Cyber Essentials in Staffordshire and Derbyshire, UK: Why Local Certification Matters

The Midlands is home to thousands of hardworking businesses that keep the UK moving, from manufacturers in Staffordshire to logistics firms in Derbyshire. As operations become more digital, the risks are becoming just as local as the opportunities.

If your business relies on online systems, suppliers or external contractors, you are already part of a supply chain. And if one link in that chain is exposed, everyone connected to it feels the impact.

With Cyber Essentials renewal season arriving this November, now is the ideal time for Staffordshire and Derbyshire organisations to strengthen their security and stay ahead of rising threats.

Cybercrime is growing and Midlands businesses are feeling it

The latest government research shows that one in five UK businesses experienced at least one cybercrime in 2025, reflecting a growing national trend toward more frequent attacks (Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025).

The financial impact has reached the region too. Businesses in the West Midlands reported more than £404,000 in losses from cyber-dependent crime over a fifteen-month period (Colmore Business District).

For organisations in Stafford, Derby, Stoke-on-Trent or Burton upon Trent, these figures highlight why foundational cybersecurity can no longer be ignored.

Cyber Essentials explained in simple terms

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme designed to protect organisations from the most common cyber attacks. It focuses on five essential technical controls:

• Firewalls

• Secure configuration

• User access control

• Malware protection

• Security update management

  
  

These protections significantly reduce the risk of common attacks and give customers and partners confidence that your organisation takes cybersecurity seriously.

When Cyber Essentials Plus is worth choosing

Cyber Essentials Plus includes the same five controls but adds an independent technical audit, giving stronger evidence that your systems are secure in practice.

For Midlands organisations working with the public sector, regional supply chains or large local contracts, this higher level of assurance can help you stand out and meet tender requirements.

Cyber Essentials in Staffordshire and Derbyshire UK

The Midlands is becoming a recognised cyber centre, with around ten percent of the UK’s cyber sector workforce based here, according to The New Midlands.

As more regional organisations prioritise certification, working with a local Cyber Essentials partner provides real benefits, including:

• Faster communication

• Guidance tailored to your real systems and risks

• Support from assessors who understand Midlands supply chains

  
  

How Fleko supports Midlands businesses

Fleko is an IASME-accredited Certification Body supporting Staffordshire and Derbyshire organisations through both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.

We help businesses:

• Identify what they already meet

• Fix gaps with clear, practical guidance

• Complete certification and renew annually

• Strengthen supplier assurance and procurement readiness

  
  

Our approach is friendly, simple and built for real Midlands organisations, whether you are a manufacturer in Stoke, a professional services firm in Derby or an SME in Burton.

A smart moment to certify or renew

Many organisations renew their certification in November. If your renewal is approaching, or if you are preparing to certify for the first time, this is the perfect time to take action.

Protect your Midlands business with confidence

Cyber Essentials is a powerful, achievable way to build trust and reduce risk. Fleko helps Staffordshire and Derbyshire organisations navigate certification with confidence and clarity.

Want to learn more about Cyber Essentials in Staffordshire and Derbyshire, UK? Click here to learn about our services.