Member Article

Global cyber security firm to press ahead with Manchester expansion

International cybersecurity consultancy Coalfire has confirmed that it’s new EMEA headquarters at Manchester’s iconic City Tower will open in the second quarter of 2021. The 5,500 sq. ft space is intended to facilitate continued growth in the UK, supporting the firm’s plans to double its existing headcount in the city by 2023.

Coalfire was acquired by London-based private equity house Apax Partners in 2019 and has since looked to enhance its presence in the UK and wider EMEA region.

With global headquarters in Denver, US, Coalfire employs more than 800 people across 11 sites. Its UK & European operations have been based in Manchester since 2013 and has grown from one person to 30 in that time.

Andy Barratt, Coalfire’s managing director for UK & Europe, said: “Manchester’s digital strengths and international connectivity make it the perfect home for a growing, tech business – Covid-19 hasn’t changed that. This city has been our home for seven years now and we are most definitely here to stay.

“Businesses in the UK and across Europe are faced with massive instability and many can no longer stomach the financial implications of getting cybersecurity wrong. We’re focused on continuing to grow the number of businesses we help avoid those implications and Manchester is the ideal place for us to do that.”

Having announced the move prior to Covid-19 and the advent of mass remote working, Coalfire now intends to incorporate more collaborative working and event spaces into the new office’s fitout to provide a destination for employees and clients.

Andy added: “The pandemic has undoubtedly changed people’s relationship with office working but I firmly believe that it will continue to play an important role. We want to offer our team the flexibility to work from home, but also a fantastic workspace where they can spend time with their colleagues and clients. The new space will be where the Coalfire community lives and we’re intent on it being a place for our clients, partners and peers to enjoy as well.”

Rob Cosslett, Fund Manager at Schroders, said: “City Tower’s advanced technology facilities makes it the perfect location for Coalfire as it continues to increase its presence in the cybersecurity industry. The space gives them ample room to grow as a team, expand their remit and drive innovation within their sector.

“The 28th floor of City Tower is iconic and has unrivalled views across Manchester and the Pennines, whilst also benefiting from all the amenities and transport connectivity found at the building.”

Coalfire is a cybersecurity consultancy that provides services including cyber risk and cloud security assessments, penetration testing and security architecture, analysis and monitoring.

The firm also helps businesses comply with a range of international security and data protection standards such as PCI DSS, GDPR and FedRAMP – the security certification needed to provide services to the US Federal Government.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Elle Spencer .