Hubtel IT grows team to drive AI & cyber security push

Hubtel IT has expanded its workforce by 25% as the Midlands-based IT consultancy positions itself around artificial intelligence and cybersecurity work for small and medium-sized businesses.

The company said it has added three roles and now employs 15 staff. Hubtel IT also set a turnover target of more than £2.5m in 2026 after reporting turnover of just under £2.3m in 2025.

Hubtel IT said it currently serves nearly 400 customers. The company operates from Nether Whitacre, near Birmingham. Neil Bayliss founded the business in 2002 from his parents' home in Birmingham.

New hires

The recruits are Marketing Manager Craig Potts, Tech Help Desk Manager Michelle Loveland and IT Support Engineer Jake Barwell.

Hubtel IT linked the recruitment drive to its plans around AI, which it described as both a business opportunity and a security risk for clients.

"Amid the rise of AI as a threat to and an opportunity, there is still no substitute for great people, which is why we've brought in Craig, Michelle and Jake to help us move to the next level," said Neil Bayliss, CEO, Hubtel IT.

Bayliss also pointed to the pace of change in the technology sector. "Hubtel's story is one of steady growth and adapting to the ever-changing tech innovation. At no time in our 24 years has that innovation been advancing faster than now, due to the advent of AI," said Bayliss.

SME market

The company framed its expansion around the UK's small business base. It cited figures that SMEs account for 99% of UK companies, representing 5.5m businesses. Hubtel IT also cited figures that SMEs employ 60% of UK workers and deliver 60% of GDP.

Potts said his remit includes commercial and marketing strategy, a broader service portfolio and relationships with partners and clients.

"This is a pivotal moment for Hubtel IT as it reshapes and repositions, ready to move to the next, AI-driven chapter," said Potts.

Loveland said she will focus on customer care processes. "My passion is client relations, specifically delivering a consistently excellent service with a human touch even as AI advances," said Loveland.

Barwell said he will work on day-to-day customer support. "I'm excited to join a team with such a clear vision for the future as we help our customers cautiously embrace AI," said Barwell.

AI focus

Hubtel IT described two areas of AI activity among customers. One track centres on tools, including Chat GPT and Copilot and their integration with Microsoft 365. The second track centres on AI agent solutions and automation in business processes.

The company said AI has changed the cyber threat landscape, including through social engineering. It also said AI adoption requires changes in working practices and staff awareness alongside technical controls.

"Successful adoption requires a consultative approach. Cybersecurity is as much about culture and awareness as it is about tech, and AI is the key risk as well as the key opportunity. It's being used by cyber criminals, but it can also be harnessed by many businesses to drive growth, improve productivity and create more efficient ways of working, " said Bayliss.

He also said that you can only go so far with traditional methods. The time has come for AI to automate those procedures to a greater degree, allowing companies and their staff to concentrate more on long-term growth, strategy, and efficiency.

"In 2025, many businesses, including big brands like JLR and M&S, fell victim to cyberattacks. While organisations continue strengthening their system defences, the rise of AI-driven social engineering means individuals are increasingly being targeted, so each of us must be vigilant," said Bayliss.

Political interest

Rachel Taylor, MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, highlighted the employment impact of SMEs and pointed to cybercrime risks for local businesses.

"It is fantastic to see SMEs driving growth and employment in my constituency. Hubtel IT is combating cyber criminals - a key issue for businesses, including in North Warwickshire and Bedworth, as the recent cyberattack against Jaguar Land Rover has shown," said Rachel Taylor, MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth.

Skills funding

Hubtel IT also referenced government investment in digital and AI skills. The company said the TechFirst programme has committed £187m towards AI and digital skills education across the UK.

The company said it expects its expanded team to take on additional client work tied to AI adoption and cybersecurity services in 2026.