Prove your business takes cyber security seriously — without the complexity of a full audit.
The IASME First Step is an entry-level, supplier assurance certification designed for small and growing UK businesses. It gives your clients and supply chain visible proof that essential cyber protections are in place — and builds a clear pathway towards Cyber Essentials and IASME Cyber Assurance.
Win Supply Chain Trust
Larger clients increasingly demand evidence of basic cyber hygiene before awarding contracts. First Step certification is a recognised, independent signal that your business qualifies as a credible supplier.
Right-Sized Protection
Built specifically for smaller businesses — no dedicated security team, complex policies or enterprise budgets required. Practical controls matched to the way you actually operate.
A Clear Growth Path
First Step is designed as the first stage of the IASME framework. Certify now, and progress naturally to Cyber Essentials and IASME Cyber Assurance as your client base demands more.
Strengthen Tenders & Insurance
Certification strengthens your position in tenders, procurement questionnaires and insurer conversations — before a director-level cyber question blocks your next deal.
From first call to certified — typically within weeks.
Free Readiness Check
A 30-minute discovery call to assess your current posture and confirm First Step is the right fit for your business goals.
Gap Assessment
We map your existing setup against the scheme requirements and give you a plain-English report of exactly what's needed.
Remediation Support
Our engineers implement the missing controls for you — configuration, patching, access management and backup checks handled end to end.
Submission & Certification
We prepare and guide your submission, manage the assessment process, and you receive your certificate — ready to show clients.
A question every director should be able to answer.
If a major client, insurer or tender asked you tomorrow to evidence your cyber security posture, could you respond with confidence? For most small businesses, the honest answer is no — and increasingly, that silence costs contracts.
"Certification isn't about buying a badge. It's about being able to look a client in the eye and prove their data is safe with you." Responsive IT — Security-Led IT & Cyber Risk Advisory
Take the first step before you need to.
Talk to us about getting certified. We'll tell you honestly where you stand, what it will take, and handle the technical work for you.