Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a milestone for any organisation. It demonstrates to clients, partners, and regulators that you take information security seriously. But while the benefits are clear, the journey to certification often comes with unexpected hurdles.
At North Signal, we’ve seen how businesses in Manchester and across the North West approach ISO 27001 — and where they sometimes stumble. Here are the main challenges and what you can do to overcome them.
The Hidden Challenges of ISO 27001
One of the first difficulties is understanding the standard itself. ISO 27001 is a comprehensive framework, covering governance, risk management, operational controls, and continuous improvement. For many businesses, especially those without dedicated security teams, this level of structure is entirely new.
Another challenge is balancing compliance with practicality. It’s easy to create policies that look good on paper but don’t reflect how your business actually operates. Auditors can quickly spot the difference.
Time and resources are also common barriers. Certification projects demand attention from across the organisation, not just IT. When businesses underestimate the workload, the process slows down and costs increase.
Steps to Get Ready for ISO 27001
1. Start with a Gap Analysis Before diving in, review your current processes and security posture against ISO 27001 requirements. This will highlight what you already do well and what needs attention.
2. Define the Scope Clearly Decide which systems, processes, and locations will be covered by your Information Security Management System (ISMS). Getting this right early prevents wasted effort later.
3. Build a Practical ISMS Tailor policies, procedures, and controls to fit your business. The goal is an ISMS that supports operations rather than creating unnecessary red tape.
4. Engage Your People Security isn’t just technical. Staff awareness and training are vital to making sure policies are followed day to day.
5. Plan for the Audit Internal audits and management reviews are key steps before the external assessment. Treat them as practice runs to iron out any issues.
Why It Matters
The process may feel demanding, but the payoff is significant. ISO 27001 certification can help you:
Win new business by meeting supply chain and tender requirements. Reassure clients and investors that their data is in safe hands. Reduce risk by embedding stronger security practices across your organisation.
For many Manchester businesses, it’s the difference between competing locally and scaling with national or international clients.
How North Signal Can Help
As experienced ISO 27001 consultants in Manchester, we support businesses through every stage of certification. From gap assessments and risk analysis to audit preparation and staff training, our role is to make the process smoother, faster, and more effective.
ISO 27001 may be challenging, but with the right guidance, it becomes an opportunity — not just a compliance exercise.
North Signal 