NCSC launches free cyber consultancy service for UK small businesses

The National Cyber Security Centre has announced a new initiative offering free, hands-on cyber security consultations to small businesses across the UK. Published on 15 July 2026, the programme provides access to Cyber Advisors who will offer 30-minute one-to-one consultations to help small organisations understand their cyber security risks and take practical first steps to improve their defences. The service is designed to be accessible and jargon-free, recognising that many small businesses lack dedicated IT or security resource and may not know where to start with cyber security. The NCSC has made clear that the service is aimed at helping businesses get the basics right, covering areas such as password management, software updates, backup practices and recognising phishing attempts.

Why this matters for UK organisations

For small businesses, this represents a significant and practical offer of support. Cyber security advice is often expensive, complex or aimed at larger organisations with established IT teams. The NCSC's approach here is to provide direct, human guidance that helps small businesses understand what good practice looks like in their specific context. For larger organisations, this initiative is also relevant, particularly those that work with or rely on small suppliers, contractors or partners. The security posture of smaller organisations in the supply chain is increasingly a material risk for larger businesses, and initiatives that help improve baseline security across the SME sector benefit the wider business ecosystem. Many supply chain compromises begin with smaller organisations that have access to larger networks or systems, and helping those organisations improve their security reduces risk across the entire chain.

What to review

For UK small businesses, this is an opportunity to access expert guidance at no cost. The NCSC has published details of how to access the service on their website, and it is worth taking advantage of this support, particularly if you are unsure where to start with cyber security or if you want to check that the basics are in place. For larger organisations, it is worth considering how you support or encourage smaller suppliers and partners to take up this kind of support, particularly where those relationships involve access to your systems, data or networks. Supply chain security starts with helping the organisations you work with understand and manage their own risks. This could include sharing information about the NCSC service, providing guidance on what good security practice looks like, or including basic security requirements in supplier contracts and onboarding processes. For organisations that provide managed services or technology to small businesses, this is also a useful opportunity to review how you help your customers understand and manage their security risks.

Source: NCSC UK