Cyber specialist wins award marking career milestone - net-defence award
Cyber specialist wins award marking career milestone

Net-Defence, a cyber security specialist based in the North East, has marked ten years in business by receiving an industry award from the Tyne and Wear Business Awards UK.

The company is part of the Ogilvie Group, a third-generation family-owned business. Over the past decade, Net-Defence has evolved from a telecommunications provider into a managed IT and security firm. It now supports organisations across various sectors.

Debra Cairns, managing director of Net-Defence, said the award reflects the dedication and expertise of the team. “Over the past decade we’ve deliberately built a business centred on trust, technical excellence and long-term customer relationships,” she stated.

Cairns added that the recognition belongs to the entire staff. “Every day they go above and beyond to protect our customers, deliver exceptional service and build the trusted partnerships that have made recognition like this possible,” she said.

Meeting Growing Demands

The award comes as the company sees increased demand from the legal, financial services, manufacturing and engineering sectors. These organisations face growing compliance obligations and increasingly connected supply chains that heighten security requirements.

Officials note that recent years have highlighted the growing cyber risks facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Regulatory requirements are tightening while AI-enabled cyber crime is on the rise.

Debra Cairns explained that attackers continue to evolve their methods. “Cyber resilience has become fundamental to business success, attackers continue to evolve their methods, with artificial intelligence enabling more sophisticated phishing campaigns, faster exploitation of vulnerabilities and highly personalised attacks,” she said.

She added that as an SME, the company understands the challenges businesses face. “Which is why collaboration, education and practical support remain central to everything we do,” Cairns said.

As the business enters its next chapter, it plans to continue investing in its people and supporting organisations in the region. The firm remains focused on helping businesses build the resilience needed to operate in a digital environment.

Expansion plans include adding a new venue in Bristol to support regional growth.

The company’s commitment to developing internal talent has been a key factor in its success, with a recent OSPA shortlist further underlining its growing reputation within the UK cyber security sector. This investment in technical expertise, automation and customer service has enabled Net-Defence to deliver outstanding managed IT and security services to its clients.

The increasing demand for cyber security services from organisations in the legal, financial services, manufacturing and engineering sectors is driven by the need for stronger cyber resilience. As these organisations operate in increasingly complex and connected environments, they require robust security measures to protect their operations and data.

Net-Defence’s approach to cyber security is centered on building long-term relationships with its clients, providing them with tailored support and guidance to help them handle the evolving cyber setting. By investing in its people and staying at the forefront of the latest technologies and threats, the company is well-positioned to continue supporting businesses in the region and beyond.

The company’s plans for expansion, including the addition of a new venue in Bristol, will enable it to support regional growth and increase its capacity to deliver high-quality cyber security services to a wider range of clients. As the cyber security setting continues to evolve, Net-Defence is committed to staying ahead of the curve, providing its clients with the expertise and support they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.