Buying guide · Compliance & risk management

Compliance and risk management tools for British small & mid-sized businesses

Skip the overwhelm—these compliance and risk tools help British businesses stay on top of policies, documentation, audits, and security obligations without needing a full-time compliance team.

Everything we recommend

If you want clearer processes and less guesswork around policies, audits, or documentation, start with one of these tools. Then scroll down for deeper breakdowns.

We may earn a small commission if you sign up with any of these tools and services, at no extra cost to you. We only feature tools that are appropriate for British businesses like yours.

Top pick
Adobe Acrobat Sign

Adobe Acrobat Sign

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing robust e-signatures with strong compliance features

Why we like it: Strong compliance with UK data protection standards

Adobe Acrobat Sign is commonly used by UK businesses to manage electronic signatures securely and efficiently. It supports compliance with UK data protection standards and integrates well with popular document workflows, helping reduce paperwork and speed up approvals.

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Runner-up
Arctic Wolf Security Awareness

Arctic Wolf Security Awareness

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking ongoing staff training to support Cyber Essentials compliance

Why we like it: Scenario-based training tailored for SME staff

Arctic Wolf Security Awareness provides security training designed to help staff recognise cyber threats and reduce risk. It offers practical, scenario-based content that can be customised to fit typical SME workflows and compliance needs.

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Also great
Curricula

Curricula

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking straightforward security awareness training with compliance tracking

Why we like it: Clear, practical security awareness content for UK SMEs

Curricula is commonly used by UK small businesses to deliver security awareness training that supports compliance with Cyber Essentials and UK GDPR. It offers practical, easy-to-understand content and tools to track staff progress, helping reduce human-related security risks.

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Who this is for

Compliance and risk management tools like these are a good fit if:

  • Your business handles sensitive customer or employee data and you want to avoid mistakes that could lead to fines, breaches, or reputational damage.
  • You’re required to follow security or privacy frameworks like PIPEDA, SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, or vendor security questionnaires—and need help organizing tasks and documentation.
  • Your team struggles to keep track of policies, approvals, or audit evidence and you want a single place to manage everything.
  • You want clearer visibility into risks across people, processes, or technology without needing compliance experts on staff.
  • You need tools that simplify workflows such as vendor assessments, onboarding, access reviews, or security control checks.

If this sounds like your situation, the compliance tools below offer practical, SMB-friendly ways to stay organized, reduce guesswork, and meet your obligations with less stress.

Top pick

Adobe Acrobat Sign

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing robust e-signatures with strong compliance features

Streamline document signing with secure, compliant workflows

Adobe Acrobat Sign helps SMEs send, sign, track, and manage documents electronically. It is often chosen for its reliable security features and compliance with UK data protection requirements, making it suitable for professional services, charities, and other organisations that handle sensitive information.

A solid default if you just want a reliable, business-ready option.

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Runner-up

Arctic Wolf Security Awareness

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking ongoing staff training to support Cyber Essentials compliance

Helps reduce human risk with tailored security awareness training

Arctic Wolf Security Awareness is used by SMEs to deliver regular, engaging security training to employees. It focuses on helping staff understand common cyber risks and how to respond, supporting compliance with UK standards like Cyber Essentials.

The platform offers adaptable content and reporting tools that make it easier for managers and outsourced IT providers to track progress and identify areas needing attention.

Great if you want similar benefits with a slightly different feature mix.

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Also great

Curricula

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking straightforward security awareness training with compliance tracking

Helps UK SMEs manage compliance training and reduce security risks

Curricula provides security awareness training tailored for UK SMEs, focusing on practical guidance to improve staff understanding of cyber risks. It helps businesses meet compliance requirements by tracking training completion and reinforcing good security habits.

This tool is often chosen for its clear content and straightforward management, making it suitable for organisations with limited IT resources or outsourced support.

Worth a look if the top two don’t quite fit how your team works.

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Detailed breakdowns

If you're evaluating compliance tools, these breakdowns highlight where each product excels, how they simplify audits and risk tracking, and what matters most for growing United Kingdom businesses.

Adobe Acrobat Sign

Our top pick

Streamline document signing with secure, compliant workflows

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing robust e-signatures with strong compliance features

Why teams choose it: Strong compliance with UK data protection standards

Many UK SMEs use Adobe Acrobat Sign to replace manual paper signing processes, improving efficiency and reducing administrative delays. It supports legally binding electronic signatures that comply with UK regulations such as the Data Protection Act 2018 and ICO guidance.

The tool integrates with common business software, allowing users to send documents for signature directly from familiar platforms. This helps teams maintain productivity without switching between multiple apps.

Adobe Acrobat Sign is well suited to organisations that require strong audit trails and compliance controls, such as professional services firms and charities. However, it may be more feature-rich and complex than simpler e-signature tools, so smaller teams with basic needs might find it more than necessary.

Overall, it offers a balance of security, compliance, and integration capabilities that support UK SMEs aiming to digitise document workflows while meeting regulatory expectations.

Where this tool fits best

  • Strong compliance with UK data protection standards
  • Integrates with popular document and workflow software
  • Provides detailed audit trails for signed documents

Things to keep in mind

  • May be more complex than needed for very small teams
  • Pricing can be higher compared to basic e-signature tools
  • Some advanced features require additional setup or training
Compliance & Risk IT Consulting & vCIO

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing robust e-signatures with strong compliance features

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Arctic Wolf Security Awareness

Runner-up

Helps reduce human risk with tailored security awareness training

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking ongoing staff training to support Cyber Essentials compliance

Why teams choose it: Scenario-based training tailored for SME staff

Many UK SMEs use Arctic Wolf Security Awareness to provide ongoing education for their staff about cyber threats such as phishing, social engineering, and data protection. The training is designed to be practical and relevant, helping employees recognise risks in their daily work.

The tool supports compliance efforts by aligning training with UK frameworks like Cyber Essentials and ICO guidance, which is important for organisations handling personal data or seeking to demonstrate good security practices.

Arctic Wolf offers flexible content delivery and reporting features, allowing managers or IT support teams to monitor engagement and tailor training schedules. This can be particularly useful for businesses with mixed office and remote working arrangements.

While the platform is well suited to SMEs wanting structured, ongoing awareness programmes, it may require some initial setup and management time to customise content and review reports. It is often chosen by organisations that value clear, practical training without overly technical detail.

Where this tool fits best

  • Scenario-based training tailored for SME staff
  • Supports Cyber Essentials and UK compliance needs
  • Customisable content to fit business workflows

Things to keep in mind

  • May require time to set up and manage training schedules
  • Less focused on highly technical or advanced security topics
  • Primarily designed for ongoing awareness, not one-off training
Compliance & Risk Cybersecurity

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking ongoing staff training to support Cyber Essentials compliance

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Curricula

Also great

Helps UK SMEs manage compliance training and reduce security risks

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking straightforward security awareness training with compliance tracking

Why teams choose it: Clear, practical security awareness content for UK SMEs

Curricula is designed to help UK small and medium-sized enterprises improve their cybersecurity posture through staff training. Many organisations use it to deliver regular, accessible security awareness sessions that align with UK compliance frameworks such as Cyber Essentials and the Data Protection Act 2018.

The platform offers practical, easy-to-follow content that covers common cyber threats and best practices, helping reduce risks caused by human error. It includes tools to monitor and report on staff training progress, which supports ongoing compliance efforts and internal risk management.

Curricula suits businesses that prefer a straightforward, no-frills approach to security awareness without requiring extensive IT involvement. It works well for organisations with mixed office and remote staff, providing flexible access to training materials.

While it focuses on training and compliance tracking, it may not offer the broader automated compliance monitoring features found in some other tools. This makes it a good fit for SMEs prioritising clear, practical education over complex compliance automation.

Where this tool fits best

  • Clear, practical security awareness content for UK SMEs
  • Supports compliance with Cyber Essentials and UK GDPR
  • Easy to track and report staff training progress

Things to keep in mind

  • Less automation for compliance monitoring compared to some competitors
  • May require manual effort to integrate with wider IT systems
  • Focused mainly on training, not full compliance management
Compliance & Risk Cybersecurity

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking straightforward security awareness training with compliance tracking

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CyberHoot

Helps UK SMEs manage cybersecurity training and compliance tasks

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking a straightforward platform for staff security awareness and compliance tracking

Why teams choose it: Simple platform for assigning and tracking security training

CyberHoot is designed to help UK small and medium-sized businesses deliver ongoing cybersecurity training and manage compliance-related tasks efficiently. Many organisations use it to assign regular security awareness modules to staff, track their progress, and maintain records that support Cyber Essentials and UK GDPR compliance.

The platform is straightforward, making it suitable for businesses without dedicated IT security teams. It allows managers or outsourced IT providers to schedule training and send reminders, helping to keep security top of mind for employees.

While CyberHoot covers essential training and policy management, it may not offer the advanced automation or extensive content libraries found in some other tools. It is best suited to SMEs looking for a practical, no-frills solution to improve staff awareness and support compliance documentation.

Overall, CyberHoot can be a useful part of a broader cybersecurity approach, especially for organisations aiming to meet UK-specific standards and reduce human-related risks.

Where this tool fits best

  • Simple platform for assigning and tracking security training
  • Supports Cyber Essentials and UK GDPR awareness efforts
  • Useful for SMEs without dedicated IT security staff

Things to keep in mind

  • Content library less extensive than some competitors
  • Limited advanced automation features for training management
  • May require manual oversight to ensure staff engagement
Compliance & Risk Cybersecurity

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking a straightforward platform for staff security awareness and compliance tracking

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DocuSign

Streamline document signing with secure, compliant workflows

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing trusted electronic signatures for contracts and approvals

Why teams choose it: Widely recognised and trusted electronic signature platform

Many UK SMEs use DocuSign to simplify the process of obtaining electronic signatures on contracts, agreements, and internal approvals. It is particularly helpful for organisations that need to reduce administrative overhead and speed up workflows without compromising on security or compliance.

DocuSign supports compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by providing secure storage and audit trails for signed documents. This can assist businesses aiming to meet Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001 standards.

The platform is suitable for teams with mixed working arrangements, including remote or hybrid setups, as it allows signatories to approve documents from any device. However, smaller businesses with very simple signing needs might find it more feature-rich than necessary.

While DocuSign integrates with many popular business tools, some SMEs may find the pricing higher compared to more basic alternatives. It is best suited to organisations that value a well-established, widely recognised solution with strong compliance features.

Where this tool fits best

  • Widely recognised and trusted electronic signature platform
  • Supports compliance with UK GDPR and audit requirements
  • Accessible on multiple devices for remote or hybrid teams

Things to keep in mind

  • May be more expensive than simpler signing tools
  • Feature set can be complex for very small businesses
  • Some advanced features require higher-tier plans
Compliance & Risk IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing trusted electronic signatures for contracts and approvals

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Drata

Streamlines compliance monitoring and simplifies audit readiness

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking automated compliance tracking with clear reporting

Why teams choose it: Automates evidence collection for compliance audits

Many UK SMEs use Drata to support compliance with frameworks like Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, and the Data Protection Act 2018. It automates the tracking of security controls by connecting to cloud services, identity providers, and endpoint management tools, reducing the need for manual evidence gathering.

Drata is particularly useful for businesses with some internal IT resource or outsourced IT support that want to maintain continuous compliance without dedicating excessive time to paperwork. It provides dashboards and reports that help managers and auditors understand compliance status at a glance.

While Drata offers strong automation and integration capabilities, it may require some initial setup and familiarity with compliance requirements to get the most value. It is best suited to organisations aiming for recognised certifications or those needing to demonstrate ongoing compliance to clients or regulators.

Where this tool fits best

  • Automates evidence collection for compliance audits
  • Integrates with common cloud and identity platforms
  • Provides clear dashboards for compliance status

Things to keep in mind

  • Initial setup can be time-consuming for smaller teams
  • May require some compliance knowledge to configure properly
  • Primarily focused on compliance, less on broader security training
Compliance & Risk Cybersecurity

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking automated compliance tracking with clear reporting

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HelloSign (Dropbox Sign)

Simplifies electronic signatures for faster document approvals

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward, reliable e-signatures with Dropbox integration

Why teams choose it: Easy to use with a clean, simple interface

HelloSign (Dropbox Sign) is designed to simplify the process of obtaining electronic signatures, which can be especially useful for UK SMEs looking to reduce administrative delays. It is commonly used to sign contracts, agreements, and other documents without the need for printing or scanning.

Many organisations appreciate its integration with Dropbox, allowing documents stored in the cloud to be signed directly, which helps maintain a smooth workflow. The interface is straightforward, making it accessible for teams without dedicated IT support.

While it covers essential e-signature needs well, it may not offer as many advanced customisation or automation features as some other tools. It suits businesses that prioritise ease of use and reliable compliance with UK electronic signature standards, including adherence to UK GDPR and related guidance.

Overall, HelloSign (Dropbox Sign) is a practical choice for SMEs that want to speed up document signing processes with minimal disruption and good integration into existing cloud storage practices.

Where this tool fits best

  • Easy to use with a clean, simple interface
  • Strong integration with Dropbox cloud storage
  • Supports legally recognised electronic signatures

Things to keep in mind

  • Fewer advanced customisation options than some competitors
  • Limited automation features for complex workflows
  • May not suit organisations needing extensive compliance reporting
Cloud Services Compliance & Risk

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward, reliable e-signatures with Dropbox integration

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Hook Security

Helps reduce compliance risks with staff security training

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking practical security awareness to support Cyber Essentials

Why teams choose it: Focused on practical, scenario-based security training

Hook Security is designed to provide straightforward, engaging security awareness training for SMEs, focusing on practical risks like phishing and social engineering. It is often chosen by organisations that want to improve staff understanding of cyber threats without overwhelming them with technical detail.

The platform typically delivers short, scenario-based lessons that fit into busy work schedules, making it easier for teams to complete training regularly. This approach supports ongoing risk reduction and helps meet Cyber Essentials or similar UK compliance frameworks.

While it offers clear benefits in raising awareness, Hook Security may be best suited to businesses with some existing IT support or management who can coordinate training schedules and monitor progress. It is less focused on automated compliance reporting compared to some other tools, so organisations looking for detailed audit trails might consider this.

Overall, it provides a practical way for UK SMEs to strengthen their human firewall and reduce the chance of costly security incidents caused by staff mistakes.

Where this tool fits best

  • Focused on practical, scenario-based security training
  • Supports Cyber Essentials compliance efforts
  • Engaging content suitable for non-technical staff

Things to keep in mind

  • Less emphasis on automated compliance reporting
  • May require internal coordination to manage training schedules
  • Not a full compliance management platform
Compliance & Risk Cybersecurity

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking practical security awareness to support Cyber Essentials

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Hoxhunt

Helps reduce phishing risks through ongoing staff training

Best for: Best for UK SMEs wanting continuous, automated phishing awareness training

Why teams choose it: Automates phishing simulation and training emails

Many UK SMEs use Hoxhunt to maintain staff vigilance against phishing attacks, which remain a common cause of security breaches. The tool automates the delivery of simulated phishing emails and interactive training, making it easier to keep awareness high without heavy administrative effort.

Hoxhunt is particularly suited to organisations with mixed office and remote workers, as it delivers training directly to employees' inboxes. It encourages reporting of suspicious emails, helping IT teams identify potential threats early.

While it focuses on phishing awareness, it may not cover broader compliance training needs such as data protection or wider cybersecurity policies. SMEs looking for a simple, ongoing phishing training solution often find it practical, but those needing comprehensive compliance management might consider additional tools.

Where this tool fits best

  • Automates phishing simulation and training emails
  • Encourages staff to report suspicious emails
  • Supports ongoing risk reduction with minimal admin

Things to keep in mind

  • Focused mainly on phishing, not full compliance training
  • May require integration with other security tools
  • Some users may find frequent simulations disruptive
Compliance & Risk Cybersecurity

Best for: Best for UK SMEs wanting continuous, automated phishing awareness training

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Jotform Sign

Simplifies secure electronic signatures for faster document approval

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward, compliant e-signatures with easy setup

Why teams choose it: Easy to use with minimal setup required

Many UK small businesses use Jotform Sign to streamline the signing of contracts, agreements, and compliance documents. It is particularly useful for organisations that already use Jotform for data collection, as it integrates seamlessly with existing forms to automate signature requests.

The tool supports compliance with UK data protection standards and offers a straightforward signing process that can be completed on various devices. This makes it suitable for teams with mixed levels of technical experience and those working remotely or in hybrid setups.

While Jotform Sign provides a practical solution for basic to moderate e-signature needs, it may lack some advanced features found in more established competitors. It is best suited for SMEs prioritising ease of use and quick deployment over extensive customisation or enterprise-level integrations.

Where this tool fits best

  • Easy to use with minimal setup required
  • Integrates well with online forms for automated workflows
  • Supports legally binding e-signatures under UK standards

Things to keep in mind

  • Fewer advanced features compared to some competitors
  • Limited customisation options for complex workflows
  • May not suit organisations needing extensive integrations
Compliance & Risk IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward, compliant e-signatures with easy setup

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KnowBe4

Helps reduce human risk with security awareness training

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking to improve staff cybersecurity awareness and meet Cyber Essentials

Why teams choose it: Comprehensive security awareness training content

KnowBe4 is designed to help UK small and medium-sized businesses improve their cybersecurity posture by educating employees about common threats such as phishing and social engineering. Many organisations use it to deliver ongoing training that fits around busy work schedules, helping staff stay aware without significant disruption.

The platform includes simulated phishing campaigns that mimic real-world attacks, allowing businesses to identify vulnerable users and tailor training accordingly. This practical approach supports compliance with Cyber Essentials and the UK GDPR by reducing the risk of data breaches caused by human error.

KnowBe4 suits SMEs with internal teams or those working with outsourced IT providers who want a straightforward way to manage security awareness. While it offers extensive training content, some smaller businesses may find the setup and ongoing management require dedicated time or resource. It is best for organisations committed to regular staff training as part of their wider cybersecurity strategy.

Where this tool fits best

  • Comprehensive security awareness training content
  • Includes phishing simulation campaigns
  • Supports Cyber Essentials compliance efforts

Things to keep in mind

  • Setup and management can be time-consuming for very small teams
  • Training content may be more extensive than some SMEs need
  • Primarily focused on awareness, not technical controls
Compliance & Risk Cybersecurity

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking to improve staff cybersecurity awareness and meet Cyber Essentials

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KnowBe4 Compliance Plus

Helps manage compliance training and reduce regulatory risks

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing structured compliance training with audit-ready reporting

Why teams choose it: Clear tracking of staff compliance training progress

KnowBe4 Compliance Plus is commonly chosen by UK SMEs that need to organise and track compliance training for their staff. It helps businesses assign relevant courses, monitor who has completed them, and generate reports that can be useful for Cyber Essentials, UK GDPR, and other compliance frameworks.

The platform is practical for organisations with internal teams or outsourced IT support who want to reduce the administrative burden of managing compliance training manually. It supports a range of training content focused on security awareness and regulatory requirements.

While it offers useful tracking and reporting features, it may be less suitable for businesses seeking a fully integrated security platform or those requiring extensive customisation. It works best for firms prioritising clear compliance documentation and straightforward training management.

Where this tool fits best

  • Clear tracking of staff compliance training progress
  • Supports audit-ready reporting for UK regulations
  • Suitable for organisations with mixed internal and outsourced teams

Things to keep in mind

  • Less suited for businesses needing broad security platform integration
  • May require time to set up and assign training effectively
  • Limited customisation compared to some competitors
Compliance & Risk Cybersecurity

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing structured compliance training with audit-ready reporting

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Ninjio Security Awareness

Helps reduce human risk with engaging security awareness training

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking short, story-driven staff security training

Why teams choose it: Short, engaging animated episodes fit busy schedules

Ninjio Security Awareness is commonly used by UK small and medium-sized businesses to provide regular, engaging security training to their staff. The tool uses short, story-driven animations that focus on real-world cyber threats, making it easier for employees to understand and remember key security practices.

This approach suits organisations with limited time for training sessions, as episodes typically last just a few minutes. It helps maintain staff awareness over time, which is important for reducing risks like phishing and social engineering attacks.

While it offers a distinctive storytelling style, some SMEs may find the content less customisable compared to other platforms. It works well for teams that prefer concise, consistent training rather than lengthy or highly technical modules.

Overall, Ninjio is a practical choice for UK SMEs aiming to meet Cyber Essentials or internal compliance goals by keeping security awareness ongoing and accessible for all employees.

Where this tool fits best

  • Short, engaging animated episodes fit busy schedules
  • Focuses on real-world cyber threat stories
  • Supports ongoing staff security awareness

Things to keep in mind

  • Limited customisation of training content
  • May not suit teams needing in-depth technical modules
  • Primarily focused on awareness, not technical controls
Compliance & Risk Cybersecurity

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking short, story-driven staff security training

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PandaDoc

Streamline document workflows with secure e-signatures and compliance tracking

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing integrated document management with identity verification

Why teams choose it: Integrated identity verification for signer authentication

PandaDoc is designed to simplify the creation, distribution, and signing of business documents such as contracts, proposals, and agreements. Many UK SMEs use it to reduce paperwork and speed up approval cycles, especially when working with remote or hybrid teams.

Its identity verification features help organisations meet compliance expectations like UK GDPR and Cyber Essentials by ensuring that signers are properly authenticated. This can be particularly useful for professional services firms and regulated sectors.

The platform integrates document management with workflow automation, allowing users to set reminders, track document progress, and maintain audit logs. This supports better record-keeping and risk management without requiring specialist IT knowledge.

While PandaDoc offers a comprehensive set of tools, it may be more suitable for businesses that handle a moderate to high volume of documents and need integrated compliance features. Smaller organisations with simpler signing needs might find more basic tools sufficient.

Where this tool fits best

  • Integrated identity verification for signer authentication
  • Automated workflows reduce manual follow-up
  • Audit trails support compliance and record-keeping

Things to keep in mind

  • May be more complex than needed for very small businesses
  • Pricing can be higher than basic e-signature tools
  • Some advanced features require higher-tier plans
Compliance & Risk IT Consulting & vCIO

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing integrated document management with identity verification

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SafeTitan

Helps SMEs manage staff security training and compliance tracking

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward security awareness and compliance reporting

Why teams choose it: Clear compliance tracking for Cyber Essentials

SafeTitan is often chosen by UK small and medium-sized businesses that want a straightforward way to deliver security awareness training to their staff. It helps organisations meet Cyber Essentials and other UK compliance expectations by providing clear training modules and tracking tools.

The platform focuses on practical, easy-to-understand content that suits teams with limited IT expertise. It allows managers or outsourced IT providers to monitor completion rates and identify areas where further training is needed.

While it offers solid compliance reporting and user-friendly training, it may not have the extensive customisation or advanced features found in some other tools. This makes it a good fit for SMEs prioritising simplicity and clear outcomes over complex configurations.

SafeTitan works well for businesses with mixed in-office and remote staff, helping maintain consistent security awareness across the organisation. It supports ongoing risk reduction by keeping security training manageable and trackable without adding significant administrative burden.

Where this tool fits best

  • Clear compliance tracking for Cyber Essentials
  • User-friendly training modules for non-technical staff
  • Suitable for mixed remote and office teams

Things to keep in mind

  • Limited advanced customisation options
  • May lack some features of larger platforms
  • Primarily focused on security awareness training
Compliance & Risk Cybersecurity

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward security awareness and compliance reporting

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SignEasy

Simplifies document signing with mobile-friendly, secure workflows

Best for: Best for small UK teams needing straightforward, app-based e-signatures

Why teams choose it: User-friendly mobile and desktop apps

SignEasy is often chosen by small UK businesses that require a simple, reliable way to handle electronic signatures without complex setup. It works well for teams that need to sign contracts, agreements, or forms quickly, particularly when staff are remote or frequently out of the office.

The tool supports a variety of document types and integrates with common cloud storage services, which helps reduce manual paperwork and speeds up approval processes. Its mobile apps are designed for ease of use, making it practical for users who prefer signing on smartphones or tablets.

While SignEasy covers essential e-signature needs effectively, it may lack some advanced compliance features or integrations found in more comprehensive platforms. This makes it a good fit for SMEs prioritising ease of use and straightforward workflows over extensive customisation or enterprise-level compliance.

Overall, SignEasy suits UK organisations looking for a cost-effective, accessible solution to reduce administrative delays and improve document turnaround times without requiring specialist IT knowledge.

Where this tool fits best

  • User-friendly mobile and desktop apps
  • Supports multiple common document formats
  • Simple setup suitable for non-technical users

Things to keep in mind

  • Limited advanced compliance and customisation options
  • Fewer integrations compared to some competitors
  • May not suit organisations with complex signing workflows
Compliance & Risk IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for small UK teams needing straightforward, app-based e-signatures

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SignNow

Streamline document signing with secure, compliant workflows

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward e-signatures with strong compliance features

Why teams choose it: Supports legally binding e-signatures recognised in the UK

Many UK SMEs use SignNow to replace paper-based signing processes, saving time and reducing errors. It supports legally binding electronic signatures and provides audit trails that help meet UK compliance requirements such as the Data Protection Act 2018 and Cyber Essentials.

SignNow is suitable for organisations that need a straightforward, reliable tool without complex setup. It integrates with popular platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, which helps teams maintain productivity without switching between multiple apps.

While it offers strong compliance and ease of use, some users may find advanced customisation options limited compared to other tools. It works well for businesses with moderate signing volumes and those prioritising clear, compliant workflows over extensive feature sets.

Where this tool fits best

  • Supports legally binding e-signatures recognised in the UK
  • Integrates with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
  • Provides audit trails to support compliance needs

Things to keep in mind

  • Fewer advanced customisation options than some competitors
  • May be less suited for very high-volume signing needs
  • Limited offline signing capabilities
Compliance & Risk IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward e-signatures with strong compliance features

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Vanta

Streamlines compliance monitoring and risk management for SMEs

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing automated Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001 compliance tracking

Why teams choose it: Automates compliance tracking for Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001

Many UK SMEs use Vanta to automate the process of monitoring and documenting compliance with standards such as Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001. It continuously scans systems and policies to identify gaps and helps maintain evidence needed for audits, reducing the time spent on manual checks.

Vanta is particularly useful for businesses with limited internal IT resources or those relying on outsourced IT support, as it provides clear dashboards and alerts to keep compliance on track. It supports a range of integrations to gather data from cloud services and internal systems.

While it offers strong automation and reporting features, some smaller organisations may find the setup and ongoing management require a moderate level of IT familiarity or external support. It is best suited to firms committed to maintaining formal compliance programmes rather than those seeking only basic security awareness.

Overall, Vanta helps UK SMEs reduce compliance risk and improve audit readiness by simplifying evidence collection and control monitoring, making it a practical choice for growing businesses with regulatory expectations.

Where this tool fits best

  • Automates compliance tracking for Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001
  • Provides continuous security monitoring and risk alerts
  • Clear dashboards simplify audit preparation

Things to keep in mind

  • Setup may require some IT knowledge or external help
  • Ongoing management can be time-consuming for very small teams
  • Primarily focused on formal compliance, less on basic security training
Compliance & Risk Cybersecurity

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing automated Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001 compliance tracking

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Zoho Sign

Streamline document signing with secure, compliant e-signatures

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward, legally compliant digital signatures

Why teams choose it: Supports multiple file formats for signing

Zoho Sign is designed to support small and medium-sized UK businesses in digitising their document signing processes. It is commonly used for contracts, agreements, and compliance forms, helping reduce manual paperwork and administrative delays. The tool supports multiple file formats and offers audit trails to assist with record-keeping and compliance with UK GDPR and related regulations.

Many SMEs appreciate Zoho Sign for its integration capabilities, especially with other Zoho applications and widely used platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. This can help streamline workflows by keeping document management within familiar environments. The interface is generally straightforward, making it accessible for teams without dedicated IT support.

While Zoho Sign covers essential e-signature needs well, it may not offer as many advanced customisation or automation features as some competitors. It suits organisations looking for a reliable, cost-effective solution rather than those requiring complex, enterprise-level contract management. Overall, it is a practical choice for UK SMEs aiming to improve efficiency and maintain compliance in their signing processes.

Where this tool fits best

  • Supports multiple file formats for signing
  • Integrates well with Zoho and common business apps
  • Provides audit trails for compliance record-keeping

Things to keep in mind

  • Fewer advanced customisation options than some competitors
  • May lack some automation features for complex workflows
  • Limited brand recognition compared to larger e-signature providers
Compliance & Risk IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward, legally compliant digital signatures

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airSlate SignNow

Streamline document signing with secure, compliant workflows

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward e-signatures with compliance tracking

Why teams choose it: Simple interface suitable for non-technical users

airSlate SignNow is often chosen by UK SMEs looking to simplify their document signing processes without complex setup. It provides a straightforward platform for sending, signing, and tracking documents electronically, which can help reduce administrative delays and improve workflow efficiency.

The tool includes features such as audit trails and role-based access, supporting compliance with UK data protection requirements like GDPR and Cyber Essentials. This makes it suitable for professional services, charities, and other organisations that need to maintain clear records of consent and approvals.

While it offers solid core functionality, some users may find it less feature-rich compared to larger competitors, especially for advanced customisation or integration needs. It works well for teams that want a reliable, easy-to-use signing solution without extensive IT involvement.

Where this tool fits best

  • Simple interface suitable for non-technical users
  • Supports UK GDPR and Cyber Essentials compliance needs
  • Provides audit trails for document signing

Things to keep in mind

  • Fewer advanced features compared to some competitors
  • Limited integrations with other business software
  • May require some training for complex workflows
Compliance & Risk IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward e-signatures with compliance tracking

See pricing

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