Gosforth-based RMT Technology expects to create around 50 jobs over the next five years after launching a new cyber security division.
The specialist technology arm of RMT Accountants & Business Advisors expects eight new jobs to be created within the first 12 months through the new service.
RMT Technology and RMT Accountants & Business Advisors are part of Sumer Group, which says it employs more than 3,000 people across more than 80 offices in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The new division will provide businesses with advice on cyber strategy, compliance, training and exercising alongside technical services including security testing, certification and security architecture development.
It is being led by RMT Technology cyber director Stew Hogg, who has more than 15 years' experience working in cyber security across sectors including energy, healthcare, government, financial technology and manufacturing.
Hogg said, “Recent high-profile incidents have demonstrated just how significant the operational and commercial impact of a cyber incident can be. At the same time, developments in areas such as AI are changing the threat landscape, making it increasingly important for businesses to understand their exposure and build appropriate resilience.”
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said in an assessment published in May 2025 that cyber attackers were already using artificial intelligence for activities including reconnaissance, vulnerability research, social engineering, basic malware generation and processing stolen data. It expects AI to increase the frequency and impact of cyber attacks through to 2027 by making existing methods more effective.
Recent high-profile incidents include ransomware attacks on Marks & Spencer and the Co-op in 2025 and a cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover that disrupted production and affected its wider supply chain. The NCSC cited all three among examples of attacks with real-world costs for businesses.
The government's Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025/2026, published in April, found that 43 per cent of UK businesses had experienced a cyber security breach or attack during the previous 12 months, while 25 per cent had a formal incident response plan. Among businesses using or considering AI, 31 per cent said they had no plans to introduce security practices to manage its risks.
Hogg also pointed to the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill, which would expand cyber security requirements covering organisations providing essential and digital services.
The Bill is currently going through the House of Lords, with report stage scheduled for 26 October.
Hogg said, “Not every business can afford to have someone working full-time on cyber security matters, so we're tailoring our services to give SMEs and larger organisations access to specialist expertise at a level that reflects their needs, risks and ambitions.”
RMT Technology also plans to provide cyber security training and industry certification opportunities for local young people. Hogg said the aim was to help the next generation of North East cyber security professionals gain recognised industry qualifications while contributing to the development of the business.