Choosing the right Cyber Essentials certification partner

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Achieving Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification isn’t just a compliance tick-box, it’s a strategic step in protecting your business, reassuring your customers, and unlocking new opportunities. Choosing the right certification partner is crucial: the right team will not only guide you through the process but help you implement meaningful, long-lasting security practices.

At Redloft Technology, we specialise in helping organisations across sectors secure certification confidently and effectively, backed by real results from clients like Midland Tool & Design Limited

Why the Right Certification Partner Matters

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed standard that provides protection against common cyber threats. Successfully completing certification helps businesses:

• Demonstrate they meet recognised security standards.

• Reduce vulnerability to attacks like phishing, ransomware, and malware.

• Strengthen credibility with customers and supply chains.

However, achieving certification - especially Cyber Essentials Plus - requires insight, preparation and expert support. A partner with deep experience makes all the difference.

Here are our top tips for selecting the Right Cyber Essentials Certification Partner

One: Crucially, make sure they know your business and requirements

Before you start, ask whether the partner truly understands:

• The scope of the certification you need (Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus).

• Your business size and industry

• Your IT environment.

Darren Booton, Managing Director at Midland Tool and Design, said after working with Redloft, “Having worked with Redloft Technology for a number of years, we knew the level of research the team puts into understanding a business and the requirements. As such, we turned to them for Cyber Essentials advice.”

Long-standing relationships and sector insight help ensure the process is smooth and tailored.

Two: Look for hands-on assessment and guidance

Some providers offer purely automated submissions. Redloft goes further.

Redloft’s consultants:

• Conduct comprehensive security assessments.

• Identify vulnerabilities and recommend practical improvements.

• Guide you through evidence, tools and technical requirements.

Barry Mansell, Senior Infrastructure Engineer at Redloft explains, “Performing Cyber Essentials presents the perfect opportunity to assess how securely a business network is set up, implement necessary changes and go forth confident that everything is set up as securely as expected.”

Three: Ensure capability for Cyber Essentials Plus (if Needed)

Even if you initially aim for basic Cyber Essentials, choose a partner capable of Plus certification too. This avoids unnecessary delays if you do progress to a higher level.

Cyber Essentials Plus involves:

• An external audit of your implemented controls.

• Technical checks on devices and systems to ensure compliance.

After progressing to Plus with Redloft, Darren says, “The auditors leave no stone unturned — the audit is incredibly thorough. Achieving Plus is a testament to our team’s commitment and Redloft’s expert guidance.”

Four: Evaluate communication and support

Your chosen partner should help you understand the journey clearly:

• What evidence is needed for submission?

• How does the assessor challenge unclear answers?

• Will they stay involved through remediation and renewal?

At Redloft, clients benefit from ongoing support, not just assessment — from initial gaps to future renewals.

Five: Deliverables and reputation matter

Cyber Essentials certifications appear on public registers and are often scrutinised by clients and regulators. Choose a partner with:

• Proven experience delivering successful certifications.

• Trusted testimonials from existing customers.

MTD Ltd’s repeated success with certification underscores the value of expert guidance and a long-term partnership.

Six: Don’t let price be the only decider

Cost is important, but it shouldn’t outweigh quality. Choosing an inexperienced partner may mean:

• Missed vulnerabilities.

• Failed submissions requiring resubmission.

• Wasted time and opportunity cost.

Prioritise thoroughness and credibility. If the quote seems too good to be true, think twice.

Why businesses choose Redloft Technology

At Redloft, we combine technical expertise with a pragmatic approach:

• End-to-end Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus support.

• Tailored assessment, remediation and submission management.

• Guidance that helps you strengthen your security for now and the future.

One of Redloft’s long-standing clients summarises the value of the relationship, “Redloft’s consultants have a very good understanding of our business processes and IT infrastructure. We knew they were the only company we would trust to help us through the Cyber Essentials Plus certification”.

Be Cyber Essentials Ready with Redloft Technology

Choosing the right Cyber Essentials certification partner is about more than paperwork, it’s about building resilience, protecting your reputation and enabling growth.

When evaluating partners, focus on:

• Practical knowledge and assessor-led review

• Capability across both Cyber Essentials levels

• Guidance through implementation, evidence and remediation

• Trusted, real-world results

If your business is ready to pursue Cyber Essentials or strengthen existing security practices, Redloft Technology can help you start with confidence.

Contact us today. We’re here to discuss your business, understand your requirements and offer free, no obligation advice.

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