Wearing Two Hats: Why Neil Ouzman Spends Part of His Week Auditing Information Security
For many business leaders, running a company is more than a full-time role. For Neil Ouzman, Co-Founder and CEO of Nexclowd, it also includes spending part of his week working as an ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Lead Auditor. At first glance, leading a cyber-focused managed services provider and auditing Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) might appear to be two very different jobs. In reality, the two roles complement each other perfectly.
Leading Nexclowd with a Security-First Mindset
Nexclowd was founded on a simple principle: organisations need more than IT support. They need a trusted partner that helps them reduce risk, improve productivity, and build trust beyond compliance. This philosophy is reflected throughout the company's mission and values, which focus on security, governance, Microsoft 365 optimisation, and continual improvement.
As CEO, Neil works with organisations across the UK to help them:
Improve cyber security resilience
Gain greater value from Microsoft 365
Achieve certifications such as Cyber Essentials and ISO/IEC 27001
Build practical governance processes
Reduce operational and compliance risks
Nexclowd's approach is based on making security usable and proportionate rather than creating unnecessary complexity.
Thinking Like an Auditor
Alongside his responsibilities at Nexclowd, Neil also serves as an ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Lead Auditor. According to his professional profile, he is qualified as a Lead Auditor, Internal Auditor and Implementer, helping organisations assess and improve their information security management systems. This role provides a unique perspective.
While many consultants focus purely on implementation, auditors are trained to evaluate whether controls are operating effectively, whether risks are properly managed, and whether organisations can demonstrate evidence of compliance.
The auditor's mindset asks questions such as:
Are security controls actually working?
Can the organisation demonstrate compliance with evidence?
Are risks being identified and treated effectively?
Is management actively supporting information security?
Can the organisation withstand scrutiny from customers, regulators, and certification bodies?
These are the same questions that many businesses face when preparing for certification or responding to supplier due diligence questionnaires.
Bringing Auditor Insight to Clients
One of the biggest advantages of combining CEO and Lead Auditor responsibilities is the ability to view security from both sides of the table.
Neil understands the commercial pressures businesses face. Budgets are finite, resources are stretched, and organisations need practical solutions that support growth.
At the same time, auditing provides direct exposure to how different organisations manage risk, governance, documentation, and security controls. This experience helps identify common weaknesses, effective practices, and areas where businesses can improve before issues become incidents.
The result is a practical approach to compliance.
Rather than implementing controls simply to satisfy a standard, the focus is on building systems that improve security, support business objectives, and stand up to independent audit scrutiny.
Beyond Passing Audits
Many organisations start their compliance journey because a customer, tender requirement, or regulator demands it.
However, the real value lies beyond the certificate on the wall.
A well-implemented Information Security Management System can help organisations:
Reduce the likelihood of security incidents
Improve resilience and business continuity
Strengthen client confidence
Demonstrate accountability
Support growth into regulated markets
Create a culture of continual improvement
This aligns closely with Nexclowd's core message of "Trust Beyond Compliance", where security becomes a business enabler rather than a box-ticking exercise.
The Best of Both Worlds
For Neil, spending part of the week as a Lead Auditor is not separate from running Nexclowd. It is a natural extension of the company's mission.
The experience gained through auditing helps ensure Nexclowd's advice remains grounded in real-world certification expectations, while the challenges of leading a growing MSP provide practical insight into what organisations actually need to succeed.
In an industry where cyber threats, compliance requirements, and technology continue to evolve rapidly, the combination of operational leadership and independent auditing creates a valuable perspective.
It is one that helps organisations move beyond simply meeting standards and towards building secure, resilient, and trusted businesses.
About Neil Ouzman
Neil Ouzman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Nexclowd, a UK-based cyber-first Managed Services Provider specialising in Microsoft 365, cyber security, compliance, and managed IT services. Alongside leading Nexclowd, he works as an ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Lead Auditor, supporting organisations in improving their information security management systems and strengthening their overall security posture.
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