UK-based cyber security specialist Sapphire has been named Cybersecurity Business of the Year at the North East 2026 Local Awards, recognising a company that has spent three decades helping organisations protect their systems, reduce risk and stay resilient against constantly evolving cyber threats. Founded in 1996, Sapphire provides managed cyber security services, consultancy and IT and OT security solutions for organisations across multiple sectors. With a 24/7/365 UK-based Security Operations Centre, deep technical expertise and a strong partnership-led approach, the business has become a trusted security partner for customers across the UK. The win comes in a landmark year for Sapphire, as the company celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026. For the team, the award is a proud moment that reflects not only technical excellence, but also the long-term trust of customers who rely on Sapphire to support them in some of the most challenging moments their organisations may face.

A UK Cyber Security Specialist With 30 Years of Experience

Sapphire was founded in 1996 with a clear mission: to help organisations protect themselves against evolving cyber threats. At that time, the digital world looked very different, but the need for trusted security expertise was already becoming clear. As technology became more central to business, public services and everyday life, cyber security moved from being a technical concern to a board-level priority. Over the past 30 years, Sapphire has grown and evolved alongside the industry. The threats facing organisations today are faster, more complex and more sophisticated than ever, and the consequences of poor security can be serious. Businesses, healthcare providers, transport organisations, public-sector bodies and critical services all rely on secure systems to operate safely and effectively. Sapphire supports these organisations by providing managed services, expert consultancy and security solutions across both IT and OT environments. That distinction matters. IT security protects traditional digital infrastructure such as networks, endpoints, servers and cloud systems, while OT security focuses on operational technology used in industrial, transport and infrastructure environments. By working across both areas, Sapphire helps customers strengthen resilience in a more complete and practical way.

Built on Trusted Partnerships

From the beginning, Sapphire has focused on more than simply delivering technical services. The company has built its reputation on trusted guidance, long-term relationships and close collaboration with customers. In cyber security, that partnership approach is vital because threats do not stand still. Organisations need support that adapts with them, not a one-off service that is forgotten once installed. Many of Sapphire’s customer relationships span decades. That kind of longevity says a great deal about the consistency and value the business provides. Customers continue to work with Sapphire because they trust the expertise, the responsiveness and the way the team understands their needs over time. The company’s work is especially important during moments of pressure. When an organisation faces a security incident, it needs calm, capable people who can respond quickly, provide clear intelligence and help contain the threat. Sapphire’s relationship-led model means customers are not dealing with strangers in those moments. They are supported by a team that already understands their environment, priorities and risks.

What Makes Sapphire Different?

Sapphire stands out because it is a dedicated cyber security specialist with deep technical capability and a strong service culture. The company delivers managed security services and expert consultancy across IT and OT environments, combining specialist knowledge with practical, hands-on support. A key part of this is Sapphire’s 24/7/365 UK-based Security Operations Centre, which helps organisations monitor, detect and respond to threats around the clock. Cyber threats do not follow office hours. Attacks can happen overnight, during weekends or at the most inconvenient possible moment. Having continuous monitoring and response capability gives customers reassurance that experienced professionals are watching over their security. What also sets Sapphire apart is the way it works collaboratively with customers. The team does not simply deliver a service and step away. It provides tailored support, fast response and ongoing guidance, helping organisations stay secure as risks change. That partnership model is one of the reasons customers continue to rely on Sapphire as a key security partner year after year.

Growth Across a Fast-Changing Industry

One of Sapphire’s biggest achievements has been its sustained growth over the last 30 years. Cyber security has changed dramatically since 1996, and the company has continually evolved its services to meet new challenges. That ability to adapt is one of the reasons Sapphire remains highly relevant today. The development of an advanced Security Operations Centre has been a major milestone. This capability allows Sapphire to support organisations of different sizes across multiple sectors, providing monitoring, intelligence and incident response services that help reduce risk and improve resilience. The business has also expanded across the UK while maintaining strong roots in the North East. Alongside its North East presence, Sapphire has offices in Glasgow and colleagues across the country. This gives the company both regional connection and national reach, allowing it to support customers wherever they operate while still drawing strength from the communities and talent networks that have helped shape its journey.

Staying Ahead of Evolving Cyber Threats

One of the biggest challenges for any cyber security business is the speed at which threats change. Attackers constantly adapt their methods, whether through ransomware, phishing, supply chain compromise, credential theft, cloud misconfiguration or attacks on operational technology. Sapphire has had to continuously evolve to stay ahead of this shifting landscape. The company has addressed this challenge through ongoing investment in people, technology and innovation. This includes strengthening automation, threat intelligence and advanced detection capabilities. These areas are increasingly important because modern security teams must be able to process large volumes of information quickly and identify genuine risks before they escalate. Sapphire also takes a thoughtful approach to talent. In a market where skilled cyber professionals are in high demand, the company’s philosophy of training and promoting from within has helped it stay ahead of the challenge. By developing people internally, Sapphire builds not only technical skill but also loyalty, experience and a strong understanding of the company’s values.

Celebrating 30 Years in 2026

The year 2026 is a major milestone for Sapphire as the business celebrates 30 years of serving its customers and communities. Reaching three decades in the cyber security industry is a remarkable achievement, especially in a sector where change is constant and expectations continue to rise. For Sapphire, one of the proudest parts of this journey is the long-term relationships built with customers across many sectors, including healthcare, transport and the public sector. These are sectors where trust, resilience and reliability are especially important. When organisations in these areas choose a cyber security partner, they need confidence that the support they receive will be expert, consistent and dependable. Many customers describe their relationship with Sapphire as a true partnership. That kind of feedback reflects the trust built over time and the value delivered through years of collaboration. It also shows that Sapphire’s role goes beyond technical delivery. The company helps customers feel more confident, more prepared and more resilient in the face of an ever-changing threat environment.

Supporting the Next Generation of Cyber Talent

Sapphire is committed to supporting the wider cyber security community by investing in the next generation of talent. The company is involved in initiatives such as CyberFirst, as well as offering internships and apprenticeships to help people gain valuable experience and develop careers in the industry. This focus is especially important because cyber security continues to face a shortage of skilled professionals. Encouraging new talent into the sector is not only good for Sapphire; it is essential for the future resilience of businesses, public services and critical infrastructure. By creating opportunities for young people and emerging professionals, Sapphire is helping strengthen the wider talent pipeline. The company also supports programmes such as the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising the value and skills that service leavers, reservists and the wider Armed Forces community can bring. These commitments show that Sapphire’s role in cyber security extends beyond customer delivery. It is also helping shape a stronger, more inclusive and more capable industry for the future.

Bringing the Cyber Community Together

Sapphire plays a key role in hosting the National Information Security Conference, known as NISC, one of the UK’s longest-running cyber security events. In 2026, the event is being hosted in Newcastle, bringing people together to share knowledge, build skills and strengthen the cyber community. Events like NISC matter because cyber security is not something any organisation can tackle alone. Threat intelligence, shared learning and professional networks all help improve resilience. By bringing experts, practitioners, customers and partners together, conferences create space for meaningful conversations about current risks, emerging technologies and practical ways to improve security. Hosting the event in Newcastle also highlights Sapphire’s connection to the North East. It brings national cyber security conversation into the region and creates opportunities for local professionals, businesses and emerging talent to engage with the wider industry. For Sapphire, this fits naturally with its commitment to supporting regional growth while contributing to cyber security across the UK.

Why the North East Matters to Sapphire

Being part of the local community is incredibly important to Sapphire. The company has had a presence in the North East for 30 years, building strong relationships with customers, partners and emerging talent. That regional connection remains an important part of the business’s identity. The North East offers access to talented individuals through nearby universities, training programmes and a growing technology community. Sapphire’s presence in the region allows it to connect with that talent, support local organisations and contribute to economic growth. At the same time, its national reach means it can bring opportunities, expertise and recognition back to its home region. The company is also supported by investors who are a family firm rooted in the North East. That connection reinforces Sapphire’s sense of place and shared commitment to long-term growth. For a business working in a global and fast-moving field like cyber security, having strong local roots gives Sapphire a grounded identity and a clear connection to the communities it serves.

Supporting Customers During Critical Incidents

One of the areas where Sapphire’s value is most clearly felt is during critical incidents. Customers often highlight the company’s responsiveness and expertise when pressure is high and decisions need to be made quickly. A recent example involved a customer who praised Sapphire’s Security Operations Centre team for providing invaluable support during an incident. The SOC team delivered detailed intelligence and worked closely with stakeholders to help contain the threat quickly. In situations like this, the quality of response can make a major difference to the outcome. Cyber incidents can be stressful and disruptive. Organisations need more than alerts and technical reports. They need clear guidance, practical support and a team that can help them understand what is happening and what to do next. Sapphire’s ability to combine technical insight with close collaboration helps customers feel more confident and secure, even in difficult moments.

A Delighted Reaction in a Landmark Year

When Sapphire found out it had won Cybersecurity Business of the Year, the team was absolutely delighted. The timing made the recognition especially meaningful, coming in the company’s 30th anniversary year. The award recognises the hard work, expertise and dedication of the entire Sapphire team. Cyber security can be demanding work, requiring constant attention, rapid learning and the ability to respond to high-pressure situations. This win gives the team a moment to reflect on the impact of that effort. It was particularly heartening for Sapphire to know that customers had voted for the business. Customer-backed recognition carries real weight because it reflects direct experience. For Sapphire, the award is something to proudly share with the customers and partners who have been part of its journey and who continue to place their trust in the company.

What Winning Cybersecurity Business of the Year Means

Winning this award is a fantastic recognition of the dedication across the entire Sapphire team. It reflects the strength of customer relationships, the quality of services delivered and the passion people bring to their work every day. For the team, the award is a real moment of pride. Cyber security professionals often work behind the scenes, helping protect systems, detect threats and reduce risk before problems become visible. Their work can be intense and highly technical, but it has a very real impact on the organisations they support. The award is also motivation to keep improving. Sapphire understands that cyber security never stands still. Customer expectations, threat techniques and technology environments continue to evolve, and the company is committed to staying ahead. This recognition reinforces that Sapphire’s approach is making a difference while encouraging the business to keep innovating and delivering the high standards customers expect.

Recognition of Customer Trust

Sapphire sees this award as a reflection of the strong relationships it has built with customers over many years. It shows the trust customers place in the company and the value they see in the work being delivered. That trust is central to cyber security. Customers need to feel confident that their security partner understands their risks, responds quickly and provides guidance that is tailored to their organisation. Sapphire works closely with customers to provide that support, building relationships that can withstand both everyday security operations and high-pressure incidents. The award confirms that this partnership approach is valued. Sapphire is always looking for ways to support customers more effectively, and the recognition shows that these efforts are being noticed. For the business, it is not only a celebration of technical capability but also of the trust, collaboration and shared commitment that define its customer relationships.

Investing in People, Technology and Growth

Looking ahead, Sapphire is continuing to invest in its people, technology and services to stay ahead of the evolving cyber threat landscape. The company’s focus is on expanding managed security capabilities, strengthening IT and OT offerings, and supporting more organisations across the UK. Innovation will remain central to Sapphire’s plans, particularly around automation and threat intelligence. These areas help improve speed, accuracy and proactive protection, allowing customers to respond more effectively to emerging risks. As cyber threats become more complex, the ability to combine human expertise with advanced technology will be increasingly important. Sapphire has grown significantly over the last couple of years and is excited about continuing that growth. This means more customers, more opportunities for colleagues and further benefits for its home in the North East. The company’s future is focused on growth with purpose: strengthening customer resilience, developing talent and contributing positively to the wider cyber security community.

Thanking the Team, Customers, Partners and Investors

Sapphire would like to thank its incredible team, whose expertise and dedication make everything the business does possible. From consultants and SOC analysts to technical specialists, support teams and colleagues across the company, every person plays a part in delivering the high standards customers rely on. The company is also grateful to its customers and partners for their continued trust and support. Long-term partnerships have been central to Sapphire’s success, and this award reflects the confidence customers place in the business every day. Sapphire also thanks its investors, a family firm rooted in the North East, for their support. Their backing has helped the company continue growing while remaining connected to the region it has called home for three decades. Sapphire’s message to customers is simple: thank you for your continued trust and support. The team is proud to work alongside organisations to strengthen their security and resilience, and looks forward to continuing that journey together. As Cybersecurity Business of the Year, Sapphire enters its 30th anniversary year with pride, momentum and a continued commitment to helping organisations stay secure in a fast-changing digital world.