How Cyber Essentials Helps You Win Bigger Contracts.
You've worked hard to make your business look professional. Your website is sharp, your proposals are clear, and your clients know they can rely on you. But as you start to go after bigger contracts, trust isn't just about how good you are at your job. It's about proving you can securely handle the information people share with you. You're hitting a new hurdle: procurement forms, security questionnaires, and one little checkbox you can't tick — Cyber Essentials Certified.
What Is Cyber Essentials and Why It Matters
It’s easy to dismiss Cyber Essentials as just another technical IT exercise, but that’s missing the point. It’s a sales tool — and one that helps you stand out when clients are choosing between suppliers.
It’s the simplest way to show a potential new client that you've taken sensible, proactive steps to protect your data (and theirs). When a procurement manager sees that badge on your proposal, it instantly signals that you're a serious, professional supplier.
More and more councils, public sector bodies, and large companies now require Cyber Essentials certification as part of their supplier checks. Without that badge, you're not just a risk but an easy no.
In short, Cyber Essentials helps you clear that first, annoying hurdle of trust and puts your business on the right side of the security conversation.
You're Probably 90% There Already
Here's the good news: you're probably already 90% of the way there. You already do most of this if you're running your business on modern tools like Google Workspace by Kimbley IT.
The certification asks you to prove you have five basic security controls in place:
Firewalls – A digital barrier that protects your network (your router and laptop already have this).
Secure settings – Changing default passwords and using 2-Step Verification on your Google account.
Access control – Making sure team members only have access to the files and data they need for their job.
Malware protection – Using trusted software (like Gmail’s filtering and your computer’s built-in protection) to block threats.
Software updates – Installing those updates on your phone and laptop when they pop up.
These aren’t complex. They cover the most common risks, and the certification simply summarises everything on paper.
Why Going DIY Will Cost You More Than You Save
You can complete the Cyber Essentials self-assessment on your own — it’s a “self-assessment,” after all. But this is where many business owners fall into the “value of time” trap. The form uses technical language, and a single wrong answer can mean a fail — with no refund.
It’s like trying to file your company accounts without an accountant. You technically could, but it’s stressful, time-consuming, and easy to get wrong. The certification fee depends on your company size, and if you fail, that money’s gone.
That’s why working with Kimbley IT makes sense. We review your setup, plug any small gaps, and handle the whole process — including renewals. You save time, avoid frustration, and get certified the first time. We’re proud to say we’ve never had a client fail an assessment.
Certification That Pays Off
Cyber Essentials is more than a security badge — it’s a sales tool.
It proves your business is professional, trustworthy, and ready for those bigger opportunities. It reassures your existing clients, makes it much easier to win new projects, and helps you avoid a costly, reputation-damaging security issue.
It pays for itself the first time you clear a procurement hurdle you would have otherwise failed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cyber Essentials
What does Cyber Essentials cover?
It focuses on five key areas: firewalls, secure configuration, access control, malware protection, and software updates — covering most common cyber risks.
Is it mandatory?
Not legally, but many councils, government bodies, and larger organisations require it to work with suppliers.
How long does certification take?
Most small businesses can complete it within a few days when supported by an IT partner like Kimbley IT.
Why use Kimbley IT?
We simplify the process, handle the technical parts, and make sure you pass the first time — with renewals managed automatically.
Next Steps: How to Get Cyber Essentials Certified
Getting certified is the next logical move if you're ready to show clients that your business takes data security seriously — and to open the door to bigger opportunities.
If you’d like an expert to guide you through it, book a video call with Kimbley IT using the form below. We’ll look at your current setup, walk you through the simple steps to certification, and make sure staying compliant each year is effortless.
