Protect your business and your reputation.
Cyber security threats are growing more sophisticated and for many mid-sized businesses, a single incident can cause operational disruption, reputational damage, and financial loss.
Good tech is important but strong security leadership is essential. Most security lapses are caused by simple errors where the root cause is lack of expert leadership.
A fractional IT leader can provide expert guidance, clear priorities, and a plan that aligns protection with commercial goals.
Cyber security and risk means protecting your business, data, and reputation from cyber threats through the right leadership, processes, and governance, so risk is reduced and kept under control.
The pressures business leaders face
- Uncertainty over what ‘secure’ looks like in a mid-sized business
- Increasing compliance requirements and customer security audits
- Constant attacks but limited visibility of vulnerabilities and data risks
- Endless demands for more expenditure on products and consultants
The opportunities with Freeman Clarke
- An independent expert leader who is accountable and fully aligned with the business strategy
- A credible communicator who can build trust with clients, partners, investors, and auditors
- Appropriate protection for your business, given your strategy, risk profile and budget
- Commercial thinking to connect good security with business opportunities
How we help
A Freeman Clarke CISO, CIO, or CTO joins your leadership team to provide clear, independent direction and delivery of cyber security and risk management.
Our IT leaders work within your leadership team to:
- Assess your current security posture, budget and strategy to identify vulnerabilities and opportunities
- Design a practical security strategy aligned to your business goals
- Implement policies, governance, and staff awareness programmes
- Manage third-party suppliers and ensure their compliance
We focus on proportionate, achievable improvements, without unnecessary cost or complexity.
We are looking to save in excess of £75,000 a year, and that an includes an increase in spend on cyber security of over £20,000.
CEO, Leightons
Real-world examples
Here are just a few of the businesses we’ve helped move forward with IT and technology:
Financial services
We helped a real estate lender become more secure whilst pivoting to a new business model.
Business services
We helped this translation firm shore up its security whilst transitioning to a new management platform.
AEC
We helped a thriving supplier create safer, more scalable platforms to better react to customer needs.
Where we start
We will immediately conduct a thorough security and compliance review, covering people, systems, policies, and processes. We put this in the context of your business, your market, and your risk.
Our IT leaders work within your leadership team to:
- Conduct a cyber and risk assessment to identify critical gaps
- Prioritise actions to address high-impact risks
- Develop a roadmap that balances protection with commercial needs
- Establish governance and clear ownership across the business
These actions provide immediate clarity and measurable improvements to security and resilience.
Related expertise
Explore related areas of our work:
Cost and efficiency
We reduce waste and improve performance
IT strategy and vision
Building long-term security into your business plan.
Team leadership and development
Developing a culture of security, so everyone in the business is aware of the risks and feels empowered to take action if needed
FAQs
Are mid-sized businesses really at risk from cyberattacks?
Yes. Many attacks target businesses without dedicated security teams or clear processes, and the rate of attacks against mid-sized businesses is increasing.
Is security expensive to implement?
Not when approached proportionately. Improved governance and awareness often deliver major gains at low cost.
Do you provide security tools or software?
No. We are completely independent and work only in your interests. We will coordinate with existing vendors or partners or recommend new ones if necessary – it all depends on your needs.
How soon can we see results?
In some cases, the risk reduction is almost immediate. Many clients see significant benefits within the first few months.
How do I protect my business from cyber threats?
Start with the basics done well: understand your risks, tighten access and processes, train your people, and put clear governance in place. Freeman Clarke’s fractional security leaders reduce your biggest risks first, proportionate to your size.
Do we need a full-time CISO?
Often not. A fractional CISO gives you senior cyber security and risk leadership proportionate to your business, without the cost of a full-time hire.
Why fractional leadership matters
Cyber security and risk management require senior oversight. But not every organisation needs a full-time CIO, CTO, or CISO. Our fractional model gives you proven, experienced leadership embedded in your business, focused on protection, and scaled to your needs.