Headcount: 136 (+81%)
Specialism: Cybersecurity
HQ: Newcastle upon Tyne
This Newcastle-based cyber security solutions provider saw average monthly headcount vault 81% between calendar 2021 and 2024 amid efforts to expand its consulting and managed services activities.
Its 2023 acquisition of operational security specialist Awen Consulting added four staff.
Despite this, the family-owned Check Point, Exabeam and Okta partner – which turns 30 this year – saw 2024 revenues dip 9% to £11.9m amid a “strategic reduction in technology resell”.
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Q&A with Sapphire Technologies CEO Ian Thomas
How have you been able to increase headcount in a flat market?
All our growth is organic and despite a difficult market there is still demand for the right products and services out there. Cyber security remains in demand, and we’ve seen big growth in Managed SOC services and clients looking for help to deploy AI securely.
What mega trend do you think will most shape the year for your company?
AI is driving the market and with it the need to manage identity. From securing your AI deployments through 42001 to agent behavioural analytics. AI is driving attack volumes and the need for ransomware and data exfiltration solutions. It’s a brave new world!
Which competitor or peer do you respect the most, and why?
Probably have to be Bridewell. Great capability, carved out a strong niche for themselves and continue to set the benchmark for successful businesses.
What’s a fact or quirk about your company most people won’t know about?
We’re 30 years old this year and still owned by the family who started us out of frustration with IT services companies charging a fortune to install firewalls in the late 90s.
Does the rise of AI and automation make it less likely you’ll continue to add headcount at the same rate in the coming years?
We’re passionate about promoting from within, driving opportunities for entry level roles. AI is changing the nature of these roles, requiring high skillsets and longer training times. That said we’re still hiring across the board from the SOC to sales.
Name one thing you have planned for the next 12 months
Our business is constantly changing in response to the evolving market. Embracing AI in every area of our business and the resulting investment in training and development for our people is top of the list.
