Cybersecurity: Protecting supplier and customer trust

In his latest column, Greg Du-feu, Managing Director of Dufeu IT, explains why Cybersecurity matters more than ever when it comes to trust between supplier and customer.

In joinery, reputation is everything. You can have the best craftsmanship and the fastest turnaround in the business — but if your clients or suppliers can’t trust your systems, your credibility takes a hit.

A single cyber incident — even a small one — can damage the relationships you’ve spent years building. From missed deadlines to invoice fraud, cybersecurity has become central to how your clients judge reliability.

Here’s why trust and cybersecurity now go hand in hand for modern joinery workshops.

The Digital Supply Chain Reality

Joinery businesses are now part of highly connected supply chains. Quotes, drawings, invoices, and orders are shared online every day. That connectivity makes collaboration easier — but it also means one weak link can compromise everyone.

If your email is hacked or your systems go down, it doesn’t just affect you. It delays contractors, disrupts architects, and frustrates clients.

In today’s environment, your cybersecurity is part of your professional reputation.

How a Breach Breaks Trust

1. Missed Deadlines and Downtime
   A ransomware attack could lock you out of design files or scheduling software for days. Projects stall, subcontractors stop, and clients start looking elsewhere.
2. Invoice Fraud and Payment Scams
   Attackers often impersonate suppliers, sending fake invoices or “updated bank details.” When clients lose money, they don’t blame the hacker — they blame you.
3. Data Leaks
   If customer information (like addresses or designs) is exposed, you’ll have to report it under GDPR. Even small leaks can make clients wary about future projects.

The Cost of Lost Confidence

Reputation loss doesn’t show up on your balance sheet — but it’s often the most expensive consequence.

• Clients delay or cancel new orders.
• Partners remove you from approved supplier lists.
• Insurers raise premiums.

Recovering trust takes months, sometimes years.

How to Build and Maintain Trust

• Be Transparent
  If you ever experience a breach, communicate clearly with affected clients. Honesty builds confidence. Silence destroys it.
• Show Credentials
  Certifications like Cyber Essentials Plus demonstrate proactive responsibility — not just compliance.
• Educate Your Team
  A single well-trained employee can stop an attack before it spreads. Regular training shows customers you take data seriously.
• Secure Your Supply Chain
  Ask your own suppliers about their cybersecurity practices. One weak partner can jeopardise your reputation.
• Promote Your Cybersecurity Commitment
  Include cybersecurity statements in tenders, proposals, and on your website. It reassures clients that their data is safe in your hands.

The New Industry Standard

Many commercial clients now require suppliers to prove their cybersecurity posture before awarding contracts. Within a few years, it’ll be as normal as providing proof of insurance.

Firms that invest early will gain a competitive advantage, while those that delay risk being left behind.

Real-World Example

A joinery company in the South East lost a major retail client after an invoice fraud attack. Although the issue was resolved, the client required Cyber Essentials certification from all future suppliers — and moved their business elsewhere.

Had the company achieved certification earlier, the breach might never have happened.

Final Word

Your clients trust you with their data, their deadlines, and their reputation. Protecting that trust through cybersecurity is now as important as delivering quality workmanship.

Stay connected with Dufeu IT on LinkedIn, connect with me personally, or visit dufeu-it.co.uk/contact to learn how to safeguard your business and your relationships.