As manufacturing businesses grow more digitally connected and supply chains become more complex, information security is no longer just an IT issue, it’s a core part of operational risk management. Customers, regulators, and insurers all increasingly expect manufacturers to demonstrate formalised security controls. That’s where security accreditations and certifications come in.
Whether you're bidding for new contracts, working with government clients, or aiming to reduce your exposure to cyber risk, the right accreditation can offer a clear signal that your organisation takes security seriously. But with so many frameworks available, it can be hard to know where to start.
This guide introduces the key certifications relevant to UK manufacturers, explores why they matter, and outlines how to approach them without disrupting production.
Why Security Accreditations Are on the Rise in Manufacturing
Security standards have become a fixture of manufacturing tenders and supplier onboarding processes. These aren’t box-ticking exercises: they reflect real concerns across the industry:
- Manufacturers are high-value targets: From ransomware and phishing to industrial espionage, the sector faces a growing volume and variety of cyber security threats.
- Supply chain vulnerabilities are under the spotlight: Larger clients and partners increasingly look to their vendors for assurance that third-party risk is being managed.
- Regulations are tightening: From GDPR to sector-specific standards (such as NIS2 for critical infrastructure when part of any EU supply chain), legal expectations around data protection and operational resilience continue to increase.
- Insurance and legal risk is rising: In the event of a breach, demonstrating that best-practice controls were in place can help reduce liability and premiums, and aid reputational recovery.
Security certifications provide an independent way to demonstrate that your business is prepared, not just reactive.
Key Accreditations for UK Manufacturers
There’s no single “right” accreditation, but several frameworks are commonly requested or recommended within the sector.
ISO 27001
This is the international standard for information security management. It provides a framework for identifying and addressing risks, putting controls in place, and embedding security into your organisation’s culture. It’s highly respected, especially in supply chains involving sensitive data, intellectual property, or digital services.
Read our guide to ISO 27001 compliance for manufacturing companies.
Cyber Essentials (and Cyber Essentials Plus)
A UK government-backed scheme, Cyber Essentials covers five key controls: firewalls, secure configuration, access control, malware protection, and patch management. It’s a good entry point for SMEs and is often required for working with public sector clients.
Cyber Essentials Plus includes the same requirements but involves a technical audit of your systems. This makes it more suitable for organisations that handle sensitive data or want stronger assurance.
Read our guide to cyber security threats for manufacturing firms.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
Popular with manufacturers working with US-based clients, NIST provides a flexible framework for identifying, protecting, detecting, responding to, and recovering from cyber incidents. It’s often used to guide internal security improvements, even without formal certification.
What These Standards Demonstrate
While each framework is different, the message they send to customers and partners is similar:
- You’ve identified your digital risks and taken steps to manage them
- You’ve put structured processes in place to keep systems and data secure
- You regularly test and improve those processes
- You understand your role in safeguarding the wider supply chain
- You’re committed to accountability, resilience, and professionalism
That last point is key. In a crowded market, certification can differentiate your business by showing that you’re not just reactive, you’re proactively managing your responsibilities.
Preparing for Certification Without Halting Production
One of the biggest concerns manufacturing leaders raise is the fear of operational disruption. And it’s true: going through a certification process involves time, resources, and cross-departmental cooperation.
But done right, it doesn’t have to disrupt production. Here’s how to approach it:
- Start with a readiness assessment: Identify where you stand relative to the standard you’re pursuing. This helps scope the work and avoid surprises.
- Involve operational leaders early: Frame the conversation around risk reduction, customer requirements, and operational continuity, not just “IT admin.”
- Choose a standard that fits your goals: Cyber Essentials may be sufficient for some, while ISO 27001 may be needed for strategic partnerships.
- Assign clear ownership: Certifications succeed when someone is accountable, even if supported by external partners.
- Work in phases: Tackle policies, training, and technical improvements in manageable sprints. Many manufacturers complete certification within 3–9 months.
- Communicate progress: Keep stakeholders informed so it’s seen as a value-add, not a distraction.
The Role of Your IT Support Partner
Most manufacturing teams don’t have a dedicated compliance officer or internal auditor. That’s where a trusted IT support partner adds value, by helping with:
- Gap analysis and risk assessments
- Policy development and documentation
- Staff training and awareness
- Technical configuration and remediation
- Preparing for external audits or assessments
The right partner understands your operational environment and works around production schedules. They’ll help you focus on practical improvements that align with how your business actually operates, rather than layering on unnecessary complexity.
Read our guide to IT risk assessments for manufacturing.
Making Accreditation Part of a Broader Security Strategy
It’s easy to treat certifications as a finish line. But the real value comes when they’re embedded into how your organisation operates day to day.
- Use them to guide investment: Let the standard inform where to prioritise budget, whether it’s network segmentation, backup systems, or awareness training.
- Link security and quality: Look for overlaps with ISO 9001 or other management systems. This avoids duplication and strengthens internal cohesion.
- Review regularly: Build in a cadence of risk reviews, internal audits, and leadership reporting. This ensures the certification reflects ongoing reality, not a one-off exercise.
- Involve the whole team: From procurement and HR to operations and maintenance, everyone has a role to play in keeping systems and data secure.
Building Trust Through Certification
Security accreditations are no longer reserved for tech firms and banks. In today’s manufacturing landscape, they’re a critical part of doing business, helping you win contracts, reduce risk, and build trust.
Certification is not about perfection. It’s about putting structured, credible controls in place to protect your operations, your clients, and your future. With the right guidance and a measured, pragmatic approach, it’s absolutely achievable, and it can deliver value far beyond the certificate itself.
Book a free consultation today to find out how your business can move forward with confidence.
