Why It’s Time to Rethink Cyber Essentials
You’ve been there. Another framework. Another certificate. People glance at their phones. The CFO frowns. Someone says, “Let’s just get it done.”
And just like that, cybersecurity becomes a tick-box task.
But here’s the thing — Cyber Essentials can do much more. When done right, it can protect your reputation, reduce costs, and even give your business a competitive edge.
From a Simple Checklist to a Business Tool
Cyber Essentials turns 10 this year. What began as a baseline is now part of core UK procurement policy.
Yet many companies still treat it like a formality.
But most companies are still stuck doing the bare minimum. And it’s costing them more than they realise.
The Compliance Trap UK Businesses Keep Falling Into
This is how it usually plays out:
✅ You hire a provider
✅ You passed the assessment
✅ You get the certificate
❌ Your actual risk stays the same
78% of UK businesses treat cybersecurity as a tick-box exercise (DCMS, 2023)
This outdated approach protects budgets, not businesses. And it often leaves leadership with a false sense of security.
How Sharp Brains Does It Differently
At Sharp Brains, we don’t just “get you certified.” We build security frameworks that protect your operations, support business goals, and make board-level reporting simple.
Here’s how:
🔹 We keep it clear – No jargon. Just what you need to know, when you need to know it
🔹 We link security to business – Measurable ROI, not just risk reports
🔹 We flex around you – Whether you’re hands-on or need full delegation
🔹 We stay ahead of compliance – From GDPR to PECR, you’re always prepared
C-Suite Pressures Are Real — And Growing
📌 1 in 3 UK businesses now report cyber risk directly to the board
(DCMS, 2023)
📌 Cyber insurance premiums have jumped by 34% in the last 12 months
(Marsh UK Cyber Report, 2023)
📌 32% of organisations say that regulatory pressure is their top driver for improving cybersecurity
(EY Global Information Security Survey, 2023)
We understand what it’s like to operate under board scrutiny, tight margins, and shifting regulations. That’s why our model puts security in service of your strategy, not in conflict with it.
When Cyber Essentials Is Done Right, It Delivers
✅ Wins more business – Cyber Essentials is now a basic expectation in B2B procurement
✅ Improves efficiency – Our clients see a 22% reduction in process friction
✅ Builds trust – 73% of UK consumers say data security impacts their buying decisions (PwC UK Consumer Intelligence Series, 2022)
This isn’t just about technology — it’s about how your business is perceived, protected, and positioned for growth.
Before You Choose a Provider, Ask:
Cybersecurity Should Help You Grow — Not Just Stay Safe
The most forward-thinking organisations in the UK are already treating cybersecurity as part of their growth strategy.
At Sharp Brains, we help you get there — without the confusion, complexity, or wasted spend.
“For the first time, our security efforts are being praised, not questioned.” – CIO, Sharp Brains client (Professional Services Firm, Manchester)
✅ Ready to make Cyber Essentials a business advantage?
Let’s stop ticking boxes and start building something stronger. We’ll help you protect what matters and position your business to win more.