Month: April 2025

At Leaf IT, we’ve always prided ourselves on delivering best-in-class IT solutions, forward-thinking strategy, and cybersecurity excellence to our clients across Ireland and the UK. Now, we’re delighted to announce that our efforts have been recognised at the highest level.

Out of more than 1,000 MSPs across the UK and Ireland that ConnectWise trade with, just 250 meet the standards required to join the ConnectWise Partner Program.

From those, only 11 partners have achieved Pinnacle Partner status – and we’re proud to share that Leaf IT is one of them.

Even more significantly, we’re one of only two Pinnacle Partners in Ireland, marking us as a true leader in the channel when it comes to innovation, service delivery, and strategic growth.

What is a Pinnacle Partner?

The Pinnacle tier is the highest level in the ConnectWise Partner Program – and it’s invite only. Partners who achieve this milestone must demonstrate:

• Consistently high growth rates
• Best-in-class service delivery to end clients
• A forward-thinking mindset and collaborative success in executing mutual action plans

The ConnectWise Partner Program itself is no ordinary recognition. It’s been awarded 5 stars in CRN’s 2025 Partner Program Guide, recognised as an industry-leading initiative that drives innovation, collaboration, and value across the IT channel.

A Legacy of Partnership and Performance

This milestone follows another standout moment for Leaf IT – when we were named ConnectWise Global Cybersecurity Partner of the Year in 2023. It was a major highlight in a year that saw our Cybersecurity practice grow significantly and deliver measurable impact for clients in sectors including manufacturing, professional services, healthcare, and not-for-profit.

We’ve worked hard to align closely with ConnectWise’s vision – and our shared success is a result of that continued commitment.

Driving Cybersecurity Forward – Together

We’re not resting on our laurels. This year, we’re continuing to lead from the front, helping organisations across the island of Ireland prepare for incoming regulations like NIS2 – and we’ll be co-hosting a dedicated NIS2-readiness event with ConnectWise in Dublin this May.

This event will give IT leaders and security professionals the clarity and actionable insight needed to get ahead of compliance, while improving their overall security posture with modern, managed cybersecurity tools.

Find out more and register today by visiting our event page, or get in touch with our team over at Rachel.morrow@leaf-it.com.

Our Commitment to Excellence

Being a Pinnacle Partner is more than just a badge – it’s a reflection of our ongoing drive to deliver value, reduce risk, and give our clients the confidence to grow safely and securely in today’s evolving threat landscape.

To our clients, partners, and team: thank you. This recognition belongs to all of us – and it’s only the beginning.

Want to know how Leaf IT can support your cybersecurity journey or compliance with NIS2?

Get in touch today:

• hello@leaf-it.com
• +44 2890 897650
• Leaf-it.com

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses across the UK and Europe. The NIS2 Directive is a crucial step in strengthening the EU’s cybersecurity framework, with expanded scope, stricter security requirements, and tougher penalties, NIS2 is a regulation that businesses cannot afford to ignore.

More than just a guideline, NIS2 is a legal requirement, and businesses failing to comply could face severe penalties—up to €10 million (£8.6 million) in fines.

What is the NIS2 Directive?

The NIS2 Directive (Directive (EU) 2022/2555) builds upon the original Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive, strengthening cybersecurity measures across the EU. It was introduced to address emerging cyber threats, enhance risk management practices, and improve the resilience of critical infrastructure.

While the UK is no longer an EU member, NIS2 still holds relevance for British businesses, particularly those operating within Europe or handling data and services connected to EU-based clients or suppliers.

Who Does NIS2 Apply to?

NIS2 significantly expands the scope of the original NIS Directive, increasing the number of covered sectors from 7 to 15. By adding 8 new sectors, it ensures broader cybersecurity protections across a wider range of industries and businesses. The 15 sectors impacted by NIS2 are: Energy, Health, Transport, Finance, Water Supply, Digital Infrastructure, Public Administration, Postal Services, Digital Providers, Waste Management, Space, Food, Manufacturing, Chemicals and Research.

NIS2 vs NIS: Key Changes Explained

1. Expanded Scope: NIS2 encompasses additional sectors deemed critical, such as energy, transport, health, and digital infrastructure, thereby increasing the number of organisations required to adhere to its regulations.
2. Enhanced Security Requirements: Organisations must implement comprehensive risk management measures, including incident handling, supply chain security, and encryption, to mitigate cybersecurity threats effectively. ​
3. Stricter Reporting Obligations: Entities are mandated to report significant incidents to relevant authorities within tighter timeframes, ensuring prompt response and mitigation.​
4. Increased Accountability and Fines: NIS2 introduces more stringent supervisory measures and higher penalties for non-compliance, emphasising the importance of adherence to the directive. ​

What Does NIS2 Mean for UK Businesses?

Even though the UK is not bound by EU legislation, British businesses with operations, clients, or supply chains in the EU must align with NIS2 to maintain compliance and avoid penalties. Additionally, the UK government is reviewing its own cybersecurity regulations, which may introduce similar measures in the near future. ​

Preparing for NIS2

1. Assess Your Exposure – Determine whether your organisation falls within the NIS2 scope and identify any areas of potential non-compliance.
2. Strengthen Cybersecurity Measures – Implement risk management policies, supply chain security checks, and employee training programs.
3. Develop a Response Plan – Ensure you have an effective incident reporting system to meet the new rapid notification requirements.
4. Stay Informed – Monitor regulatory updates in both the EU and UK to stay ahead of cybersecurity compliance obligations.

NIS2 Event – Guidance from Industry Experts

To help business leaders navigate these complex legal changes, Leaf IT is hosting a free exclusive Lunch & Learn event at Dublin Chamber on Thursday, 15th May, bringing together industry experts to break down what NIS2 means for your business and how to achieve compliance. To register, complete the online form by clicking here. 

Why Should You Attend the Event?

Not only will you gain an in-depth understanding of the NIS2 Directive, its impact on your business and insight into whether your current cybersecurity setup is compliant. You will walk away with a complete, actionable roadmap to NIS2 compliance tailored for your sector, backed by real-world insights from IT, and regulatory experts at ConnectWise and Nihon Cyber Defence.

Contact Us for NIS2 Compliance Guidance Today

The NIS2 Directive represents a significant step forward in strengthening cybersecurity across Europe. Leaf IT is committed to guiding our clients through this transition, ensuring they remain secure, compliant, and prepared for the future digital landscape.​ To understand what NIS2 means for your business and for ways to stay ahead please reach out to one of our team by clicking here.

Stay informed with the latest in cybersecurity developments by following our blog and reaching out to our team for personalised support.