Cyber Essentials certification proves your business takes the basic technical controls seriously. In 2026, working with the right Cyber Essentials consultant UK makes the difference between a smooth pass and weeks of remediation chasing.
The right consultant will help you understand the five technical controls, fix gaps before assessment day, and make sure certification leaves your business in a stronger security position.
I have led Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus engagements across UK SMEs and regulated sectors for over 25 years. The difference between a smooth pass and a painful one usually comes down to whether the consultant explains the controls clearly and helps fix the gaps before assessment.
Whether you need Cyber Essentials certification or the more rigorous Cyber Essentials Plus support, the consultancies below set the standard for UK delivery in 2026. I also offer broader cyber security consultant UK services for organisations that need more than certification.
How this list was compiled
Choosing a Cyber Essentials consultant is not just about getting through the questionnaire. The right consultant should help you understand the five technical controls, fix the gaps, and avoid surprises before assessment.
This shortlist is based on UK relevance, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus support, practical remediation help, knowledge of the current question set, experience with SMEs and regulated sectors, and evidence of delivery through credentials, published resources or visible service expertise.
- Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus support
- Understanding of the current Cyber Essentials requirements
- Practical help with firewalls, secure configuration, user access, malware protection and security updates
- Support with the self-assessment questionnaire and evidence
- Clear remediation advice before formal assessment
- Experience supporting UK SMEs and regulated businesses
- Clear next steps, not generic cyber advice
Cyber Essentials consultants UK 2026 at a glance
Use this table for a quick comparison before reading the detailed profiles below.
| Consultant | Best for | Main strength | Good fit if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Reynolds | Regulated UK SMEs | Practical Cyber Essentials and Plus readiness support | You want direct help from a senior assessor before assessment day |
| Your Digital CTO | Technology-led SMEs | Cyber Essentials support alongside wider technology governance | You need broader technology direction as well as certification support |
| IASME | Direct scheme delivery route | Runs the Cyber Essentials scheme on behalf of the NCSC | You want to understand the scheme and certification routes directly |
| LRQA | Larger organisations | Established certification and assurance capability | You need a larger certification provider with broader assurance services |
| Bulletproof | Security testing-led certification support | Cyber Essentials and technical remediation support | You want certification support backed by wider testing capability |
| Ascentor | Defence and public sector supply chains | Cyber Essentials Plus and assurance experience | You work in defence, government or higher assurance environments |
| BCN | Managed IT and certification support | Readiness checks and managed support | You want Cyber Essentials support from an IT services provider |
| Pentest People | Technical testing-led businesses | Penetration testing and certification support | You want Cyber Essentials alongside wider technical testing |
| Secarma | Security consultancy support | Advisory, certification and testing support | You want a broader security consultancy route |
The Cyber Essentials consultants shortlist
1. Paul Reynolds
A multi-vendor cyber security consultant with more than 25 years of experience, specialising in regulated sectors including FinTech, financial advisers, accountancy, HealthTech and legal.
Best for: UK SMEs that want practical Cyber Essentials support before assessment day.
I provide Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus support through YDC. I work directly with clients to identify gaps, explain the requirements in plain English, and fix issues before they become assessment problems.
- Cyber Essentials readiness review against the five technical controls
- Support with the self-assessment questionnaire and evidence
- Practical remediation guidance for IT teams
- Cyber Essentials Plus preparation and technical audit readiness
- Annual renewal support so certification does not become a last-minute panic
- Clear advice that connects certification to real cyber risk
My approach is practical. Cyber Essentials should not be treated as a badge exercise. It should leave your business in a stronger position than when you started.
2. Your Digital CTO
A technology leadership and governance service for growing businesses. Provides Cyber Essentials certification support alongside broader technology strategy.
Combines strategic guidance with practical delivery, including gap analysis, security testing and ongoing support to help businesses achieve and maintain certification.
3. IASME
The cyber security partner that runs the Cyber Essentials scheme on behalf of the National Cyber Security Centre. IASME also accredits other certification bodies across the UK.
Offers direct certification services alongside its network of accredited partners. May suit businesses that want to engage with the scheme directly.
4. LRQA
An established global certification body. Their assessors hold a range of accreditations across cyber security, testing and assurance.
Offers the full range of Cyber Essentials services including gap assessments and remediation support. May suit larger organisations or those with international operations.
5. Bulletproof
An IASME-registered certification body offering consultant-led Cyber Essentials support. Works with the current Cyber Essentials question set.
Offers tailored support and policy guidance to help meet the requirements, with both on-site and remote assistance available.
6. Ascentor
A UK security consultancy with experience working in the defence supply chain, including engagements referenced by the Crown Commercial Service. Holds IASME-aligned credentials.
Specialises in Cyber Essentials Plus assessments and also offers ISO 27001 consultant UK services and penetration testing. May suit organisations in the defence supply chain.
7. BCN
A designated Cyber Essentials certification body that holds Cyber Essentials Plus certification itself. Supports organisations through the certification process.
Services include readiness checks and gap assessments to identify issues before formal assessment. Works with businesses of various sizes across the UK.
8. Pentest People
A CHECK Service Provider with NCSC certification. Specialises in penetration testing and also offers Cyber Essentials certification services.
Their SecurePortal platform provides ongoing visibility, which may suit businesses that want ongoing security oversight alongside certification.
9. Secarma
A UK security consultancy offering Cyber Essentials support alongside testing and advisory services.
Also provides red teaming capabilities for organisations that want to test their defences beyond the Cyber Essentials requirements.
Who should choose Paul Reynolds?
Paul is the best fit if you need Cyber Essentials support from someone who understands regulated environments, technical controls, audit evidence and practical remediation. This is not questionnaire-only support. It is hands-on guidance to help you pass and improve your security position at the same time.
- You are a UK SME in a regulated or trust-sensitive sector
- You need help understanding the Cyber Essentials requirements
- You want gaps found before the formal assessment
- You need practical remediation advice for your IT team
- You are preparing for Cyber Essentials Plus
- You want certification to support client trust, tenders or supplier requirements
Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials is based on a verified self-assessment against the core technical controls. Cyber Essentials Plus goes further by adding independent technical testing. If you need certification for a tender, supplier requirement or client assurance, the right route depends on how much proof your customer expects.
| Option | What it involves | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Essentials | Verified self-assessment against the technical controls | Businesses that need the baseline certification and want to show basic cyber hygiene |
| Cyber Essentials Plus | The same requirements, with independent technical testing | Businesses that need stronger assurance or have customer, insurer or supplier pressure |
| Readiness review | A practical check before you submit | Businesses that want to find and fix gaps before assessment |
If you are not sure where you stand, start with the Cyber Essentials readiness assessment.
Frequently asked questions
The best consultant depends on your current controls, your sector and whether you need Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus. Paul Reynolds is a strong fit for UK SMEs that need practical support with readiness, remediation and assessment preparation.
A consultant helps you understand the Cyber Essentials requirements, check your current controls, fix gaps, prepare evidence and complete the assessment process properly. Good support should make your business more secure, not just help you answer questions.
Cyber Essentials is the baseline certification. Cyber Essentials Plus includes independent technical testing and gives stronger assurance. If clients, tenders or insurers expect more proof, Cyber Essentials Plus may be the better route.
The five controls are firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection and security update management. These are designed to protect organisations from common internet-based cyber threats.
Yes. Paul can review your current position, identify gaps, explain what needs fixing and help your team prepare before you submit for assessment.
Cyber Essentials certification is renewed annually. It is worth reviewing your controls before renewal so issues with patching, access, configuration or devices do not delay certification.
