Crisis to Confidence
How LAN Support helped a small business secure Cyber Essentials certification, and their biggest client!
When a 15-person professional services firm discovered their biggest client (worth 75% of revenue) required Cyber Essentials certification, panic set in, they had no certification, no backup, and no plan.
After turning to LAN Support, they were onboarded onto the Business Premium Plan, which included EDR, advanced Microsoft 365 security, Egnyte, backup, awareness training, and Cyber Essentials with a guaranteed first-time pass. In just 16 days they achieved certification, retained their key client, and strengthened their entire security posture.
With 1,200% ROI and peace of mind restored, the Office Manager put it best: “We went from crisis to confidence in under two weeks.”
Client profile
| Industry | Professional Services |
| Company size | 15 employees |
| Location | UK |
| Previous IT Setup | Microsoft 365 Business Standard with no additional security or backup services |
| Plan Chosen | LAN Support Business Premium Plan + Cyber Essentials Certification |
16 days
Time to certification
1200%
ROI
100%
Client Satisfaction
1
The Wake-Up Call: A Client’s Question That Changed Everything
When Cathy Pearson, Office Manager at a small but successful professional services firm, received a supplier accreditation form from their largest client, she didn’t think much of it, until she reached the cybersecurity section. “The form asked if we were Cyber Essentials certified. Then it asked about Cyber Essentials Plus. I froze. We didn’t even have the basic certification, let alone Plus. I thought, ‘What if we say no? Will we lose the client?’”
This wasn’t just any client. They represented 75% of the company’s revenue. The risk of appearing unprofessional or worse, non-compliant, was terrifying.
2
The Realisation: “We Can’t Say No… But We Can’t Say Yes”
Faced with the pressure of the form, Cathy made a snap decision: she ticked “Yes” to both questions. “We didn’t want to look unprepared or unprofessional. But I knew we had to act fast. We couldn’t afford to get caught out.”
A few days later, the client followed up, thanking them for completing the form and asking for a copy of their Cyber Essentials certificate and certification number. Panic set in. They had no certificate. No cyber insurance. No plan.
3
The Search for Help: Finding a Partner Who Could Deliver
Cathy and the leadership team knew they needed help fast.
They needed a partner who could:
After a quick but focused search, they found LAN Support. “LAN Support stood out immediately. They didn’t just offer Cyber Essentials, they offered a complete solution. And they guaranteed we’d pass first time.”
4
The Solution: LAN Support’s Business Premium Plan + Cyber Essentials
LAN Support onboarded the client with their Business Premium Plan, a fully managed IT support and security package designed to meet and exceed Cyber Essentials standards.
What the Plan Included:
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Why It Worked
LAN Support’s Business Premium Plan was built with Cyber Essentials in mind. Every tool, every policy, and every process aligned with the certification framework.
Key Benefits Delivered:
“We didn’t just pass, we understood what we were doing and why. That gave us confidence.”
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The Outcome: Accreditation Received, Client Retained
Since partnering with LAN Support, the company has experienced a complete transformation in how they approach IT and cybersecurity. Employees now feel empowered and informed, and leadership has peace of mind knowing their systems are monitored and protected 24/7.
“Now, I feel confident again. We’re protected, we’re educated, and we have a team behind us that’s always watching out for threats. LAN Support gave us back our peace of mind.”
The client received their Cyber Essentials certificate and forwarded it to their primary customer on time, with confidence.
“We went from panic to prepared in under two weeks. LAN Support didn’t just help us pass, they helped us protect our business.”
The business not only retained their largest client but also gained a stronger security posture, peace of mind, and a trusted IT partner for the future.
✓
Ready to Get Certified?
Cyber Essentials is a minimum requirement to bid for all government contracts, and many highly-regulated private firms.
Don’t wait for a client to ask. Be ready. Be secure. Be certified.
Be future-ready
Cyber crime is accelerating at unprecedented rates, and Cyber Essentials will be more important in the near future than ever before.
We are already seeing increasing demand for suppliers with this accreditation.
Be ahead of the curve and display your badge of honour proudly to show your stakeholders that you are protecting you and your client’s data, and be ready to take advantage of opportunities to win more custom.
Key Takeaways
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Cyber Essentials is no longer optional, clients expect it
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Certifications build trust and protect revenue
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LAN Support’s Business Premium Plan is designed to meet compliance standards
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Cyber Essentials is included free for 12 months with a guaranteed pass
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Small businesses can achieve big security wins with the right partner
Get in touch
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