Cloud tech firm reports 20 per cent rise in turnover following restructuring of services

Cloud4, which works closely with US-based cyber experts, Huntress, launched the ‘Protect My 365’ product in 2023 to fight against the increasing volume of Office 365 cyber-security breaches. Working with the US cyber experts, the product combines Huntress’ existing monitoring and response service, “MDR for Microsoft 365”, with two other key services that work together to provide a complete protection solution for Microsoft 365.

Cloud4 is one of just a small number of companies in the UK to offer this kind of Office 365 protection service, providing a comprehensive 24/7 monitoring and response service.

Founded in 2009 by Phil Donoghue, Cloud4 initially began as a Cloud Services and IT support business. Recognising the need to stay current with technological advances, Donoghue and co-founder Mike Tunstall decided to upskill in 2019 to become officially certified cyber security specialists. The company became one of only approximately 300 certification bodies for the NCSC Cyber Essential Scheme.

Throughout the restructuring period, the firm was supported by its long-standing accountancy and advisory firm, JS, to provide strategic counsel for the new product launch. The pair have been working closely for 15 years so have been supported throughout their entire development history by the team at JS.

Cloud4 now plans to recruit more security analysts to meet the growing demands of the business. The firm has also recently formed a partnership with Edge Hill University, supporting the School of Computing and IT, and is now eyeing graduate recruitment for the future.

Phil Donoghue, CEO at Cloud4, said: “Since we founded the business in 2009, technology has moved quicker than many companies can keep up with, bringing a worrying increase in cyber risks. With products like Office 365, we’ve seen how many businesses have been hit with modern attack methods and breached even with tight security settings in place. We were determined to come up with a solution not just to prevent breaches, but to spot them and stop them when they occur. That’s what Protect My 365 does, and we’re immensely proud of the solution we have today.

“The pandemic gave us time to strategically plan how we can continue to evolve our business through changing times and develop the tools to support our customers with the increasing security threats they faced. Many of the key decisions were made with the support we received from JS which has helped propel our growth journey.”

James Wood, accounts partner at JS, said: “Choosing to restructure your business is an incredibly important decision that can reap a lot of reward when done right. That’s clearly the case with Phil and his team. Their adaptability to the changing market has proven to be extremely successful, and Phil’s dedication has been a true driver of the success the firm sees today.

“I’ve worked with Phil for the last 15 years, and I look forward to the future as the business continues to go from strength to strength.”