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PGI helps organisations stay ahead of cyber threats through attacker-led thinking, technical expertise and a strong people-first culture.
14 July 2026
Shortlisted for Best Place to Work at the SPARKies, Protection Group International pairs technical expertise with a culture that encourages curiosity, challenge and fresh thinking.
In a world where cyber threats can evolve overnight, Protection Group International takes an unusual approach to staying ahead.
“We have people who can imitate cyber criminals and probe how deep into an organisation’s systems they can get, both digital and physical” explains Karis Bouher, who leads marketing and communications across the business.
It is a mindset that not only shapes how the company protects its clients, but also creates an environment where continuous learning, trust and collaboration thrive.
“It was really exciting to hear we’d been shortlisted,” she says. “We’re a human-led organisation. Everything we deliver depends on our people, so recognition like this really matters to the team.”
Protection Group International works across cybersecurity, helping organisations manage risk in increasingly complex digital environments.
“We help clients navigate cyber security threats, from protecting customer data to tackling online harms,” says Karis. “A lot of what we do sits in very specialist areas, so no two challenges are the same.”
The business supports a mix of UK and international clients, delivering everything from penetration testing to strategic advisory work.
“Many organisations focus on technology alone,” Karis explains. “We combine technical capability with human thinking, often approaching problems from an attacker’s perspective to uncover risks others might miss.”
With the pace of change in cyber threats accelerating, staying static is not an option.
“The threat landscape has changed hugely,” says Karis. “It used to evolve more slowly, but now it can shift week to week. As soon as new technology appears, it creates new opportunities for attackers.”
To counter this, the team regularly tests systems in real-world scenarios, from probing websites and AI chatbots to simulating how threats might emerge.
“Red teaming is a big part of what we do,” she says. “It’s about asking, if someone wanted to break this, how would they do it? Then, fixing those weaknesses before they become a real problem.”
It is a hands-on approach that reflects the energy within the team.
“They genuinely enjoy the challenge,” Karis adds. “There’s a sense of curiosity in the work, which keeps things interesting and keeps people engaged.”
This way of working is a key reason why Protection Group International has built a strong reputation as an employer.
The business now has around 110 people across Bristol and London, with a flexible approach to how and where people work.
“We don’t expect people to be in the office all the time,” says Karis. “There’s a high level of trust. People are given responsibility and ownership, and that creates a positive environment.”
Collaboration is central to how the business operates. Teams regularly work across different projects and disciplines, giving employees the opportunity to learn from one another and build connections across the organisation.
“There’s a real willingness to support each other,” she says. “That comes from the leadership as well. It creates a culture where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and learning from those around them.”
Maintaining that culture in a hybrid setting is supported by structured onboarding, regular communication and dedicated knowledge sharing sessions. Social events throughout the year also help bring the team together in person.
While the company works with clients across the UK and internationally, its South West base remains an important part of its identity.
“Bristol is a really strong tech hub,” says Karis. “There’s a great pool of talent and it’s well connected to places like Cheltenham.”
Being part of that ecosystem allows the business to attract skilled people while developing its own culture and way of working.
Artificial intelligence is a growing focus for both the company and its clients.
“We’re seeing a lot of demand from organisations asking how they can use AI safely,” Karis explains. “They want to know if their systems are set up properly and whether there are risks they haven’t considered.”
Protection Group International is helping clients answer those questions by applying the same testing mindset used across its wider work.
“Our teams understand how threat actors operate,” she says. “They can test AI systems in the same way and make sure they’re secure from the outset.”
As the business continues to grow, its focus remains on combining technical expertise with a strong, supportive culture.
“The challenges will keep evolving, and that’s part of what makes it so interesting,” says Karis. “There’s always something new to solve.”
When asked what being shortlisted for Best Place to Work means, Karis reflects “it shows we’ve created an environment where people can do their best work, and that’s something we’re really proud of.”
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