Cyber security startups can access support and business opportunities through a new techUK initiative.

The tech industry trade association has launched the Cyber Connect Web Portal to help give British cyber security firms a leg up by delivering on 10 key aims, including access to finance workshops and small business representation.

The portal will try to create an online community of cyber security entrepreneurs and SMBs by acting as a hub for news on the latest opportunities and events.

It is government-funded but will be run by Cyber Connect UK, under the umbrella of techUK.

Cyber Connect UK head, Andy Williams, said: "We’re delighted to be launching the Cyber Connect Web Portal, which will act as a one-stop-shop for news, events and business opportunities for cyber security start-ups and SMBs.

"The small business community is vital to developing new cyber innovation and we look forward to helping these companies take advantage of the support provided by Cyber Connect."

The body hopes an accompanying Twitter handle, @cyberconnectUK, will bolster a burgeoning cyber security community.

The move comes after the National Audit Office (NAO) found in September that Britain’s National Cyber Security Programme was failing to deliver economic benefits.

It said a 22% rise in UK cyber security exports over 2012/13 was undermined by the Government when it belatedly agreed a methodology to measure progress towards hitting a £2bn export target.

The report read: "Progress in encouraging trade and exports in cyber products and services has been slow and is the area of poorest performance, scoring the lowest rating in our survey."