"I’m Gavin Knapp, 41, originally from the South Wales valleys, in a small town called Brynmawr. My career path has been anything but traditional—it's been full of ups and downs, which have shaped me into the professional I am today. I left school after my GCSEs to work in a factory, but a few years later, I decided to pursue higher education and earned a degree in Business Information Technology.

My early career was a mix of jobs—driving a white van delivering medical equipment, labouring, and working for a bath lift manufacturer. These experiences taught me the value of hard work and adaptability. My first real break came when I joined Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council as an IT Support Analyst. I’ve always been a hands-on person, and luckily, the local authority needed an Information Security Officer. This role was a turning point for me, combining my curiosity for technology with my growing passion for cybersecurity.

After two years, I landed an interview for the Head of Security at Gwent Police, but while the opportunity fell through, it led to something even better. Scott Nicholson, my interviewer, invited me to join Bridewell—and that’s where my real professional journey began."

"Since joining Bridewell, I've worked on a wide range of consulting projects across the UK, helping both SMB and enterprise clients tackle challenges in GRC, ISO 27001, cloud security, and data privacy. About six years ago, my focus shifted towards cloud security and security operations, and I was fortunate to play a key role in building Bridewell’s SOC and managed security services. I’ve held several technical and management positions within Bridewell’s Managed Security Operations Centre, MDR, and CTI services, and had the privilege of safeguarding some of the world’s most critical networks. In fact, I am proud to have been part of one of the first ever teams to deploy and build a service around Microsoft Sentinel globally."

"As a rugby lad, I’ve always valued loyalty, respect, and the willingness to tackle any challenge—qualities deeply rooted in the sport. Bridewell mirrors that team ethos, where everyone works together to achieve high performance. Candour and fast feedback are encouraged, and it’s that honesty and trust that allows us to grow and succeed as a team. Just like on the rugby field, you know you’ve got your teammates’ backs, and that’s exactly how Bridewell operates

What makes Bridewell special to me is not just the variety of work, but the incredible people I’ve had the chance to work with. The diversity of talent and perspectives here keeps me motivated and excited to continue learning and developing. Bridewell is a place where people from all walks of life are valued, and the company genuinely invests in both personal development and the growth of its functions.

I’m proud of the journey I've been on, and I’m grateful to Bridewell for being a key part of it. If you're looking for a place to make a difference, grow your skills, and work alongside some of the best in the industry, I encourage you to join us. There's no better place to take your career to the next level."

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"I never imagined that studying Computer Science at university would open so many doors, but my journey so far has been nothing short of incredible. My passion for technology grew during my studies, and I discovered an even deeper interest in cyber security: the challenge of protecting systems and data in an ever-evolving digital world fascinated me. 

After graduating, I took on roles teaching on a school's outreach program and as a University Lecturer, specialising in cyber security. It wasn’t just about teaching students in the classroom; it was about making an impact. I was fortunate to be able to give back to the community by upskilling pupils, teachers and professionals in computer science, bringing technology to life for people who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to explore it. Seeing someone grasp a new concept or feel inspired has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.  

Eventually, I decided to step into the fast-paced world of cyber security as a Junior Security Analyst at Bridewell. It was a big change, but I knew I was ready to tackle the challenges of identifying and protecting organisations from cyber threats. The transition from teaching to working in the industry gave me a unique perspective: I don’t just see the problems we face today; I think about how we can prepare the next generation to tackle the challenges of tomorrow."

"When I joined Bridewell in 2023 I was instantly welcomed into a culture that truly lives its three values: One Team, Do the Right Thing, Above and Beyond. Starting out as an analyst was an invaluable experience; it gave me hands-on exposure to the technical side of cyber security by identifying threats and responding to incidents in real-time. I learned to think critically under pressure and analyse complex problems. Beyond the technical skills, I discovered the importance of clear communication when explaining risks and solutions to clients.  

Bridewell’s fostering environment helped me to transition naturally into a client-facing role. As a Client Lead, I now work closely with organisations to understand their unique challenges and tailor cyber security strategies to meet their needs. This role has allowed me to combine my dynamic background in education with my growing hands-on technical expertise to translate complex concepts into actionable insights to strengthen clients’ defences. The collective energy and support of my fellow colleagues constantly inspires me to not just tackle evolving challenges but to empower people within the business and our clients. Bridewell is a workplace where passion is celebrated, growth is encouraged, and every day is an opportunity to make a difference. "