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In 2025, the Government reported that 43% of UK businesses (around 612,000) experienced a cybersecurity breach or attack in the preceding 12 months. Running any business, we know that having strong cybersecurity is essential, however when working with larger organisations and the public sector demonstrating your commitment is often a requirement before even tendering for their contracts.
Cyber Essentials is designed to strengthen the fundamental cybersecurity measures within an organisation. It focuses on key areas such as ensuring computers and devices are securely configured, controlling user access to systems and sensitive files, protecting devices from malware and viruses, and making sure software and operating systems are regularly updated to address known security vulnerabilities. By implementing these controls, businesses can significantly reduce their exposure to common cyber threats and better protect sensitive data, communications and day to day operations.
Cyber Essentials Plus builds on this foundation by introducing a more comprehensive and independently verified assessment. Unlike the standard Cyber Essentials certification, which is based on a self-assessment questionnaire, Cyber Essentials Plus requires qualified security assessors to carry out technical testing of the organisation’s systems. This includes vulnerability scans and hands-on checks across devices and networks to confirm that the security controls are not only in place but are working effectively in real-world scenarios. The result is a higher level of assurance for clients, suppliers and partners that robust cyber security protections are actively in operation.
For O’Connor Fencing, achieving Cyber Essentials Plus has delivered both operational and commercial benefits. Recognising the growing expectations around cyber security within supply chains, the business committed to strengthening its systems and demonstrating that it meets the highest standards of protection.
To support this process, O’Connor Fencing worked closely with David Allen IT Solutions, who guided the team through the certification journey. This involved reviewing existing systems, identifying any areas requiring improvement and ensuring the necessary security controls were properly implemented ahead of the independent technical assessment.
Through careful preparation and collaboration, O’Connor Fencing successfully achieved the certification, providing reassurance to customers and partners that the business has robust cyber security protections in place.
Importantly, the certification has also opened the door to new opportunities. Many Government departments and defence sector organisations now require Cyber Essentials certification as a minimum standard before suppliers can be considered during the tender process.
Eddie Harrison, QHSE Manager from O’Connor Fencing comments on the benefits of Cyber Essentials Plus, “Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus was an important step for us as a business. Much of the work we undertake is for major organisations and within highly regulated environments, so being able to demonstrate that our systems meet recognised cyber security standards is essential. This upgrade from our previous Cyber Essentials accreditation demonstrates our continued commitment to maintaining robust cybersecurity controls, independently tested and verified to protect our systems, data, and customers. It also allows us to tender and then win contracts that require Cyber Essentials, including opportunities within the defence supply chain, which is an important part of our continued growth.”
By achieving Cyber Essentials Plus, O’Connor Fencing is now able to tender for contracts that would previously have been inaccessible. This includes opportunities within the defence supply chain, where organisations such as BAE Systems require suppliers to demonstrate strong cyber security credentials before they are able to work with them.
Eddie continued “Working with David Allen IT Solutions made the whole process clear and straightforward. They guided us through what was needed, helped ensure everything was set up correctly and gave us confidence that we were meeting the required standards. Having their expertise and support throughout made a real difference.”
For O’Connor Fencing, Cyber Essentials Plus represents more than simply meeting a requirement. It demonstrates a clear commitment to protecting business systems and client information while strengthening the company’s ability to compete for work with larger organisations and within highly regulated sectors.
If your business is considering Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification, the team at David Allen IT Solutions, led by David Arnold, are here to help. Our experienced cyber security specialists can guide you through. Whether you are looking to strengthen your cyber security, protect sensitive business data or position your organisation to tender for Government and defence sector contracts, we can provide practical, straightforward support to help you achieve certification with confidence.
