Sir Robert McAlpine named cyber resilience ambassador

A prominent UK construction and infrastructure company, Sir Robert McAlpine, has been announced as a National Ambassador for the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group (NCRCG).

This marks the first instance of a firm within the construction industry assuming such a role, emphasising the critical need for robust cyber defences in the sector.

For over 155 years, Sir Robert McAlpine has contributed to the development and preservation of some of the most iconic structures in Britain, including the recent restoration of The Elizabeth Tower.

The company collaborates with numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across its supply chain to deliver major public sector projects, making the cyber resilience of these partners crucial to its own success.

As a National Ambassador, Sir Robert McAlpine will participate in efforts to enhance the cyber security awareness of SMEs. This will include launching a comprehensive campaign aimed at providing SMEs with the tools and knowledge needed to defend against cyber threats.

The objective is to establish a strong support network that helps SMEs navigate the digital landscape securely.

The company's involvement with NCRCG complements its existing partnerships with the Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre and North West Cyber Resilience Centre, both of which are part of the group's nine regional centres across England and Wales. These centres deliver affordable, high-quality cyber resilience services to local organisations.

Sir Robert McAlpine will join a distinguished group of National Ambassador partners on the NCRCG Steering Group, alongside several organisations.

Organisations include:

• Aviva
• Baseel
• CGI 
• Chainalysis
• KPMG
• Mastercard
• Microsoft
• NatWest Group
• Resilience
• SANS Institute
• SAS
• The Very Group

Chief Information Security Officer at Sir Robert McAlpine, Andy Black, stated: "In taking up this important role, Sir Robert McAlpine is extending its support of the national effort to enhance cyber security awareness and build a resilient eco-system."

"By leveraging our joint expertise and resources, we aim to foster a culture of proactive cyber security within the construction sector, ensuring that our supply chain can thrive in an increasingly digital world," Black added.

CEO of NCRCG, Detective Superintendent Ian Kirby, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership.

"Since our launch in 2021, NCRCG has proudly developed a highly impressive cohort of National Ambassador partners," he said. 

"In building this group we have always been focused on the need to make sure our partners are representatives of the UK economy, covering a range of industries and sectors. We are therefore delighted to welcome Sir Robert McAlpine on board as our first Ambassador in the construction industry. In partnering with us, the company is showcasing their commitment to cyber resilience and demonstrating that it is something all industries—not only those directly involved in the cyber and technology sectors—need to take seriously."

We are very much looking forward to working with the team," Kirby added.