QG Management Standards review: Cyber Essentials in 2026
A factual review of QG Management Standards as a Cyber Essentials certification body - their multi-standard certification body model, pricing guidance, and where Fig Group differs.
QG Management Standards review: Cyber Essentials in 2026
QG Management Standards is a Burnley-based multi-standard certification body with a long history in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 quality / environmental / health-and-safety certification. They are IASME-licensed for Cyber Essentials too, which makes them an attractive single-supplier option for organisations already buying ISO certification from them. Fig Group differs on price floor, certification speed, platform delivery, and bundled insurance.
Who QG is
- Founded: 1994, Burnley, Lancashire
- Reputation: ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001 certification body, now also IASME-licensed
- IASME-licensed: yes - on the IASME directory
- Scope: Cyber Essentials, CE Plus, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, other management systems
- Model: traditional auditor-led delivery
QG's strength is multi-standard bundling. Organisations already using them for quality or environmental certification can add Cyber Essentials and consolidate supplier relationships.
Pricing and turnaround
QG does not publish headline Cyber Essentials pricing - engagement-quoted. For current figures, see qgmanagementstandards.co.uk. Turnaround reflects their traditional audit model (measured in weeks).
Where QG makes sense
- You are already certified for ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001 with QG. Supplier consolidation is valuable.
- You value a traditional certification-body relationship.
- You prefer a UK-northwest-based auditor.
Where Fig Group positions differently
1. £299.99 + VAT published on the Micro tier. Transparent pricing, no quote call.
2. 6-working-hour SLA on clean Micro submissions.
3. £25k cyber insurance bundled.
4. Platform-first delivery - self-serve online with assessor review.
5. Verifiable IASME licence: 325cdf33-3812-4082-bf8d-7dce7ac02977 on the IASME directory.
The certificate is identical
QG-issued and Fig-issued Cyber Essentials certificates come from the same IASME scheme, valid for the same period, listed on the same directory. The commercial experience differs.
When to consider Fig
- You do not need ISO 9001 / 14001 bundling
- You want published, low pricing
- You have a tight deadline (hours, not weeks)
- You want the bundled insurance
Bottom line
QG is a credible multi-standard certification body with a valid CE offering - a natural fit for organisations already buying ISO 9001 from them. For standalone Cyber Essentials at the lowest published UK price with the fastest turnaround, Fig's Micro tier at £299.99 + VAT is the direct alternative.
Start Cyber Essentials with Fig - from £299.99 + VAT | All pricing tiers | Free readiness check
About the author
Jay Hopkins
Managing Director, Fig Group
Jay Hopkins is the Managing Director of Fig Group and an IASME-licensed Cyber Essentials assessor. He was previously Head of Technology for a global regulated firm. He works with UK organisations across regulated sectors on baseline compliance, supply-chain assurance, and AI-augmented security tooling.
Next step
Ready to get certified?
Get Cyber Essentials certified with Fig. Same-day certification available when you purchase before 12:00 midday. IASME-licensed with transparent pricing from £299.99 + VAT.
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