North East firm expands with new cyber security division
A cyber security division has been launched by a North East technology firm, with plans to create up to 50 jobs over five years as demand for specialist services grows.
Gosforth-based RMT Technology, part of the RMT Accountants & Business Advisors group, is establishing the new unit to help businesses manage cyber risks, improve resilience, and respond to evolving threats. The division will offer strategic consulting, covering cyber security strategy, compliance, training, and exercising, as well as technical services like testing, certification, and security architecture development.
The initiative is led by Stew Hogg, a cyber security specialist with 15 years of experience across government, healthcare, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors. He holds UK Cyber Security Council Chartership and a fellowship from the Chartered Institute of Information Security, along with a Chief Constable’s Commendation for services to cyber security from Northumbria Police. His appointment reflects the division’s focus on high-stakes industries where operational resilience is critical.
Hogg noted that recent high-profile cyber incidents have demonstrated the severe operational and financial damage a breach can cause. With the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill set to introduce new legal requirements, he emphasized that cyber security must now be a priority for business leaders.
The Government’s latest Cyber Security Breaches Survey found 43 per cent of UK businesses had experienced a cyber breach or attack during the previous 12 months, while fewer than 30 per cent had a cyber incident response plan. The new division aims to bridge this gap by offering scalable services tailored to businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to larger enterprises.
While many firms in the region provide niche cyber security services, RMT Technology distinguishes itself by combining expertise in both cyber defense and professional advisory services.
RMT Accountants & Business Advisors, which operates alongside RMT Technology under the Sumer Group umbrella, sees the move as a strategic investment. The group employs over 3,000 people across more than 80 offices, and the launch aligns with broader efforts to strengthen cyber resilience among its client base.
