Reading’s Bridewell acquires Arculus Cyber Security in public sector push

By Daniel Face

14 March 2024

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Cybersecurity firm Bridewell has acquired East Sussex-based Arculus Cyber Security, expanding its footprint in the public sector.

All of Arculus’ current employees – including founders Cath Downie, Paul Ellis and Austin France – will be retained as part of the deal, boosting Bridewell’s headcount by 15 per cent.

The Berkshire business is now set to triple its public sector revenue, aligning with its overarching strategic focus on critical national infrastructure (CNI).

Bridewell has also added to its growing roster of accreditations, since Arculus is an NCSC Assured Cyber Security Consultancy for security architecture, risk management, and audit and review – the only consultancy to hold all three.

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Anthony Young, CEO of Bridewell, said: “Arculus’ reputation and growth in cybersecurity across the public sector is truly remarkable.

“The decision to bring Bridewell and Arculus together felt absolutely right from a strategic standpoint.

“Bridewell has grown organically over the last 11 years, and we always wanted to make sure that any company joining the Bridewell story had a brilliant culture and reputation.

“We look forward to welcoming all the Arculus team.”

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The acquisition follows Bridewell’s 2022 expansion into the US market with a new office in the Energy Corridor business district of Houston, Texas.

Austin France, co-founder and principal consultant at Arculus, added,: “On behalf of the Arculus team, we’re delighted to be joining forces with Bridewell and excited about the opportunities that this relationship will bring.

“Arculus has focused on ensuring the best possible experience for our customers and team, and this approach aligns perfectly with our new colleagues at Bridewell.

“We’ll be able to offer our customers a wider range of best-in-industry services with Bridewell’s reputation, accreditations and focus on quality so well aligned to our own.

“We look forward to an exciting journey ahead.”

By Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL.

Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience.

Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.