Government Funding Now Available: Save 75% on Cyber Essentials Certification
Cyber Essentials 75% discount: Eligible UK businesses can now access government funding towards their Cyber Essentials assessment, with prices starting at just £80 + VAT.
The new First Step funding initiative, available from 3 November 2026, is designed to help small and medium-sized UK organisations improve their cybersecurity and achieve Cyber Essentials certification at a substantially reduced cost.
The funding is available for a limited period, with applications and purchases required by 31 March 2027.
How much does Cyber Essentials cost with the discount?
Eligible organisations pay just 25% of the normal assessment fee.
| Organisation size | Normal price | Discounted price |
|---|---|---|
| Micro (0–9 employees) | £320 + VAT | £80 + VAT |
| Small (10–49 employees) | £440 + VAT | £110 + VAT |
| Medium (50–249 employees) | £500 + VAT | £125 + VAT |
Who is eligible for the 75% discount?
The funding is available to organisations that meet all the following conditions:
- Are based in the United Kingdom.
- Have fewer than 250 employees.
- Have not held Cyber Essentials certification within the last four years.
This includes organisations applying for Cyber Essentials for the first time, as well as those whose previous certification falls outside the four-year period.
Organisations in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are not eligible for this funding.
Why get Cyber Essentials certified?
Cyber Essentials is a UK Government-backed cybersecurity certification scheme that helps organisations protect themselves against common cyberattacks.
Certification demonstrates that your organisation has implemented fundamental security controls covering firewalls, secure configuration, security update management, user access control and malware protection.
Cyber Essentials can also help organisations demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity when dealing with customers, suppliers and public-sector procurement opportunities.
How do you claim the discount?
The process is straightforward:
- Follow the official First Step application link below.
- Register or sign in to the IASME Supplier Assurance Tool.
- Confirm your organisation’s eligibility.
- Purchase your assessment at the discounted price.
- Complete and submit your assessment within six months of purchase.
The discount is applied automatically for eligible organisations purchasing through the designated IASME application process.
Apply before 31 March 2027
Funding is time-limited. Eligible organisations must purchase their assessment before 31 March 2027, although they will then have six months to complete and submit it.
Claim Your 75% Cyber Essentials Discount
About Unity Metrix
Unity Metrix is an authorised Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus Certification Body, providing independent cybersecurity assessment and certification services to UK organisations.
Our experienced cybersecurity professionals help businesses understand their certification requirements and improve their security posture.
If your organisation is not eligible for the government-funded discount, you can still obtain Cyber Essentials certification through Unity Metrix at the standard assessment price.
This really is an excellent offer!