Otto Simon Achieves Cyber Essentials Certification
Clees • February 12, 2025
We're thrilled to announce that Otto Simon has achieved Cyber Essentials certification! This significant milestone demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting all that we have been entrusted with in today's increasingly complex digital landscape.
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme designed to help organisations of all sizes protect themselves against common cyber threats. It provides a clear set of security controls that, when implemented correctly, significantly reduce the risk of cyber-attacks. Achieving this certification validates our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of cybersecurity and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
What does this mean?
In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, knowing that your partners prioritise security is paramount. Our Cyber Essentials certification provides the assurance that:
- We take data security seriously: We've implemented robust security measures to protect against common cyber threats, including malware, phishing, and hacking.
- Your data is in safe hands: We adhere to best practices for data handling and storage, minimizing the risk of data breaches.
- We're committed to continuous improvement: Achieving Cyber Essentials is not a one-time event. We will regularly review and update our security controls to stay ahead of emerging threats.
- We're a trusted partner: Our certification demonstrates our commitment to meeting industry-recognized security standards.
What is Cyber Essentials?
The Cyber Essentials scheme focuses on five key controls:
- Boundary Firewalls: Protecting our network from unauthorized access.
- Secure Configuration: Ensuring our systems are configured securely to minimize vulnerabilities.
- User Access Control: Restricting access to sensitive data based on roles and responsibilities.
- Malware Protection: Protecting our systems from malicious software.
- Patch Management: Keeping our software up to date to address known vulnerabilities.
Our Ongoing Commitment
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification is a significant step, but it's just one part of our ongoing commitment to cybersecurity. We will continue to invest in security measures, train our staff on best practices, and stay informed about the latest threats to ensure we maintain the highest level of protection.
We believe that security is a shared responsibility, and we encourage everyone to be vigilant online. By working together, we can create a safer digital environment for everyone.
Back to Blog
Show More
Recent Blog Posts
Presenting at Energy Storage & Hydrogen Solutions Last month, our Head of Consultancy, Clare Dunkerley, was invited to speak at an event in Cyprus, hosted by Ideopsis and the British High Commission Nicosia. The Energy Storage & Solutions Conference brought together leading experts, policymakers, and industry players, with the aim of to fostering dialogue, sharing expertise, and catalysing action towards a more sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon future. The conference attracted some esteemed speakers, including introductory addresses from the Deputy High Commissioner, Adam Sandbrook and the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, George Papanastasiou. The programme was split into 2 sessions with the first highlighting the future of energy storage, moderated by Dr Alexandros Charalambides from the Cyprus University of Technology. Staveros Stavrinos, the Executive Director of the Transmission System Operator Cyprus, explained the issues the Cyprus Energy Transmission System faced, concentrating on curtailment of renewable solar power. Michael Toumbas, of EV power Ltd, shared innovative thinking around an AI enabled electric vehicle local grid power sharing mechanism. There were also great presentations from smart grid expert Dr Andreas Procopiou and the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority. The second session concentrated on hydrogen solutions. Dr Andreas Poullikkas delivered on future energy systems while Charles Purkiss updated us on the latest developments at ITM Power. Jeremy Bowman, from Hypermotive Ltd, discussed hydrogen technology for transport and Philippa Oldham shared some work from the Advanced Propulsion Centre. An interesting Q&A session was chaired by Dr Nestor Fylaktos of the Cyprus Institute. Clare presented ‘A Safe Hydrogen Future’, addressing the importance of public perception and the imperative for no major incidents. Clare shared her experience from working on hydrogen projects and provided an insight in how to use the current UK regulatory framework in conjunction with industry codes and standards to demonstrate that risks in hydrogen projects were acceptable to all concerned. It was a fascinating conference providing a fantastic insight to the current and future energy situation in Cyprus, with plenty of time for networking and discussing hydrogen solutions and projects with all the attendees. Our thanks go to Ideopsis and the British High Commission in Nicosia for the invitation and opportunity to participate in the discussions.
Taking Safety Seriously at Otto Simon We’re proud to celebrate the achievement of our Head of Construction and Commissioning, Hugh Doble, who has recently earned his NEBOSH Certificate in Health and Safety Management for Construction. Hugh has been instrumental in the successful delivery of multiple EPC and EPCm contracts across various sectors nationwide. Our continued commitment to excellence and safety underscores the core values we uphold at Otto Simon — ensuring the wellbeing of our people and partners on every project. Congratulations Hugh! To learn more about how Otto Simon can support your Construction and Commissioning needs, get in touch with us at eng@ottosimon.co.uk .
Standards Development: PAS 4445:2025 for Hydrogen-Fired Equipment The future of energy is undeniably leaning towards hydrogen, a clean and versatile fuel poised to revolutionise industrial and commercial operations, which is required to take place within 25 years to meet the country’s net zero targets. Today, we are proud to celebrate both our contribution to, and the publication of, Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 4445:2025, hydrogen-fired equipment. The publication is a significant step forward in ensuring the safe and effective integration of hydrogen-fired equipment into industrial and commercial applications. This standard will play a crucial role in fostering confidence and driving innovation. Otto Simon’s Support: In early 2024, BSI invited Otto Simon Ltd. to provide expert technical representation on the Steering Group for the development of the fifth publication in the PAS series concerning hydrogen appliance/equipment fuel gas. This initiative builds upon the four preceding publications, which focused on the transition to hydrogen as a replacement for natural gas within the UK's domestic and small business sectors. The fifth publication, PAS 4445:2025, expands the scope to address the implementation of hydrogen in larger, more complex industrial applications, necessitating significant deviations from established domestic installation practices. Mike Wray, Principal Mechanical Engineer at Otto Simon, joined the Steering Group, contributing alongside technical representatives from diverse industrial equipment suppliers, end-users, and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). Throughout the second half of 2024, the group convened to provide technical guidance and input into the publication's development. Mike Wray's expertise, gained from his involvement in the Keele University HyDeploy project plus numerous industrial fuel switching trials as part of the HyNet North West UK Hydrogen network and CCUS projects, proved to be invaluable. Under the proficient leadership of Beverley Goodchild (BSI), who effectively managed group discussions and maintained focus on achieving a successful outcome, the Steering Group finalized PAS 4445:2025, "Hydrogen fired equipment for use in industrial and commercial (non-domestic) settings – Code of Practice." This publication, released in late March 2025, aims to establish a robust technical framework for fuel gas users and equipment suppliers transitioning to low or zero-carbon fuel utilisation in their operational processes and system designs. Why PAS 4445:2025 is Significant: The use of hydrogen, while promising, requires meticulous handling and infrastructure. PAS 4445:2025 provides a comprehensive framework to: · Prioritise Safety: Establishing stringent safety protocols for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of hydrogen-fired equipment. · Optimise Efficiency: Promoting best practices to maximise the performance of hydrogen utilisation · Minimise Risks: Addressing potential hazards associated with hydrogen storage, handling, and combustion. · Standardise Practices: Providing clear and consistent guidelines for organisations across the hydrogen equipment value chain. · Enable Industry Growth: Fostering confidence and accelerating the adoption of hydrogen technologies. Who Will Benefit from PAS 4445:2025? This PAS is vital for a wide range of stakeholders, including: · Manufacturers of hydrogen-fired equipment. · Industrial and commercial users of hydrogen technologies. · Engineering and construction firms. · Safety and regulatory bodies. · Hydrogen infrastructure developers. · Insurance providers. By developing the guidelines in PAS 4445:2025, Otto Simon has further demonstrated its commitment to safety, its technical understanding and continuing contribution to the hydrogen economy.