In an increasingly connected hire and sales landscape, cybersecurity is just as critical as physical site safety. From cloud-connected robotic total stations and digital calibration records to online customer account portals, keeping operational and customer data secure is vital. PQS Sales and Marketing Manager Simon Lunt speaks with IT Manager Matt Dowdall to discuss PQS Survey Ltd’s Cyber Essentials certification and what it means for utility and construction contractors across the UK.
Simon Lunt: When contractors and survey teams choose an equipment hire partner, they naturally focus on instrument accuracy, delivery speeds, and technical support. Where does internal IT security fit into that partnership, specifically regarding our Cyber Essentials certification?
Matt Dowdall: It underpins everything we do behind the scenes. Modern survey and safety equipment suppliers do not just handle physical hardware; we process sensitive project data, site mapping files, billing credentials, and hire management data every day.
Achieving and maintaining our Cyber Essentials certification proves that PQS has robust, government-backed security controls in place to protect against the vast majority of common cyber threats. For our clients, particularly tier-one contractors working on national infrastructure and UK utility frameworks, it provides absolute peace of mind that partnering with PQS does not introduce vulnerabilities into their supply chain.
Simon Lunt: What are the core technical areas that the Cyber Essentials framework covers across our business operations?
Matt Dowdall: Cyber Essentials focuses on five key technical controls: boundary firewalls and internet gateways, secure system configuration, user access controls, malware protection, and patch management.
In practical terms for PQS, that means every device across our depot network, every server hosting our hire management software, and every endpoint used by our technical sales team strictly adheres to modern security baselines. We enforce multi-factor authentication across all operational systems, maintain strict role-based access to customer databases, and ensure patch cycles are deployed automatically so zero-day vulnerabilities are mitigated immediately.
Simon Lunt: Many of our utility and construction clients are subject to strict procurement standards like PAS 91 or Common Assessment Standard requirements. How does PQS’s Cyber Essentials certification simplify their procurement process?
Matt Dowdall: It removes friction during vendor onboarding. Procurement leads and compliance managers at major contracting firms are required to vet supply chains for cyber resilience. Many public sector, utility, and infrastructure projects in the UK now mandate Cyber Essentials as a minimum prerequisite for suppliers.
By holding this certified status, PQS can immediately satisfy procurement compliance requirements without dragging our clients through long, drawn-out security questionnaires. They know straight away that our data handling, invoicing channels, and portal integrations meet recognised UK government standards.
Simon Lunt: Looking ahead as PQS expands its digital tools, customer portals, and smart equipment tracking, how does this security foundation support future growth?
Matt Dowdall: Cyber security is not a one-off project or a static badge; it is a continuous operational discipline. As we roll out enhanced digital services, such as self-service hire portals, real-time instrument calibration tracking, and direct API integrations for client fleets, having a certified, audited IT framework ensures we build security in by design.
Whether a client is hiring a single pipe laser or deploying a fleet of high-end GPS rovers across a national multi-site project, they can trust that PQS protects their data with the same precision we apply to servicing their survey gear.
To learn more about PQS Survey Ltd’s operational standards, equipment hire services, or to request vendor compliance documentation for your next project, contact Simon Lunt and the team today.
