In episode 31, Mandy Haeburn-Little chats with members of the team at Sir Robert McAlpine, a valued member of our growing portfolio of National Cyber Resilience Centre Group National Ambassadors. Mandy is joined by Andy Black, Chief Information Security Officer, and Rachel Lloyd-Moseley, Head of Procurement - Nuclear.

Sir Robert McAlpine describes itself as a family building and civil engineering company with a desire to be renowned for their work with clients and communities as they construct a better world for future generations.

Sir Robert McAlpine's strong family values indeed come across in the discussion, which looks at the history of the company, the sectors where they work and the inter-department collaboration across a wide variety of projects. The chat also explores why Sir Robert McAlpine joined NCRCG as a National Ambassador and how it is a perfect fit with their commitment to raising awareness of cyber security throughout their supply chain.

It's a fascinating and engaging conversation during which Andy and Rachel provide examples of how the company is embracing AI to achieve greater levels of efficiency and safety.

In episode 30, Mandy Haeburn-Little chats with members of the team at ISC2, the latest National Cyber Resilience Centre Group National Ambassador. Mandy is joined by Ed Parsons, VP, Global Markets & Member Relations; Dr Sanjana Hehta, Senior Director, Advocacy; Andy Woolnough, EVP, Corporate Affairs; and Alex Mortimer, Manager, Global Academic Partnerships.

ISC2 is the world's leading membership association for cybersecurity; it is probably best known for its gold standard certification, CISSP. However, as you will discover on the podcast, there is much more to the organisation. The team talked about the work they do in research, training, and certification. They also explain the vital work they do in advocacy to ensure the relevant policymakers understand the needs of their members in three main areas of focus: workforce development, professionalisation of the sector, and critical issues of the day.

During the discussion, Ed Parsons also explains why ISC2 decided to become a National Ambassador and how they see the NRCRG model as a perfect fit to demonstrate their commitment to making an impact in the UK, particularly in developing and expanding the cyber talent pipeline, and working closely with the regional centres to make a positive impact in local communities.

In Episode 29, we turn on another National Ambassador, Baseel Group. Mandy Haeburn-Little is joined by the dynamic husband-and-wife team that is the driving force behind Baseel. Paresh Deshmukh is the Group CEO, while Poorva Deshmukh is the Group Managing Director.

Baseel is familiar to the CRC network; they have been working with multiple centres as Cyber Essentials Partners, but, in line with their global operation and ambitions, they have become National Ambassadors of the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group. During the conversation, they explained the global nature of the business and how they use specialist partners with particular areas of expertise, which enables them to offer multiple high-quality services and solutions to all customers, regardless of their requirements.

They also explain their appetite for innovation and development, which keeps Baseel at the forefront of technology. Paresh teases listeners by sharing a few of the products in development, such as a Happiness and well-being platform and another to provide end-to-end funding solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Paresh and Poorva also share their reasons for becoming National Ambassadors and their wish to be involved in various workstreams and the Cyber PATH programme, which aligns perfectly with their global Intern Programme. It is clear from the conversation that Baseel has solid values and a desire to give back to the business community. Both Paresh and Poovra speak with passion about the Baseel 'family' and what they are doing to give back to the business community and their charitable work through the Maulee Foundation, an organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable development and improving the lives of marginalised communities around the world.

Once again, it is an open and passionate discussion led by Mandy that reveals the genuine and core values on which Baseel Group is founded.