Red Helix acquires Risk Crew to boost UK cyber security services

Red Helix has acquired Risk Crew to expand its cyber security services with new cyber assurance offerings.

The acquisition brings together Red Helix's existing 24/7 threat monitoring and network performance services with Risk Crew's expertise in risk management, security testing, and compliance consultancy. This integration aims to provide clients across the UK and Europe with broader access to cyber security solutions, addressing the increasing complexity and scale of cyber threats facing businesses.

Acquisition details

Risk Crew, a security consultancy offering governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) as well as penetration testing services, has built a presence among UK and European businesses. By joining Red Helix, the combined entity will offer an expanded portfolio that covers a spectrum of cyber security requirements from continuous threat monitoring to compliance management and vulnerability testing.

The acquisition follows LDC's 2021 investment in Red Helix as part of efforts to support growth and encourage expansion through complementary acquisitions. LDC is part of Lloyds Banking Group, and is active in supporting businesses in sectors including technology and business services.

Commitment to cyber resilience

The sheer scale of the cyber risks faced by businesses has never been greater and we are committed to supporting our clients in the fight against cyber-crime. Adding broader cyber assurance services and skills to our business bolsters our ability to deliver on this mission.

This statement, from Marion Stewart, Chief Executive Officer at Red Helix, highlights the company's priorities following the integration of Risk Crew's operations and services.

Richard Hollis, Chief Executive Officer at Risk Crew, shared his perspective on the strategic fit between the two organisations.

Both our team and our clients will benefit from being part of the integrated Red Helix business. The alignment of our goals, and the depth of knowledge and experience amongst our teams, will make us an exceptional provider of cyber services. The threat landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace and being able to continually develop our capabilities and cyber offering is both exciting to us and critical for our clients.

Supporting strategic growth

Ana-Maria Garaba, Investment Manager at LDC, underscored the role of acquisition in building Red Helix's position in the market.

The Red Helix team is making impressive progress against their strategy, completing strategic acquisitions that fit their culture and enhance what they can offer clients in today's fast-moving business landscape. It's been great to support their journey so far, and we're excited to help them go even further in this next phase of growth.

Red Helix traces its origins to Phoenix Datacom and is headquartered in Buckinghamshire. The company has sought to address the security requirements of small and medium-sized enterprises, aiming to bring enterprise-level technology and 24/7 threat monitoring to businesses of varying sizes. In addition to security solutions, Red Helix offers network optimisation services and provides guidance on cyber security strategy.

Risk Crew's consultants have established their position by working with clients to implement information security management systems, achieve compliance with relevant regulations, and undergo systematic penetration testing to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Their work emphasises a strategy that encompasses people, processes, and technology, with an emphasis on knowledge transfer throughout the consultancy process.

Expanded client offerings

Clients of both Red Helix and Risk Crew are set to gain access to an integrated service portfolio, with the merger expected to provide single-source access to risk management, compliance advice, security assessment, and continuous monitoring. This centralisation of expertise is intended to support companies as they address an evolving array of cyber risks and regulatory requirements that continue to impact the business landscape.

With ongoing support from LDC and a focus on continued capabilities development, Red Helix is positioned to address client needs across the full spectrum of contemporary cyber security challenges.