Prestige Plant Room Services Ltd is a rapidly growing business within the specialised field of industrial and commercial gas and mechanical and electrical services, part of the engineering and construction sector.
Founded in October 2021 by Managing Director James Barry, Prestige Plant Room Services Ltd (PRS) specialises in high-quality installation, commercial and domestic maintenance, mechanical insulation, and off-site fabrication.
Initially a one-man operation, James worked as an engineer across the country with a single customer. After a year, his wife joined the company to handle the paperwork and in just 18 months, Prestige PRS had grown to 26 employees, with a dedicated office team and contracts spanning the UK. The company’s primary clientele includes social housing providers, domestic tenants, and commercial property owners.
As Prestige PRS expanded, James recognised the need to establish robust foundations in areas such as health and safety, quality management, and cyber security. This realisation was driven by tender requirements, particularly for Cyber Essentials certification, which became a critical factor in securing contracts.
The challenge
James, who had no prior experience in cyber security or business management, faced a steep learning curve. Transitioning from ‘working on the tools’ to managing a growing business was a significant career shift for him.
When Prestige PRS first sought Cyber Essentials certification in early 2023, the company had minimal IT infrastructure—just a couple of laptops and phones. However, as the business grew, so did its reliance on technology. By 2025, Prestige PRS had implemented a job management system to handle sensitive customer data, including GDPR-compliant information for over 200 commercial properties and their tenants.
Although, the initial push for Cyber Essentials certification was driven by tender requirements, James quickly realised its broader value. “At the start, I didn’t have the knowledge or understanding of where our business was at and where we wanted to go,” he admitted.
The solution
In February 2023, Prestige PRS partnered with Chris Blunt of Blunt Security to guide them through the Cyber Essentials certification process. Chris, a Cyber Advisor assured by the National Cyber Security Centre, recalls: “The first year was quite challenging for James. Initially, he was focused on obtaining the certificate for that contract, but over time, he came to see it as a roadmap for business growth.”
The initial focus was on implementing the Cyber Essentials requirements, and particular challenges included enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts and creating secure onboarding processes for new employees.
Another early issue was working with a software provider to implement MFA. “At that point, they were a relatively new developer, and their MFA wasn’t fully functional,” Chris explained. “We had to be patient and persistent, but it eventually pressured them to improve their security features.”
By the second year, Prestige PRS faced another hurdle: maintaining the controls they had implemented. “When we came to do the audit in year two, we found that some accounts had regressed and no longer had MFA turned on, Chris noted. This highlighted the importance of ongoing vigilance and reaffirming processes as the company grew.
Overcoming resistance
Implementing cyber security measures wasn’t without its difficulties, particularly with field engineers. “We faced quite a bit of resistance from them,” James admitted. “They felt that MFA was a hindrance, slowing them down and interfering with their work.”
To address this, Prestige PRS focused on education and communication. Engineers were brought in and given a clear explanation of why these measures were necessary and how they protected the company and its clients. “If you don’t tell people why, they won’t get on board,” James emphasised. Over time, the resistance subsided, and the team adapted to the new processes.
The results
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification has had a transformative impact on Prestige Plant Room Services. According to James, “We wouldn’t have the clientele we have now without it. It’s protected our reputation, which is key to our success.”
The certification has also provided a foundation for future growth. “In the early years, it was just about getting the certificate,” James reflected. “Now, we see it as helping us understand what we need to do to grow as a business.”
Prestige’s commitment to cyber security has not only secured contracts but also instilled an environment of resilience and consistency within the company. “Consistency is key,” James said. “It’s an important part of our culture.”
Lessons learned
For other small businesses in similar sectors, James offers this advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Build your foundations early, and make sure security and compliance are part of your culture from the start. It’s not just about getting a certificate—it’s about protecting your business and enabling growth.”
Start early: “Dot the i’s and cross the t’s early on,” James advises. “Build the foundations first rather than leaving them until later.”
Educate and communicate: Resistance to change can be mitigated by explaining the reasons behind new processes and their benefits.
Persistence pays off: “What I see with some organisations is that they give up on cyber security because they’re so focused on running the business,” Chris observed. “James had the persistence and long-term vision to see it through.” This persistence allowed Prestige to not only achieve certification but also embed security practices into their business culture.
Adaptability is key: As Prestige grew, the challenges of maintaining compliance increased. “Things can be implemented more easily when you’re small,” James noted. “As you grow, it’s harder to change people’s mindsets. But if you implement it first, it becomes the mentality.”
Cyber security as a growth enabler: Initially seen as a box-ticking exercise, Cyber Essentials became a strategic tool for Prestige. “Without it, we wouldn’t be in the strong position we are today,” James said. “It’s helped us secure contracts, protect our reputation, and build a roadmap for the future.”
Chris Blunt, who has supported Prestige PRS throughout this journey, sums it up: “What sets James apart is his resilience and willingness to learn. He’s not just focused on doing the work—he’s building a business for the future.”
Future ambitions
With Cyber Essentials certification in place, Prestige PRS is now focused on scaling its operations while maintaining its commitment to security and compliance. The company is actively recruiting across the UK, with plans to expand its services to include electrical work within the next 12 months.
Longer-term, James envisions a nationwide presence, providing “safe environments and essential comforts in every community.” While international opportunities, such as a trade mission to Saudi Arabia, are on the horizon, James is determined to strengthen the company’s foundations in the UK first.
“I’ve learned to walk before I run,” James said. “We’re building a healthy company where everyone is happy and included. That’s what I’m working on—creating one team, no matter where they’re based.”