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.
Section 01
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 published price, certification speed, platform delivery, and bundled insurance.
Section 02
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.
Section 03
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).
Section 04
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.
Section 05
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.
Section 06
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.
Section 07
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
Section 08
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.
Related solutions