The husband-and-wife team behind Regola Digital Consulting share why cyber security is vital for every business in Devon
In this interview, Al Gibson chats to Richard Henson and Emily Godowski, the resourceful couple behind Regola Digital Consulting, about why cyber security matters so much, particularly for small and medium sized businesses. Richard shares his decades of experience helping SMEs protect themselves from online threats, while Emily explains how they guide local companies through practical steps like Cyber Essentials certification. Whether you’re new to cyber security or just want to understand how to keep your business safe, you’ll hear helpful insights, real-life examples and down-to-earth advice. Watch the full interview below or read the edited transcript.
Al Gibson: Hello everyone! I’m here today with Richard Henson and Emily Godowski of Regola Digital Consulting to talk about the crucial topic of cyber security for businesses and why it matters more than ever.
Why Devon?
Al Gibson: So, Richard and Emily, what brought you to Devon and how do you find living here?
Richard Henson: Well, I’ve lived and worked all over the UK. I was a teacher here in Torquay in the 1980s before moving to lecture in IT and Cyber Security. During COVID, I stepped away from academia to launch my own business and coming back to the South West felt like the right move.
Emily Godowski: I grew up in London and Milan, so I’m a real city girl at heart, but I’d always dreamed of living by the sea. After we reconnected in London and started Regola, I moved to Torquay and we married in 2023. I love the pace of life here and the friendly Devon welcome really suits me.
What is Regola Digital Consulting?
Al Gibson: For anyone new to Regola, what do you do?
Richard Henson: Regola, which means ‘rule’ in Italian, reflects our mission to make cyber security simple for small businesses. Cyber Essentials, the UK government-backed certification we specialise in, breaks cyber security down into five clear controls that make a big difference. The five rules are:
1. Use a firewall to secure your Internet connection;
2. Use secure settings for devices and software;
3. Control who has access to data and services;
4. Protect your devices against malware; and
5. Keep devices and software up to date.
Emily Godowski: We recently rebranded with local agency duodot to keep that ‘rule’ concept front and centre. Our logo is a pentagon, five sides for the five controls and we focus on helping businesses stay secure with clear, regular checks.
Working together as a husband-and-wife team
Al Gibson: It can be challenging when couples run a business together!
Emily Godowski: Yes! We’re chalk and cheese in the best way. Richard is the technical expert, he’s brilliant at what he does and I bring the creative energy, the people focus and the practical side. We balance each other out really well.
Richard Henson: We also keep clear boundaries. Weekends are work-free, it’s important to switch off, too.
Al Gibson: Why should small businesses take cyber security seriously?
Richard Henson: Because they’re often the weakest link in the supply chain. Hackers can target small firms to reach bigger ones or just because it’s easy. Cyber Essentials is a practical, cost-effective way to protect yourself.
Emily Godowski: The numbers are worrying — 7 out of 10 businesses hit by a major attack don’t survive a year. Certification helps protect your business and gives you peace of mind.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Al Gibson: So, is Cyber Essentials software?
Richard Henson: No it’s not software, it’s a set of practical security controls. Think of it like an MOT for your IT. It’s a questionnaire and an assessment of how you handle updates, passwords, malware protection and more.
Emily: We guide businesses through that process. Many small businesses don’t have an IT manager so we help explain things in plain English and make sure you meet the standard.
“Cyber Essentials is a set of practical security controls. Think of it like an MOT for your IT. It’s a questionnaire and an assessment of how you handle updates, passwords, malware protection and more.” – Richard Henson.
How the process works
Al Gibson: What does the process look like for a client?
Richard Henson: We’re an IASME Certification Body. You answer the Cyber Essentials questionnaire; we assess it. If needed, we advise on gaps to get you ready. It’s an educational journey as much as an assessment.
Emily Godowski: Once certified, you’re protected against around 80% of common cyber threats, the other 20% is human error. And it comes with free cyber insurance too, which is invaluable if something does go wrong.
Why stay up to date?
Al Gibson: Why is renewal important?
Richard Henson: Certification isn’t a one-off, threats change all the time. Renewing Cyber Essentials each year keeps your defences strong. Think of it as your business’s annual security MOT.
Top tips for individuals and families
Al Gibson: Any advice for families or individuals?
Emily Godowski: Be mindful on social media, don’t overshare on LinkedIn or Facebook. Hackers gather clues from your posts. Check who you connect with, if you don’t know them, don’t accept their request. Regarding the family, see our blog post, Keeping Your Children Safe Online in 2025: What Every Parent Needs to Know.
Richard Henson: Keep your devices, even smart devices like TVs and baby monitors,updated. Old software is an open door to hackers.
Who do you work with?
Al Gibson: Who’s your ideal client?
Richard Henson: SMEs are our sweet spot. Many don’t have an in-house IT team, so we also love partnering with local IT providers to give clients full support.
Emily Godowski: We’d like to have more conversations with hospitality and family-run businesses too — they’re just as vulnerable.
How much does it cost?
Al Gibson: Is having expert cyber security expensive?
Richard Henson: Not at all. Certification for a micro-business starts at just over £300 which is tiny compared to the cost of a breach. Consultancy can be added if you need extra help.
Emily Godowski: And you get cyber insurance included, so it’s a real no-brainer for peace of mind.
How to get in touch
Al Gibson: Brilliant. So how can people find you?
Emily Godowski: Head to www.regoladigitalconsulting.co.uk. We’re also on LinkedIn — just search Regola Digital Consulting.
Richard Henson: We’re always happy to chat and answer questions. Cyber security doesn’t have to be scary, it just needs to become a good habit.
Al: Thank you both, it’s been great hearing your story and insights. All the best with your new branding and your valuable work protecting local businesses!
Also read: Looking for expert cyber security in Devon? Here’s why it matters for small businesses