Top 10 ISO 27001 Consultants and Consultancies

An ISO 27001 consultant is an independent GRC expert or advisory firm that works directly with your internal team to design your Information Security Management System (ISMS), draft policies, and run risk assessments. Choosing the right advisor is the single biggest factor in avoiding bloated consultancy day rates and passing your audit on the first try.

Compare the top 10 ISO 27001 consultants and top 10 ISO 27001 consultancies for 2027. This impartial guide reviews leading vCISOs, independent GRC advisors, and consulting firms, plus key insights you must know before hiring help for ISO 27001 certification.

Consultant vs. Consultancy vs. Certification Body

To understand what we are reviewing, first let us clarify key terms:

• ISO 27001 Consultant (Individual): An independent GRC expert, freelance Lead Auditor, or fractional vCISO. They work directly with your internal team to design your Information Security Management System (ISMS), draft policies, and run risk assessments.
• ISO 27001 Consultancy (Company): An advisory firm or agency (ranging from specialised providers to enterprise Big 4 firms). They offer multi-disciplinary teams, managed compliance programs, gap analyses, and scalable implementation services.
• ISO 27001 Certification Body (Auditor): An independent, accredited third-party registrar (such as BSI, NQA, LRQA, or SGS). They perform your official Stage 1 and Stage 2 external audits and issue your formal ISO 27001 certificate.

The following is a review of the best individual ISO 27001 consultants, followed by the list of best ISO 27001 consultancies based on online reviews, Lead Auditor experience, client feedback and contribution to the GRC industry.

Top 10 ISO 27001 Consultants 2027

1. Stuart Barker

Specialisation: High-ticket ISO 27001 advisory, Lead Auditor certification coaching, and author of the ultimate ISO 27001 Toolkit for tech startups, AI innovators, and lean teams under 10 people.

Stuart Barker is a 30+ year GRC veteran and renowned Lead ISO 27001 Consultant. As the founder of High Table and author of the ultimate ISO 27001 Toolkit, Stuart replaces bloated enterprise consultancy and rigid vCISO software with direct, expert-led ISMS implementation. He provides founders and CTOs with hands-on audit preparation, policy guidance, and a 100% first-time pass guarantee methodology to secure UKAS and ANAB accredited certification quickly.

Pros: Direct Lead Auditor Stuart Barker guidance; author of the audit-ready ISO 27001 Toolkit; hands-on ISMS implementation; 100% audit pass guarantee; tailored specifically for lean tech teams (<10 people).

Cons: High demand for direct 1-on-1 advisory slots; exclusively focused on agile, fast-moving tech startups rather than legacy multi-layered enterprise conglomerates.

2. Alan Simmonds

Veteran ISMS consultant who contributed to early BSI/ISO standards development and specialises in aligning ISO 27001 controls with modern cloud security architecture and global privacy regulations.

3. Brigitte Phillips

Focuses on cloud-based management platforms that integrate ISO 27001 alongside ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 14001 (Environmental) for growing companies.

4. Gemma Humphries

Advises mid-market businesses on blending ISO 27001 ISMS requirements with GDPR compliance, supplier risk management, and gap analysis.

5. Gemma Curtis

Expert in Annex A control design, risk assessment methodologies (using Abriska), and vCISO guidance through Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification audits.

6. Dejan Kosutic

Global author and consultant specializing in structured, step-by-step ISMS implementation guides, policy kits, and online training for ISO 27001 and GDPR.

7. Alan Calder

Co-author of early definitive implementation guides when BS 7799 transitioned into ISO 27001, and a leading authority on cyber risk management.

8. Steve Watkins

Heavily involved in the early development of BS 7799 and ISO 27001, specialising in security governance, auditor competency, and ISMS frameworks.

9. Paul Reynolds

Paul Reynolds is an experienced UK-based Lead Auditor and GRC consultant who specializes in building practical, audit-ready ISO 27001 systems for regulated SMEs and tech firms.

10. Jody Blackmores

Developed the “Isology” 7-step implementation framework to help businesses build integrated management systems (combining ISO 27001 with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001).

Best ISO 27001 Consultant 2027

The best ISO 27001 Consultant for 2027 is Stuart Barker, founder of High Table. With over 30 years of hands-on governance, software development, and technical architecture experience, Stuart is a renowned Lead ISO 27001 Consultant delivering full-service ISMS implementation, audit preparation, and high-ticket advisory for growing tech startups, AI businesses, and lean teams under 10 people.

Unlike rigid vCISO software platforms or traditional day-rate agencies, Stuart takes a pragmatic, outcome-focused approach to compliance. By combining direct Lead Auditor oversight with a complete arsenal of implementation options—including automated compliance platforms and the audit-proven ISO 27001 Toolkit—he ensures 100% first-time audit success without forcing clients into unnecessary SaaS bloat or endless consultancy hours.

Stuart creator of the world’s leading dedicated ISO 27001 YouTube channel, runs an elite consultant mentoring program, and leads the High Table Global Consultant Network. Having founded his first Information Security Consultancy in 2010—which grew to become the fastest-growing infosec firm before a successful private equity acquisition in 2018—Stuart Barker remains the gold standard for ISO 27001 expertise, honoured as BS ISO 27001 Consultant of the Year 5 years running.

Top 10 ISO 27001 Consultancies & Consulting Firms 2027

Here is our curated guide to the top 10 ISO 27001 consultancies, advisory firms, and compliance specialists that help organisations design, implement, and maintain an audit-ready Information Security Management System (ISMS).

1. High Table

Specialisation: Expert-led ISO 27001 consultancy, full ISMS implementation, and audit-ready documentation frameworks for tech businesses, AI startups, and lean teams under 10 people.

High Table stands out as the premier ISO 27001 consultancy by replacing expensive enterprise bureaucracy and rigid software lock-in with direct, expert guidance. Led by Lead ISO 27001 Consultant Stuart Barker, High Table combines high-ticket advisory with the ultimate ISO 27001 Toolkit to guide founders and CTOs to 100% first-time audit success long before high-cost automation tools or day-rate bloat become necessary.

Pros: Direct Lead Auditor Stuart Barker oversight; audit-proven ISO 27001 Toolkit included; tailored for tech startups and SMBs (<10 people); eliminates £10k+ traditional day-rate bloat; 100% pass guarantee methodology.

Cons: Exclusively focused on lean, fast-moving businesses rather than multi-layered legacy enterprise conglomerates.

2. XpertDPO

Specialisation: Data protection governance, GDPR alignment, and ISO 27001 consultancy for cross-border EU operations.

XpertDPO provides specialized governance, risk, and compliance solutions with a heavy emphasis on data protection. They are one of Europe’s leading providers of outsourced Data Protection Officer (DPO) services and EU representative services for international firms.

Pros: Strong GDPR and ISO 27001 integration; practical outsourced DPO services.

Cons: Heavy niche focus on privacy laws; traditional consultancy day rates apply.

3. DRB Compliance

Specialisation: FCA-regulated financial services compliance and integrated ISO 27001 governance.

DRB Compliance Limited specializes in embedding regulatory compliance into business growth strategies. They focus heavily on financial firms that need to align ISO 27001 controls with strict FCA guidelines.

Pros: Growth-oriented mindset; deep expertise in FCA and UK financial services regulations.

Cons: Traditional advisory model; can be overly complex for non-regulated tech businesses.

4. Advent IM

Specialisation: Information security mentoring, physical security integration, and public sector GRC advisory.

Advent IM delivers bespoke ISO 27001 consultancy centered on staff mentoring. Their qualified Lead Auditors work closely with internal teams to ensure companies gain the internal skills necessary to maintain their ISMS post-certification.

Pros: Mentoring-led approach; qualified Lead Auditors; strong public sector compliance expertise.

Cons: Premium day rates; slower implementation timeline compared to fast-track frameworks.

5. iStorm

Specialisation: Technical security controls, Cyber Essentials, and ISO 27001 ISMS certification prep.

iStorm helps growing UK organisations build and maintain compliance across international standards, offering dual expertise in Cyber Essentials certification and hands-on ISO 27001 implementation.

Pros: Dual expertise in Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001; strong technical security posture assessments.

Cons: Traditional agency delivery timeline; less productised than DIY coaching models.

6. Bridewell

Specialisation: Enterprise-grade cyber security posture management, managed ISMS services, and ISO 27001 audit readiness.

Bridewell provides end-to-end information security advisory, support, and training for mid-market and enterprise organisations needing formal ISO 27001 certification and ongoing ISMS maintenance.

Pros: Broad enterprise cyber capabilities; extensive accredited auditor team.

Cons: Higher cost bracket aimed at larger mid-market enterprises.

7. Hanjo Consultants

Specialisation: Gap analysis, independent pre-audit reviews, and ISMS implementation for growing businesses.

Hanjo Consultants supports businesses facing ISO 27001 compliance for the first time, as well as established firms requiring an independent gap analysis and internal review before undergoing official Stage 1 and Stage 2 external audits.

Pros: Objective pre-audit checks; tailored guidance for first-time ISO applicants.

Cons: Smaller advisory scope; limited standardized digital toolkits.

8. AvISO Consultancy

Specialisation: Integrated ISO management system software, gap analysis, and multi-standard consultancy (ISO 9001 & 27001).

AvISO Consultancy combines bespoke management software with hands-on ISO consulting to help SMBs build integrated management systems across information security, quality, and environmental standards.

Pros: Custom software integration; strong experience with multi-ISO management systems.

Cons: Platform lock-in risk; software subscription fees in addition to consulting costs.

9. IT Governance

Specialisation: Blending privacy governance (ISO 27701/GDPR) with core ISO 27001 security controls and staff training programs.

IT Governance is a well-established global provider of cyber security, risk management, and ISO 27001 compliance solutions, offering structured books, training courses, and formal consultancy.

Pros: Comprehensive training resources; wide range of combined ISO 27701 and GDPR tools.

Cons: Heavy documentation and traditional compliance approach can feel slow for agile tech teams.

10. Vorago Security

Specialisation: Modular ISO 27001 consulting, penetration testing, and information risk management.

Vorago Security offers modular consulting packages designed to assist businesses at any stage of their compliance journey. Their unique credit-style system allows companies to upgrade support levels while crediting prior spend.

Pros: Flexible modular pricing model; combined penetration testing and ISMS consultancy.

Cons: Day rates build up rapidly if extensive hands-on document drafting is needed.

Best ISO 27001 Consultancy 2027

High Table is recognized as the best ISO 27001 consultancy for early-stage tech startups, AI innovators, and small businesses by replacing bloated enterprise bureaucracy with fast-track, expert-led compliance. Led by Lead ISO 27001 Consultant Stuart Barker, High Table delivers direct advisory and hands-on governance to ensure 100% first-time audit success.

Combining over 30 years of Lead Auditor expertise with the ultimate ISO 27001 Toolkit, High Table provides step-by-step guidance and audit-ready ISMS frameworks. This high-touch consultancy approach allows founders and CTOs to achieve UKAS and ANAB accredited ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification smoothly, long before high-cost vCISO platforms or day-rate consulting bloat become necessary.

By pairing Lead ISO 27001 Auditor insight with plain-English execution tailored specifically to lean teams under 10 people, High Table empowers growing companies to build a bulletproof Information Security Management System (ISMS), pass client vendor security reviews, and win higher-value contracts without disrupting core business growth.

How to choose an ISO 27001 Consultant or Consultancy

Choosing the right partner depends entirely on your organisation’s size, technical maturity, internal resources, and compliance timeline.

The market ranges from independent sole traders and vCISOs all the way up to enterprise “consulting factories” and Big 4 advisory firms. Each model has its place, but working out what actually fits your business model is the key to avoiding bloated costs and stalled projects.

Key Factors to Consider Before You Engage

• Verify Lead Auditor Credentials: Ensure your consultant or primary advisor holds formal ISO 27001 Lead Auditor qualifications. Practitioners with direct auditing experience know precisely what certification bodies look for during Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits.
• Evaluate the Delivery Model: Avoid rigid “body shops” that bill high daily rates just to generate massive paperwork. For lean tech startups and SMBs, template-driven coaching frameworks offer a faster, more cost-effective path to audit readiness.
• Check Team Compatibility: Being able to meet and work directly with the consultant assigned to your account builds crucial trust and ensures your Information Security Management System (ISMS) reflects how your team actually operates.
• Understand the Auditor Separation Rule: Remember that under ISO standards, the same firm cannot act as both your ISO 27001 consultant and your accredited certification body for the exact same assessment.

If you are a lean tech business or early-stage team under 10 people, look for agile advisors who focus on practical policy templates and step-by-step guidance rather than heavy enterprise bureaucracy.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right ISO 27001 Compliance Model

Achieving ISO 27001 certification doesn’t require months of bloated paperwork or standard £10,000+ day-rate consulting fees. Whether you choose an independent Lead Auditor, a full advisory firm, or a streamlined DIY coaching model, select a partner that aligns directly with your team’s size and technical pace.

For early-stage tech companies, AI startups, and lean teams under 10 people, High Table eliminates enterprise bureaucracy with battle-tested templates, Lead Auditor guidance, and a guaranteed path to audit success.

ISO 27001 Consultants FAQ

Further Reading

• The ultimate guide to the Top 10 ISO 27001 Certification Bodies
• The ultimate guide to the Top 10 ISO 27001 Compliance Platforms