Local cybersecurity consultancy, Pentest People, been named in the Digital Enterprise Top 100 list of the Leeds city region’s most resilient businesses that use digital technologies in the most innovative and transformational ways.
Organisations commission Pentest People’s cybersecurity experts to test their websites, applications and IT systems for any weaknesses that could allow cybercriminals to steal information, damage IT systems, or hold data to ransom.
Pentest People was recognised in the Digital Enterprise Top 100 for its ability to rapidly apply digital technologies to conduct security vulnerability tests remotely when the first lockdown was announced in March 2020. To help keep its clients’ businesses running smoothly, Pentest People developed its SecureGateway device: providing clients with a secure way to continue monitoring for newly-discovered security risks, while penetration testers were working from home.
Owing to its innovation and expertise, Pentest People has continued to grow its business and headcount throughout the pandemic. Led by Gavin Watson, technical director, and Anthony Harvey, sales director, the firm has grown to almost seventy employees within three years, with eight new members of staff added since the start of 2021. The company actively seeks to discover and nurture local cybersecurity talent and is soon to launch a free online education programme to increase public awareness of cyber security issues and identify future employees.
Commenting on the award, Gavin said, “We are delighted to have been included in the Digital Enterprise Top 100. This accolade is testament to the expertise, quick-thinking and adaptability of our growing team, who have pulled together and proved throughout the pandemic that we can continue to deliver the best service, no matter where we are working.”
Digital Enterprise is a business support programme that helps eligible companies in the Leeds city region to achieve digital transformation, so that they can scale up their service delivery and grow their business.
Jointly funded by Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, nine local authorities, and the European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020, the Digital Enterprise Programme offers grants to help businesses to invest in digital transformation and connectivity to support their growth. In addition, The Digital Knowledge Exchange service, provides digital conferences, workshops, masterclasses and mentoring, to help businesses to make the most of digital services.
To be eligible to join the programme, businesses must be based in the Leeds city region, employ fewer than 250 employees and have an annual turnover of less than £43million and a balance sheet below £37million. They must also be able to show that they have received less than £185,000 in State Aid in the preceding three years.
