Firm finds its fabulous four
Equilibrium Risk managing director Jason Donaldson (left) and operations director Luke Appleby (right) with (from left) University of Huddersfield placement student James Bray and lecturer Dr Simon Parkinson which have to comply with other quality and security standards.
Dr Simon Parkinson, lecturer in informatics at the university’s school of computing and engineering, said: “Many security monitoring organisations are developing one-time solutions that examine vulnerabilities based on a snapshot of a system, but vulnerabilities are arising so quickly that a security audit is out-of-date within hours.
“Equilibrium Risk are developing innovative software solutions capable of providing continuous monitoring, which have huge potential to address the shortage of cyber security expertise and knowledge within SMEs. This is particularly important with the upcoming GDPR, an increasing public awareness of data privacy, as well as the need for cyber-essentials compliance in B2B activity.”
Jason Donaldson, managing director of Aspley-based Equilibrium Risk, said: “We are extremely excited to be embarking on such an interesting project. We deeply believe that its outcomes will provide real value to SMEs, which will allow them to be compliant with the regulation and feel safe knowing their businesses are fully protected from cyber threats.
“This project gives Huddersfield University students a chance to employ their knowledge in a practical environment, giving them experience and employing them with tools useful for their further development.
“We are hoping to prolong this relationship and contribute to Huddersfield being one of the best places to live, work and study.”
Former soldiers Jason and colleague Luke Appleby set up Equilibrium Risk in 2015 to offer a range of security services including cyber security, VIP close protection, confidential waste disposal and CCTV systems.
Among recent projects, the team was approached by the BBC and Sky to provide low-key protection for TV news crews in potentially volatile situations.
The directors are also in talks with local organisations and the Mayor of Kirklees Clr Christine Iredale about setting up an Equilibrium Risk charity to help ex-military personnel integrate in the community and workplace after leaving the armed forces. TECHNOLOGY firm Vapour Cloud has strengthened its growing team with the appointment of four senior figures.
Laura Nevin has joined the Ellandbased company as account director following five years with business internet provider Metronet. She will now be responsible for the development of Vapour’s network, voice and cloud technology sales.
Fellow account director Pam Napier (pictured) will head up the expansion of Vapour’s cloud division – an area of the business attracting larger and more complex enquiries from customers throughout the UK. She was previously a partner manager at Oriium.
Conor Marken joins as sales manager for Vapour’s data security, storage and back-up solutions, which are proving as popular among end users as they are the reseller channel.
And Emma Ashcroft joins the company as marketing manager following 20 years’ communications experience. She will be responsible for projecting the Vapour brand to key target markets in support of the firm’s plans to reach £12m turnover by 2020.
Chief executive Tim Mercer said: “We have worked hard to find senior specialists within their respective areas. Such key appointments are crucial for us at a pivotal time in our growth. We’re continually being approached about larger contracts, with more complex requirements, so we therefore need even more experienced sales people as we accelerate our way up the ‘food chain’.”
Mr Mercer said: “This isn’t it for our recruitment drive. We’ll see further appointments across our sales, marketing, implementation and support functions as 2017 unfolds.”