In the cybersecurity industry, where women make up just 22% of the UK workforce, creating meaningful change requires both innovative thinking and practical action. Next week, Halzak will be showcasing its unique approach to this challenge as a key community partner at the National Cyber Security Show. 8^th – 10^th April 2025.

Who We Are and Why We’re Different

Halzak isn’t just another recruitment company. We’re transformation specialists dedicated to workplace inclusivity through a comprehensive ecosystem of services. What truly sets us apart is our sustainable approach to partnership – every placement we make directly funds our Elevate Women in Tech community initiatives, creating a virtuous cycle that strengthens the entire cybersecurity and tech industry.

“When companies partner with Halzak, they’re not just getting exceptional talent—they’re actively contributing to gender equality in tech,” explains Kellie Kwarteng, Founder of Halzak and Elevate Women in Tech. “This sustainable approach creates real impact.”

During in the 3 days, we will be very active with lots of opportunity to learn more about what we do.

Launching the New “Elevate” Community Platform

The cybersecurity show will mark the official launch of our expanded “Elevate” community platform – a gender-inclusive space designed for women, non-binary individuals, and male allies committed to creating a more balanced industry.

This comprehensive community goes beyond networking to offer:

• Regular virtual and in-person events
• Thought-provoking podcast series amplifying diverse voices in tech
• Tailored workshops addressing specific career challenges
• The award-winning ElevateHER leadership mentorship programme
• Opportunity to connect in a safe space with like-minded tech professionals

A Packed Schedule of Events – Confrence overview

Throughout the three-day show, visitors can engage with Halzak and Elevate through a variety of sessions designed to deliver immediate value while showcasing our approach:

Speed Networking Events (8th, 9th, and 10th April)

These focused 30-minute sessions begin with a brief introduction to Elevate’s community approach, followed by two structured 10-minute rounds of networking. Participants share challenges, offer solutions, and forge valuable connections in an efficient format that respects their time while maximizing meaningful interactions.

“We’ve designed these sessions to create a supportive environment where asking for help and offering assistance are equally valued,” notes Kellie. “Participants walk away with new connections, potential collaborations, and actionable insights.”

Workshop: From Ally to Advocate (9th April)

This dynamic 45-minute workshop transforms the conversation around allyship from theory to practice, focusing on small, consistent actions that create meaningful change. Participants will learn practical strategies they can implement immediately to support gender diversity in their organisations.

Panel Discussions

Visitors can join two thought-provoking panel sessions:

“Breaking the Binary: Why Cybersecurity Needs Gender Balance for Better Innovation” (8th April) features an impressive panel of industry leaders:

• Lisa Ventura MBE – Founder, Cyber Security Unity and Neuro Unity
• Bridgette Bigmore – CTO – UK Telecoms Lab
• Richard Wilson – Group Head of Information Security – Spirax Group
• Amelia Hewitt – MD – Hewitt Partnerships LTD & Founder – CybAid
• Host: Kellie Kwarteng – Founder – Halzak | Elevate Women in Tech

This thought-provoking discussion explores:

• How diverse teams catch security threats that homogeneous teams miss
• The cost of cybersecurity skills gaps and how greater inclusion could address them
• Real examples where diverse perspectives prevented major security breaches
• The connection between diverse teams and better risk assessment
• Impact of AI and emerging tech on making cybersecurity more inclusive

Be sure to see Kellie Kwarteng as she is part of the “The Future Talent Pipeline – Inspiring Young People to Join the Industry” (10th April, SASIG Leaders Summit), which addresses how the industry can attract and develop the next generation of diverse cybersecurity professionals.

Registrations for the Award-Winning ElevateHER Leadership Programme will also be live!

A highlight of Halzak’s presence will be showcasing the ElevateHER leadership mentorship programme, which has already transformed the careers of 117 women in tech. Throughout the event, visitors can learn about this comprehensive development programme and how organisations can either sponsor participants or implement similar frameworks within their own companies.

Visit Us at Stand 5/M31 in the Community Village

Throughout the show, Halzak’s team will be available in the Community Village area to discuss:

• How our unique recruitment approach simultaneously addresses talent gaps and representation challenges
• Ways to join or partner with the Elevate community platform
• Strategies for building more inclusive cybersecurity teams
• Implementation of effective mentorship programmes

“This event is about more than showcasing services—it’s about building a movement where everyone in tech doesn’t just survive, they thrive,” says Kellie. “We invite all attendees to stop by stand 5/M31 in the Community Village, participate in our sessions, and join us in creating a more balanced, innovative cybersecurity industry.”

For more information about Halzak’s recruitment services or the Elevate community platform, visit connect with Kellie Kwarteng on LinkedIn or email kellie@halzak.com