advo has received ISO 27001, the globally recognised accreditation for cyber-security. The ISO 27001 certification is only awarded to those organisations that can demonstrate robust information security and cyber security protocols.
The International accreditation for the implementation and management of Information Security Management Systems was deemed to be essential as advo’s proposition is increasingly dependent on technology and data management.
The accreditation will allow advo to compete on a level playing-field with global advisory firms and technology providers.
advo’s Commercial Director, Colin Boxall commented “We are absolutely delighted that the hard work, at every level of the organisation, has paid off. This recognition of advo’s competence and reliability when it comes to Cyber security and management of data is an important piece of the jigsaw in advo’s continued growth. We are confident advo now runs a ‘tight cyber-ship’ and can weather cyber-storms.”
Boxall gives some background to why ISO 27001 was necessary “advo operates in an ever-changing business landscape. Client technology expectations, global advisory firms expanding into SME markets and far-reaching new legalisation mean that without the ability to adapt, advo would, like many competitors, ceased trading.
advo’s proposition is increasingly dependent on technology and data-management and so this accreditation is essential to compete on a level playing-field with larger advisory firms.
From inception to completion, ISO 27001, and its many parts, was implemented within five months, an incredible achievement.”
The ISO 27001 Certification process was jointly led by advo’s Operations Director, Gill Mateo and IT Director, Kevin Crew.
Back from left: Colin Boxall, Commercial Director, Kevin Crew, IT Director, Front: Larry Bulmer, CEO, Gill Mateo, Operations Director
Gill Mateo commented “As an Investors-in-People Gold employer we have independent validation that we care for, and support our staff. ISO 27001 demonstrates the same for our in-house technology and data control protocols, giving us a security ‘Kitemark’. Its integration made advo, as a whole, better organised, better prepared to deliver better service to clients.”
Kevin Crew added “We see change as opportunity, GDPR was a boon creating a ‘do it now’ mentality driving a top-to-bottom security reorganisation leading to better interaction with clients and confidence to attempt ISO 27001 accreditation.
We are now better prepared and able to cope effectively for all business disruptions and emergencies, which gave us confidence and a firm footing when reorganising to maintain our services during the COVID-19 disruption.”
