14 Mar 2024

Bridewell, a pioneering UK cyber security firm, has completed its first acquisition of public sector cyber security specialists, Arculus Cyber Security.

The acquisition will increase Bridewell’s headcount by 15% and triple its public sector revenue with all of Arculus’ employees retained. The deal strengthens Bridewell’s public sector footprint and aligns with the organisation’s overarching strategic Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) focus.

Bridewell’s growth

Bridewell is the trusted cyber security partner for many pioneering CNI organisations, as well as organisations operating in other sectors that require the highest standard of cyber security. It offers end-to-end cyber security services, including consulting, penetration testing and a 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) that allows it to provide managed detection and response capabilities for clients globally.

Arculus is embedded with a number of central and local government departments

The Founders of Arculus, Cath Downie, Paul Ellis and Austin France, will all stay with the business to help drive Bridewell’s growth across the Public Sector and expand its offering. Arculus is already embedded with a number of central and local government departments where it has built strong relationships.

Bridewell’s technical expertise

The acquisition will also add more accreditations to Bridewell’s growing roster. Arculus is an NCSC Assured Cyber Security Consultancy for security architecture, risk management as well as audit and review, the only consultancy to hold all three. Bridewell meanwhile already holds the most NCSC-assured services in the UK.

Bridewell meanwhile already holds the most NCSC-assured services in the UK

Bridewell’s technical expertise, strategic insight and holistic approach to cyber security help protect globally recognised CNI organisations, including some of the largest airports, utilities and energy companies, government organisations, financial services and insurance companies. In 2022 Bridewell announced its expansion to the US market, opening an office in Houston’s Energy Corridor in Texas.

Bridewell's decision

Anthony Young, CEO of Bridewell, comments: “Arculus' reputation and growth in cyber security across the public sector is truly remarkable. The decision to bring Bridewell and Arculus together felt absolutely right from a strategic standpoint. It's a perfect fit for expanding our pool of expertise, skills, and accreditations, not to mention boosting our revenue in the public sector space."

"This step dovetails nicely with our wider growth strategy within Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). Bridewell has grown organically over the last 11 years and we always wanted to make sure that any company joining the Bridewell story had a brilliant culture and reputation. We look forward to welcoming all the Arculus team.”

Joining forces with Bridewell

Austin France, Co-Founder and Principal Consultant at Arculus, comments: “On behalf of the Arculus team we are delighted to be joining forces with Bridewell and excited about the opportunities that this relationship will bring. Arculus has focused on ensuring the best possible experience for our customers and team and this approach aligns perfectly with our new colleagues at Bridewell."

"We will be able to offer our customers a wider range of best-in-industry services with Bridewell’s reputation, accreditations and focus on quality so well aligned to our own. We look forward to an exciting journey ahead."