The boss of CyNam, the cyber technology hub for initiatives in Cheltenham and county-wide, has announced that he is stepping down today.

Richard Yorke was a co-founder of CyNam which acts as a switchboard for the cyber and technology sector in Gloucestershire that was set up in 2015.

In a statement on his decision to quite the role, Mr Yorke said: "I am writing this with somewhat mixed emotions as I announce that, after careful consideration, I have decided to step down from my role as Managing Director."

Amid a tide of online support and good wishes for his future, Mr Yorke said the decision to depart was to enable "a break and recharge after seven years of service" and any future career move remains unknown as yet.

He described his work at the helm as being "an incredible time" as CyNam focused on its mission to develop the cyber and technology sector in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire while also playing a vital role in shaping the UK's Cyber Ecosystem.

He added: "Since our inception in 2016, CyNam, and the community we serve, has undergone a remarkable transformation. What started as a niche meet-up group with around 50 people has evolved into a thriving ecosystem of over 5,000 individuals from more than 1,000 cyber and tech companies.

"Together, we've inspired countless young minds to pursue careers in Cyber and Tech, with 33 schools across the South West now recognised by the NCSC's Cyber First Programme. We have also taken part in significant national efforts, leading the formation of a national body (UKC3) and contributing to the establishment of a national ecosystem of cyber clusters spanning the entire UK."

In this year alone, CyNam has delivered 15 impactful events, he said, reaching more than 1,000 individuals and 400 organisations covering important topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Angel Investing and Building High Performing Teams. Cyber Horizons events have also reached hundreds of students and inspired the next generation of cyber tech professionals.

Such achievements would not have been possible, he said, without the dedication and passion of the CyNam team, past and present: Charlotte Smith, Amy Cushion, Hollie Wakefield, Daisy North, Tim Atkins, Eleanor Hardman, Clare Bourne, Mads Howard, Chris Dunning-Walton, Reid Derby, Mark Adams, Bruce Gregory, Paul Bentham, Rob Stemp, James Whittaker, Emma Hickson and Helen Dunning-Walton.

He also thanked "the fantastic and unwavering support" of CyNam's network of business, academic and events friends, partners, sponsors and stakeholders, including Gloucestershire College, GFirst LEP, Cheltenham Festivals, WiTCH - Women in Tech & Cyber Hub and the National Cyber Security Centre, Hazlewoods, Wynne-Jones IP and Blackfinch Ventures.

"As I prepare to take a break and recharge after seven years of service, I'm confident that CyNam will continue to thrive under the very capable leadership of our team, the board and your ongoing support," he added.