This recognition reflects Vorboss’ commitment to the highest standards across the City and its ongoing contribution to making London a better connected, future-ready capital. The scheme challenges engineering teams to exceed legal requirements when working on streets and pavements in the Square Mile, aiming to ensure safety, minimise disruption, and improve conditions for everyone who lives, works, or travels through the area.

Participating companies are assessed on planning and coordination, accountability, responsiveness, and alignment with the City’s business priorities.

Rhod Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at Vorboss, credits the achievement to the company’s investment in its people:

“This award is a direct result of our strategy to train, and support our in-house teams. We’ve hired and built a talented and diverse workforce, and we’re proud that our training academy continues to raise the bar for quality delivery in the City."

Headquartered in the Square Mile, Vorboss remains at the forefront of delivering high-performance, reliable internet to businesses across London. This recognition reinforces Vorboss’ role in shaping the City’s digital infrastructure and supporting its future digital capabilities, with the company investing over £250 million in its dedicated network.

The company’s field technicians are trained at an in-house academy that offers a clear career path into telecoms. More than one-third of the team are women, and Vorboss is proud to be a London Living Wage employer.

Ends

For more information, contact press@vorboss.com

About Vorboss

Vorboss is a network that is purpose-built for London's most ambitious businesses.

Designed with London’s future in mind, it is providing businesses direct access to critical fibre infrastructure, with simple, transparent pricing.

Vorboss is unique in owning its network and service end-to-end, and offers 10Gbps, 25Gbps and 100Gbps connections.

Gone are the days when SME businesses could view cybersecurity mostly as a concern for big corporations with global exposure and dedicated IT resource. Today, cybercrime is a multi-billion pound ‘industry’, with small and mid-sized businesses most often in its sights.

And the risks are very real. In the past year alone, brands including M&S, Co-op, Harrods, and even major railway stations have made headlines due to cybersecurity incidents. These high-profile cases show that no organisation, regardless of size or sector, is immune. They also serve as reminders of how disruptive and damaging an attack can be.

So, who is it that poses the threat? The answer is highly organised criminal groups, generally based overseas, running lucrative cybercrime business models, all on their own. With ransomware now a billion-pound industry, these groups buy and sell stolen data, lease out attack tools, and target companies whose stolen data indicates their capacity to pay.

According to HMRC, 70% of UK SMEs were hit by cyberattacks last year. Yet half of all UK and US businesses, mostly smaller firms, still don’t have a response plan in place.

So let’s look at why SMEs are at such risk, what today’s most common threats look like, and the practical and affordable steps you can take to protect yourself if you run a business.  

These insights emerged from a fascinating recent panel discussion which our very own Aaron Rice, CIO, hosted at Vorboss HQ, featuring leaders from cybersecurity firms Wavenet and SE LABS. If you’re running an SME and don’t yet have a clear cybersecurity plan, this is the place to start.

Not ‘if’, but when. The case for ‘resilience’

Cybersecurity used to be about trying to build an impenetrable wall around your systems, but as the threat landscape has changed, so has the mindset. Today, it’s less about preventing every attack and more about being ready to respond when something does get through.

This concept - resilience - came up repeatedly as Wavenet’s CISO, Paul Colwell, and SE LABS’ CEO, Simon Edwards, shared their views. Their message for SMEs was clear. It’s not a question of if you’ll be attacked, it’s a matter of when. How well you bounce back may be the difference between a brief disruption and a long-term crisis.

Perhaps the first question to ask in any cyber incident is “Do we have backups?”. If your systems are compromised or locked down, having secure, up-to-date backups can be the difference between getting back to work or being forced to pay a ransom to regain access. Backups don’t stop an attack, but they’ll make recovery easier.

A cyberattack doesn’t just target your systems, it puts your entire business at risk. Downtime, financial loss, and damaged customer trust are all on the table.

The good news is that becoming resilient doesn’t involve making huge investment into high-end technology. With a little planning, it’s entirely possible to build a strong line of defence, and a solid plan for recovery, without excessive cost. In fact, with fewer systems, simpler structures, and the ability to act quickly, smaller businesses often have an advantage over large enterprises when it comes to putting effective measures in place.

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The most common cyber threats to SMEs

As most SMEs don’t have the time or budget to keep up with every new cybercrime threat, they make attractive targets for hackers, and though cyberattacks come in all shapes and sizes, certain threats show up again and again.

So, what are the most common cyber threats facing SMEs?

Phishing and identity theft

This is where it usually starts. A staff member receives what looks like a legitimate message, usually impersonating a colleague, a supplier, or even a client. It might ask them to click a link, update some details, or approve a payment.

If they take the bait, attackers can obtain access to login credentials, email accounts, or sensitive data, all without needing to “break in”. In the words of SE LABS’ Simon Edwards, “Hackers don’t break in. They log in.”

Ransomware

Ransomware is a frighteningly effective criminal business model, whose use against SMEs has escalated dramatically. Attackers encrypt your data, lock your systems, and demand payment (usually in Bitcoin) to let you back in. In 2023 alone, ransomware was already estimated to be worth over £1bn a year.  

While paying the ransom may seem to be the quickest way out, it can open your business up to serious legal and ethical risks, especially if you have no visibility on where the money you’re paying over is going to.

Business email compromise (BEC)

BEC attacks are clever, patient and, again, highly lucrative. Hackers gain access to an internal email account and often set up automatic forwarding to an external address, allowing them to silently monitor conversations over time. They gather intel, study genuine correspondence, and then strike, perhaps by sending a fake invoice or redirecting a payment. It’s why fake emails are so convincing: these criminals aren’t guessing, they know exactly what you’re expecting and exploit timing and trust with precision.

Cyber hygiene. Arranging simple, powerful protection

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to start with technology. It starts with behaviour; simple, everyday habits that make it harder for attackers to get in.

Unlike big organisations with complex systems, SME management teams are usually free to set rules, enforce good habits, and make changes without needing to go through layers of approval.

The number one non-technical thing an SME can do to protect itself? Simon Edwards didn’t hesitate: “Easy. Cyber hygiene and the Cyber Essentials programme.”

So, what does good, basic cyber hygiene look like? A good way to think about it is via ‘The 3 Ps’, as the industry refers to them.

Passwords

Make sure everyone in your business is using strong, unique passwords, and that these aren’t shared or reused across different systems.

A strong password should:

• Be at least 12 characters long

• Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols

• Avoid personal details or common words

Next, enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop unauthorised access.

Phishing

Your team is your first line of defence. Train your people to recognise suspicious emails, double-check unusual requests, and report anything that doesn’t feel right. Most phishing attacks rely on urgency or familiarity to bypass common sense, so encouraging people to pause and consult with managers or appropriate colleagues before taking any action in response to a suspect email can make all the difference.

Patching

Every piece of software has flaws, and cybercriminals are quick to exploit these. Keep all your systems up to date. That includes operating systems, email tools, cloud platforms, routers, and printers. When a zero-day vulnerability is announced, fast patching is critical. It could be the difference between staying secure or becoming one of the first victims.

None of these steps requires major investment. All that’s needed is a clear policy, regular reminders, and a commitment to taking security seriously.

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Certifications that help protect and reassure

Even when you recognise the danger of cyberattacks and have measures like these in place to reduce your exposure, how can you evidence this to clients and customers, as well as your employees?

It doesn’t have to be complex - there are certification schemes built specifically for SMEs.

At a basic level, they help you cover the fundamentals. But they also send a clear signal to clients, partners, insurers, and suppliers that you’re serious about reducing risk.

The three most widely recognised certifications are:

Cyber Essentials

The entry point for most UK organisations, and a great starting place for SMEs. Cyber Essentials is a government-backed scheme that covers the basics: secure configuration, access controls, software updates, and protection against common threats. It’s a self-assessed process and, once certified, you’ll receive a badge that shows you’ve met the standard. Clients like it. Insurers like it. And it’s easier to attain than you think.

Cyber Essentials Plus

This is the next step up. It includes everything in the basic Cyber Essentials scheme but adds an independent audit and technical testing. If your business handles sensitive data, works with regulated industries, or simply wants more assurance, then this is worth considering.

ISO 27001

Recognised internationally, this is the gold standard for information security management. It’s more involved and more expensive than Cyber Essentials, but if your business is growing fast or you’re working with enterprise clients, it can be a significant asset.

Whatever level of certification you feel is appropriate for your business, try not to treat it as a one-off box-ticking exercise. It’s a chance to improve your practices, strengthen your culture, and set a clear security baseline that will protect you as you grow.

Wash - A quest for pixel-perfect post-production

Wash is an independent post-production company based in London, specialising in colour grading and VFX for commercials, music videos, and feature films. They’ve worked with some of the world’s most recognisable brands, including Bentley, Samsung, and Adidas.

Founded by Jon Dobson in 2016, Wash quickly carved out a name for itself as a boutique, cutting-edge studio delivering high-end post production. They pride themselves on delivering and building long-term relationships, and always going the extra mile.

In 2024, the business expanded their services to 3D animation, TV title sequences, and special FX compositing. As the client base and file sizes grew, Jon and the team needed infrastructure that could scale with their ambitions - supporting globally distributed artists without compromising quality.

Future-proofing post-production with a 25Gbps connection

Their previous connection was fine, but fine isn’t what Wash is built on. As the business scaled, so did the frustration with a provider that didn’t check-in, didn’t understand their industry, and didn’t offer the service Wash needed.

Where Vorboss made the impact

A global studio demands global performance

With artists from Turkey, India, and beyond collaborating remotely with the London HQ, seamless connectivity isn't just important, it's essential. The Vorboss network delivers exactly that, with near-instant responsiveness and ultra-low latency. So, whether it's a director in LA or a designer in Istanbul, everyone sees what’s happening in real time - no stutter, no delays, no surprises.

100Gbps-ready infrastructure

As 8K video becomes the new ‘normal’ and file sizes grow, Wash upgraded from a 10Gbps to 25Gbps Direct Internet line - future-proofing their workflow and improving transfer speeds, stability, and efficiency. Plus, if/when the time comes, they can increase their bandwidth in days, not months.

Secure, stable remote access

From unreleased campaigns to confidential TV productions, security is non-negotiable. With artists logging in from all over the world, the Wash team needs to know who’s connected and from where. Their Vorboss connection gives them the speed and stability needed to support the tools that keep everything secure and running smoothly.

What stood out for Wash

Future-proofed connectivity

As Wash’s profile continues to rise, so does their demand for high-performance connectivity. With a 25Gbps line already powering their work, they’re not just keeping up, they’re leading the charge. Ready to scale up to 100Gbps with ease when the time comes, Wash are fully equipped to keep delivering world-class storytelling and visuals, without compromise.

Vorboss is disrupting the telecoms status quo as we build London’s only dedicated fibre network for businesses. We are growing a team as diverse as the communities we serve.

Our annual gender pay gap report gives us a moment to take stock, celebrating the progress we’ve made towards equity and sharpening our focus on where we still need to go, especially when it comes to equal representation of women at every level of the business.

In an industry that has long lacked diversity, we’ve spent years raising the bar. Equity, inclusion, and diversity are embedded in how we operate - from opening doors through our in-house academy, to designing tools, kit, and PPE with real comfort and usability in mind.

Read the full report here.

Serving up speed: How 10Gbps connectivity changed everything for Patty & Bun

Patty & Bun was established in 2012 and is renowned for serving high-quality gourmet burgers. Their mouthwatering menu changes monthly, with new specials added to keep flavours fresh and customers returning.  

With 9 locations across London, the business has built a strong reputation for its delicious food and superb customer experience. While the company has consistently grown year on year, its connectivity slowly began to fall short across several sites, including its HQ on Cavendish Street, London.

Why reliable internet is as crucial as the perfect location

When success relies on serving thousands of customers daily, operational efficiency is critical to success, and there is little room for downtime.    

To maintain smooth operations, Patty & Bun relies on two key factors: Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) systems, which are fundamental to processing orders and managing billing, and fast, stable internet connectivity, which ensures the EPOS systems can keep up with processing information at speed.

The cost of unreliable internet  

Providing exceptional service, day after day, is challenging enough. But adding some connectivity chaos to the mix quickly became a recipe for disaster.  

The team experienced frequent outages and inconsistent speeds, which meant their EPOS systems would either be frustratingly slow or completely out of action for minutes, hours or sometimes even days. All amplified by the fact they had different internet service providers across multiple locations, making troubleshooting each providers individual line a nightmare for the team.

This meant order processing and restaurant operations took a hit, negatively impacting their customers, staff, and ultimately revenue.

From frustration to fast – a seamless switchover

Despite the disruption, the team feared that changing internet service provider would result in further disruption – something they simply could not afford to happen.  

After Vorboss was recommended through an industry partner, they decided it was worth exploring. They were quickly assured of a seamless transition with little to no disruption to day-to-day operations, meaning the switch-over wouldn’t hinder their ambitious revenue targets, and would ultimately fix all their connectivity problems.

Soon after, our install team connected them with a Direct Internet line whilst they were still in contract with various ISPs across different locations, at no extra cost (meaning no double billing). So, not only were they able to consolidate their connectivity, but there was also zero switchover downtime, disruption or additional cost.  

The 10Gbps upgrade that changed everything

Vorboss provided one to one assistance throughout the process and were on hand 24/7 for any questions or additional support.

Now using a Vorboss 10Gbps Direct Internet connection (AKA a leased line), Patty & Bun never have to share their connection. This guarantees 10Gbps upload and download speed at all times, even during peak hours, which gives them the reliability and speed they’d craved for years.

Constantly troubleshooting slow EPOS systems, and inconsistent customer WiFi is now a thing of the past. The ability to focus on what’s really important - food, service, and experience - means they can continue to thrive in a highly competitive environment.

Moving office is a big deal for any business. That’s why understanding all the different aspects that go into it is vital to making sure that the move goes smoothly and stays within budget.

This guide covers everything from early planning and budgeting through to getting your team set up, secured, and online from day one.

Whether you're upsizing, relocating, or upgrading your space, this guide will help you get it right.

What to consider before moving office

It can affect productivity, customer service, and how smoothly your technology and operations continue during the move.

Whether your goal is to support growth, encourage more in-office working, or create a better experience for your team, careful planning makes all the difference.

Here are some of the reasons why planning your move carefully matters.

Keeping costs under control

A detailed budget that covers everything from moving services and IT setup, through to utilities and office redesign helps avoid surprises and keeps spending under control.

Staying on track

A well-planned move means fewer slowdowns. Splitting tasks into clear stages with defined responsibilities keeps the move on schedule.

Understanding your lease obligations & avoiding legal issues

Landlords may require repairs, cleaning, or the office to be restored before you leave. Factoring in potential costs like dilapidations early helps avoid surprises later.

Negotiating lease flexibility‍

Flexible lease terms can make it easier to scale, adapt, or move again as your business changes. Look for options that give you room to grow without heavy penalties.

Minimising downtime‍

Getting internet, IT, and security systems set up before move-in helps keep your team productive and avoids disruption for customers.

Keeping everyone aligned

Clear communication between colleagues, suppliers, and landlords helps avoid confusion, delays, and last-minute surprises during the move.

A well-planned office move is a chance to create a better setup for your team and your business.

How to prepare for moving office: a quick checklist

A successful office move comes down to good planning, clear communication, and getting ahead of potential problems.

Here’s a quick checklist that will help you nail it:

1. ‍Set your timeline - Start with your moving date, then map out everything that needs to happen before it. This gives you enough time to organise suppliers, notify customers and partners, and prepare your team for the move.
2. ‍Plan for future growth - Think about what your business needs now as well as what it may need in the future. Consider desks, meeting rooms, internet bandwidth, licensing, and anything else that may grow overtime.
3. ‍Put together a ‘moving team’ - Assign specific responsibilities, whether that's internal team members or external suppliers. Clear ownership helps keep the move on schedule.‍
4. Audit your current space - Go through your existing furniture, equipment, and storage before the move. Decide what you'll be keeping and what may need upgrading.
5. Plan your new layout - Develop a floor plan that'll optimise the space for how your team will use it. Don’t forget to map out where the IT infrastructure will sit, including Wi-Fi access points.
6. Evaluate suppliers - Internet, IT, and cybersecurity are often handled separately, which can make office moves harder to coordinate and more expensive to manage. Going with a managed service provider that handles all three helps avoid gaps in setup. ‍
7. Keep everyone informed - Tell all your clients, suppliers, and service providers that you are moving office ahead of time to avoid disruption.‍
8. Schedule utilities and services early - Arrange utilities like electricity, water, internet and other key services well before moving day.

A typical office move timeline

Every move is different, but this gives you a rough idea of when key decisions usually happen.

6-12 months before the move

Define your space requirements

Create a list of must-haves for the new space. Think about size, future growth, location, and required facilities to ensure the new office will meet your business needs well into the future.

Secure your new location

Flexible office space remains in high demand across London, so it’s worth starting early if you want the best options.

Establish a budget

It should include moving costs, IT setup, utilities, fit-out work, and contingency funds for unexpected expenses.

3-6 months before the move

Get your suppliers sorted

Surround yourself with pros. Hire movers, fit-out companies (if needed), and IT specialists to avoid last-minute scrambling.

Plan your connectivity and IT

Work with an expert partner who can offer advice on best internet, cybersecurity and IT setup for your team - essential if you want everything up and running from move-in.

Notify your team

Share regular updates with all relevant stakeholders, it's best if you keep an up-to-date timeline of key milestones.

1-3 months before the move

Begin packing

If doing it yourself, organise your packing process systematically. Label boxes clearly with their contents and their destination within the new space.

Update addresses

Notify your customers, suppliers, and service providers of your change of address. Prepare to update your business listings, website and marketing materials.  

Test IT systems

Arrange for your IT and connectivity systems to be tested rigorously before moving across. This way, you can be sure that critical services such as the internet and phones are operational before your team arrives. Any good connectivity supplier should offer to connect your office ahead of your move-in date to ensure a smooth transition, wavering the cost of any cross-over to avoid being double-charged.  

Moving day

Oversee the process

Assign a trusted team member (even if that is yourself) to supervise the move. Choose someone who can handle unexpected issues and ensure that everything arrives at, is installed into, and functions correctly in the new location as planned.

Test your essential systems

Check your internet, Wi-Fi, phones, and key IT systems as early as possible on moving day to make sure your team is able to work.

Do a walkthrough

However thoroughly you planned your office move, once you are in you need to inspect the new space carefully to ensure everything is in order. Check for damage, missing items, and other issues that need immediate attention.

Post-move

Celebrate with your team

Be sure to acknowledge the hard work that’s gone into the move and celebrate - you’ve earned it!  

We hope you found this timeline useful for your own step-by-step process. Trust us, working through these stages will enable you to reduce stress (both for yourself and your colleagues) and set the business up for a flying start in its new home.

What to look for in an IT and connectivity provider when moving office  

Moving office is stressful enough, that's why you need a reliable partner who can take things off your hands and offer advice on what solution is best suited for your unique needs.

Before you sign anything, here are five things to check: ‍

Auto-renewals

Not all contracts end when you expect them to. Some providers auto-renew you into another long-term deal without much warning, making it hard to leave when you need to. Check the small print and set a reminder well before your contract is up.

Scalable solutions

As your business grows, your technology needs will change too. Investing in services that scale easily, whether that’s bandwidth, licensing, managed IT or cybersecurity, means you won't have to change providers later on.

Service guarantees vs. empty promises

Internet providers might say you’ll get ‘up to’ a certain speed, but is that guaranteed or just a target? If a stable connection is critical for your business, look for "guaranteed speeds", not just marketing buzzwords. If you’re buying a broadband-grade service, your upload/download speeds are almost definitely not guaranteed, so make sure your connection is dedicated to your business/.

Compensation without the hassle

If your internet goes down, will your provider compensate you automatically, or will you have to fight for it? Some suppliers make you jump through hoops to claim what you’re owed, knowing most businesses won’t have the time. A good provider makes things right without the headache.

Do they own their network?

You want an accountable, proactive partner that takes the technical bits off your plate. Look for providers that own their network and manage their services end-to-end. This way there are no third-partycontractors involved and no grey areas when it comes to responsibilities. You'll also most likely get a way better customer experience.

Bottom line? Don’t just sign what’s put in front of you. Ask questions, push for clarity, and make sure your internet service works for your business - not the other way around.

2026 commercial real estate trends to think about

An increased demand for sustainable, premium offices

Market consolidations

Hybrid working

Making the technology side simpler

Moving office is often the point where businesses realise their technology setup has become fragmented. Different suppliers for connectivity, IT support, and cybersecurity can make even simple changes harder to manage.

Now is the perfect opportunity to rethink both your current setup and what your business may need in the future.

Bringing everything together under one provider helps reduce the back and forth, and have one accountable partner who's responsible for managing it all.

Expert support every step of the way

We support you throughout the entire relocation process, from early planning and infrastructure reviews through to installation, setup, and ongoing support.

A dedicated account manager helps coordinate the move, making sure your internet, devices, and cyber protection are all ready when your team arrives.

‍The Rapid Install advantage

If you're on a time crunch, or maybe your previous provider cancelled, our rapid install service can get you online in as little as 48 hours.

Built for growing businesses

Because Vorboss owns and operates its own fibre network, we’re able to support businesses directly across connectivity, managed IT, and cybersecurity without relying on multiple third parties.

That means fewer handovers, faster support, and a more joined-up experience throughout your move and beyond.