RMT launches cyber division with 50-job plan

A North East technology specialist has launched a new cyber security division.

Gosforth-based RMT Technology, the specialist technology arm of RMT Accountants & Business Advisors, has established the service to help businesses manage cyber risk, strengthen resilience and respond to evolving threats.

And bosses say the new division will support significant growth, with plans to create eight jobs over the next year and around 50 during the next five years.

The division will provide strategic consulting across cyber security strategy, compliance, training and exercising, alongside technical services including testing, certification and security architecture development.

It will be led by cyber security specialist Stew Hogg, who has more than 15 years’ experience working with government, public and private sector organisations.

His experience spans higher education, energy, critical national infrastructure, healthcare, government, professional services, fintech and manufacturing, as well as work alongside regulators and national police forces.

Stew holds UK Cyber Security Council Chartership and a fellowship from the Chartered Institute of Information Security, and has received the Chief Constable’s Commendation for Services to Cyber Security from Northumbria Police.

He 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.

“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.”

As part of its growth plans, RMT Technology also intends to help address the cyber security skills shortage by providing training and industry certification opportunities for young people in the region.

The launch comes as the Government’s latest Cyber Security Breaches Survey found 43 per cent of UK businesses had experienced a cyber breach or attack during the previous 12 months, while fewer than 30 per cent had a cyber incident response plan.

Stew 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.

“Businesses that proactively get ahead of evolving threats not only show their clients that they’re serious about cyber security but can also gain competitive advantages and access to new commercial opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.

“The North East already has an evolving community of talented cyber security experts, but with the demand for these services expected to increase dramatically, this community needs to continue to grow.

“We want to provide a platform on which the next generation of North East cyber security professionals can gain the recognised industry qualifications and charterships they need to build successful careers while contributing to the overall development of our business.”

RMT Accountants and RMT Technology are part of Sumer Group, which employs more than 3000 people across over 80 offices.

Stephen Slater, managing partner at RMT Accountants & Business Advisors, added: “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.”

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