In our last blog post, we etalked about information security management and explained why it's such an important consideration for modern businesses. If you're looking to keep your company's data (and, critically, your company's customers' data) as secure as possible, we recommend implementing a robust, comprehensive ISMS (Information Security Management System) and applying for ISO 27001 certification.

However, if you don't think that your business necessarily needs to achieve 'ISO 27001 certified' status, you may be able to fix the weaknesses in your security systems without going through the whole accreditation process. We at NPT Management Systems frequently carry out information security assessments for businesses of all sizes and across all industries; these initial reviews can help business owners to spot 'holes' in their information security systems and make the necessary improvements without working towards full certification.

If you'd like to arrange an information security assessment for your business, please call NPT Management Systems on 02380 659 867, or click here to get in touch via our website.

ISO 27001 is the globally-recognised standard for information security management systems. If you've picked up a newspaper recently, you'll know that information security is an increasingly pressing matter for modern businesses; the high-profile data breaches to which TalkTalk and VTech fell prey last year make it soberingly clear that information security is not to be taken lightly. Hacks and security breaches damage customer trust and, in severe cases, they can ruin your brand's reputation.

So how can I improve my company's information security management?

It's a good idea to implement a robust information security management system (ISMS) within your company. This ISMS should be followed at every level of your business, and in order to ensure its efficacy, the system should meet the requirements of ISO 27001. Achieving ISO 27001 certification will:

• Ensure that your information security management system is fit for purpose
• Force you to constantly evaluate and improve your ISMS to meet current standards
• Instil trust in your clients and customers

NPT Management Systems can help!

We at NPT Management Systems are Hampshire's leading ISO 27001 consultants. If you're based in Hampshire and you need assistance with your ISMS, we can help - we'll design and implement an information security management system that's perfectly suited to your company's needs, and we'll even help you to achieve ISO 27001 certification via a UKAS-accredited body.

Contact us now, or visit our ISO 27001 page for further details.

Gecko Metal Works are based in Eastleigh, Hampshire, and they provide a range of sheet metal work services including laser profiling, folding, and finishing. A proactive, customer-focused company, Gecko have stated that their main aim is "to keep customers happy", completing all projects promptly and to a very high standard.

With the business expanding fast, Gecko decided that they would need a tailor-made quality management system (QMS) in order to maintain their outstanding level of customer service and 'right first time' quality. Seeking an ISO 9001 consultant in Hampshire, they ruled out many 'off the shelf' solutions and turned to NPT Management Systems for assistance.

Neil Peattie, our principal ISO 9001 consultant, has been working closely with Gecko Metal Works, and the company has now implemented an effective QMS that works well and is easy to follow. Furthermore, we are proud to announce that Gecko Metal Works were today recommended for ISO 9001 certification by a UKAS-accredited certification body.

Having obtained ISO 9001 certification, Gecko Metal Works will now be able to enter new markets and bid for government and military contracts. This certification will also help new customers to feel confident that Gecko Metal Works have the right processes and procedures in place to meet their needs.

Here's what Neil Monckton of Gecko Metal Works had to say about the service we provided:

"NPT Management Systems have helped us to put all the systems and policies in place to achieve ISO 9001 certification. We have found the help and knowledge of Neil Peattie to be exceptional, and he comes highly recommended from the whole team here at Gecko.

"Thank you NPT Management Systems - keep up the good work!"

If you would like our ISO 9001 consultants to help with your company's quality management system, please don't hesitate to get in touch - whether you are based in Hampshire or further afield, we are confident that we can help you to achieve ISO 9001 certification.