RMT Technology, based in Gosforth, is launching a specialist cyber security division, creating more than 50 jobs. The new department will help businesses understand and manage cyber risk, protect their operations and respond to an evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Bosses at the tech arm of RMT Accountants & Business Advisors expect to create eight new jobs in the next year and around 50 over the next five years. The division will deliver strategic consulting services around cyber strategy, compliance, training and exercising.
Led by industry specialist
The new service is led by cyber security specialist Stew Hogg, who has more than 15 years’ experience helping governmental, public and private sector organisations map out, boost and implement their cyber security strategies. As part of the company’s growth plan, RMT Technology will also help tackle the growing shortage of cyber security skills by providing new training and industry certification opportunities for local young people.
Mr Hogg said: “Operational resilience is key to the survival and success of every modern business, and with the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill set to introduce new requirements for organisations, within its scope, cyber security must be high on the agenda for business leaders.
“Recent high-profile incidents have demonstrated just how significant the operational and commercial impact of a cyber incident can be. At the same time, developments in areas such as AI are changing the threat landscape, making it increasingly important for businesses to understand their exposure and build appropriate resilience.
Addressing the threat landscape
“Our focus is on serving our clients, protecting their organisations and empowering them to make cyber security a core part of their wider business and growth strategies. Very few firms in the North East are offering professional services expertise alongside a comprehensive range of cyber security services and we see significant potential to build a leading regional capability.”
The Government’s latest Cyber Security Breaches Survey found that 43% of UK businesses had experienced a cyber breach or attack in the previous 12 months, while fewer than 30% had a cyber incident response plan in place.
Mr Hogg added: “Not every business can afford to have someone working full-time on cyber security matters, so we’re tailoring our services to give SMEs and larger organisations access to specialist expertise at a level that reflects their needs, risks and ambitions.”
Investment and timing
Stephen Slater, managing partner at RMT Accountants & Business Advisors, said: “Our investment in this new division reflects the growing importance of cyber resilience to the businesses we work with and our ambition to build a leading capability in this area. With the launch coinciding with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, there couldn’t be a more relevant time to highlight the importance of giving businesses access to the specialist expertise they need to manage cyber risk with confidence.”
