the UK’s long‑term strategic resilience.
Award winners will be announced later this year following the judging process.
//ENDS
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