Cyber Circle Swindon: The Community Swindon's Cyber Sector Was Waiting For

For years, ambitious professionals working in cyber security, technology and AI acrossSwindon have often found themselves looking elsewhere for connection.

Bristol. Reading. London.

The major conferences, networking events and industry conversations always seemed to be happening somewhere else.

On 28 April, that changed.

The inaugural Cyber Circle Swindon event brought together professionals, students, business leaders and technology enthusiasts at The Workshed, marking the launch of a new community designed to put Swindon firmly on the map for cyber security, technology and AI.

Attended by over 50 people across a range of industry, and with over 70 registrations, its success proves that there is a desire and demand for an inclusive cyber-tech community in Swindon.

Built from a simple frustration

Cyber Circle Swindon was founded by award-winning cyber security leader, certified practitioner coach and community builder Sidra Mobeen, who has spent more than fourteen years working across technology, digital transformation and cyber security leadership roles.

The idea emerged from a challenge that will feel familiar to many professionals working in specialist sectors.

"I looked for this community in Swindon. It didn't exist. So I built it."

For Sidra, the issue wasn't a lack of expertise. Swindon already has a growing technology sector, established employers, innovative businesses and highly skilled professionals working across cyber security, technology and artificial intelligence.

What it lacked was a place for those people to come together.

"People shouldn't have to leave Swindon to find their tribe. The talent is already here."

That philosophy sits at the heart of Cyber Circle Swindon.

The community has been deliberately designed to be inclusive and accessible, welcoming everyone from experienced practitioners and business leaders to academics, students, career changers, returners and those simply curious about how technology and AI are shaping the world around them. It has already attracted more than 130 members, demonstrating the appetite for a dedicated cyber security, technology and AI network in Swindon.

As Sidra puts it:

"This isn't just for people who work in cyber. It's for anyone curious about how technology and AI are changing the world around them."
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A conversation that resonated

The launch event took over Tech Connect at The Workshed and centred around a panel discussion exploring a timely question:

Why Local Cyber Communities Matter More Than Ever.

Hosted by Sidra in an interview-style format, the panel featured:

Attiqa, Business Information Security Officer at Zurich Insurance Group

Jonny Tyers, Managing Director of Threatplane

Jemma Davis, Author and Founder of Culture Gem

The discussion moved beyond technical cyber security topics to explore careers, leadership, workplace culture, professional growth and the value of learning from others.

What emerged was a powerful reminder that communities matter just as much as technology.

While cyber threats, AI tools and digital transformation continue to evolve at pace, progress often starts with people sharing experiences, exchanging ideas and supporting one another.

The audience reflected exactly that ethos.

Experienced cyber security professionals sat alongside students exploring future careers. Researchers shared conversations with business owners. Career switchers attended their first ever cyber event. Curious newcomers mixed with seasoned practitioners.

That diversity wasn't accidental. It epitomises the value of what Sidra is creating.

Why places like Workshed matter

The success of the evening also demonstrated the growing role that The Workshed and the wider Carriage Works development are playing within Swindon's innovation ecosystem.

As a home for entrepreneurs, startups, creative businesses, technology companies and innovators, The Workshed provides more than workspace. It creates opportunities for communities to form around shared interests, industries and ambitions.

Cyber Circle Swindon feels like a natural extension of that mission.

The event was supported by sponsor Fynity and community partner TechSPARK Swindon & Wiltshire, helping bring together people from across the region's growing technology landscape.

Looking ahead

Following thes uccess of the launch, Cyber Circle Swindon returns to The Workshed on 18 June 2026 for its second event, exploring AI and the Future of Work. The initial allocation for places has sold out and additional spaces have since been released. The third Cyber Circle Swindon event is already scheduled for 16 July and promises to be extremely popular so don’t delay in booking your place.

For a community that didn't exist just a few months ago, that's a remarkable start.

For Swindon, it's an encouraging sign of a technology sector that is increasingly confident inits own identity and ability to galvanise hearts and minds around a community-focussed and inclusive approach. Long may it continue.

For more information, and to attend the next Cyber Circle Swindon event, click here.

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Cyber Circle Swindon LinkedIn Page ‍https://www.linkedin.com/company/cybercircleswindon

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