Founded in 2011 by Jeremy Curtis, Harkwood Services combines over three decades of deep technical expertise with a practical understanding of how technology serves real-world needs. Specialising in bridging the gap between cutting-edge possibilities and operational requirements.

Jeremy brings exceptional breadth and depth to every project, drawing on his extensive experience in the following areas:

Advanced Technology Integration: Data networks, authentication systems, storage solutions, and email infrastructure design and implementation to enterprise and government standards.

Security & Compliance: Data and network security architecture, systems testing, and implementation management, with particular expertise in high-security government environments.

AV & Communications Systems: audio-visual systems, videoconferencing, VoIP solutions, and integrated communication platforms for complex organisational environments.

Custom Solutions Development: Bespoke electronics hardware and software design, development, and deployment where off-the-shelf solutions cannot meet specific requirements.

Professional Recognition

Jeremy is a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and a Chartered IT Professional with the British Computer Society, demonstrating commitment to professional excellence and industry best practices.

Government & High-Security Experience

Before establishing Harkwood Services, Jeremy served as the technical architect for a national counter-terrorism data network, designing secure (up to Top Secret), high-speed infrastructure to the highest government security standards. This role required creating both the core network architecture and associated back-end systems and services.

Prior to this, Jeremy spent 11 years as Network Services Manager with Cambridgeshire Constabulary, developing deep expertise in mission-critical systems and high-availability infrastructure. Throughout his government service.

Why This Experience Matters

This unique combination of commercial consultancy, government security expertise, and custom development capability means Harkwood Services understands both the technical possibilities and the practical constraints that determine project success. We know how to navigate complex requirements, demanding timescales, and exacting standards while delivering solutions that work reliably in the real world.

Jeremy held SC and DV security clearances, enabling work on the most sensitive projects.

Jeremy Curtis – previous experience
Association of Chief Police Officers, ACPO (TAM), Technical Architect

The role involved the design of a national, secure, high-speed network, along with associated systems and services, to support Police Counter Terrorism (CT) operations. The role required integration into existing infrastructures within all UK police forces and other government agencies, resulting in many sites throughout the UK. The design encompassed evaluating and testing data and network encryption technologies (some still in development), combined with building a pilot infrastructure spanning southern England and associated secure facilities. Total project value: ~£32m. OGC Gateway reviews 1, 2, and 3 were completed successfully.

Design and install a secure, accredited, internal IT solution to host ACPO (TAM) office functionality. The solution, which was virtualised and utilises Blade Server and SAN technology, hosts a Microsoft environment that includes Active Directory (AD), Exchange, MS SQL, and SharePoint, providing support for over 150 staff members. The system was seamlessly integrated into the Police CJX network, enabling secure information exchange with other forces and agencies.

Support was provided to other Police CT business areas, specifically when an objective technical view was required to examine, identify, or resolve technical issues and to offer or recommend solutions.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Network Services Manager

The Network Services Manager at Cambridgeshire Constabulary was tasked with planning, developing, and managing the Cambridgeshire Constabulary Digital Network (CCDN), while also ensuring its connectivity to other networks and third-party systems. CCDN was a complex configuration designed to maximise security, resilience, and application performance at over 30 sites throughout the county and support 3,000 users. Implementation of wide and local area networks, as well as value-added services such as authentication and access control, email, workflow, document storage, file and print services, wireless handhelds and laptops, secure remote access, VoIP and video conference integration, and internal security systems like CCTV and access control.

Design and deployment of a force-wide network upgrade encompassing over 30 sites, working alongside a supplier to deploy an MPLS-based core service between major sites. The upgrade to the new infrastructure was performed in a single cut-over during a 4-hour window, and all safety of life emergency response services (999 calls) remained operational throughout the changeover. The network carried data, radio, and TDM-based telephony systems, VoIP, video conferencing, and specialist encrypted services.

Acted as the Force’s authoritative source of information on networking issues and provided service management, guidance and advice on all aspects of the network and security.

Creation of a new DR Data Centre within a challenging physical environment to meet the growing needs of the Force and to provide enhanced DR capabilities. This project had to be completed within tight timescales and was finished on time and within budget.

Design, test, and deploy services to enhance IT provisions for officers and police staff. These have included biometric network login, single sign-on, desktop internet access (with security & full auditing), secure web-based remote access to force systems, BlackBerry deployment for officers and key police staff (over 50% of all staff were issued with devices), and video conference facilities to reduce travel and increase operational effectiveness.

Design, test and deploy a secure web-based remote portal solution to enable partner agencies access to information held within internal force systems. The internal developers were provided with a secure authentication and access control mechanism for staff from partner agencies.

Development of a secure force-wide wireless infrastructure to support specific applications and services. Collaborated with Barron McCann’s X-Kryptor technology, which was initially under development, to resolve any issues prior to the product’s release and the service’s launch.

Design, test, and integrate the digital AirWave radio services within the command-and-control data infrastructure, enabling the secure transfer of critical information between systems.

Communications Electronics Security Group (CESG) (Part of GCHQ)

Participation in the Information Assurance Technical Programme (IATP) representing ACPO (TAM). IATP was a pan-government programme delivered through CESG in partnership with industry.

I was invited to join the IP Cryptography Security Working Group (IPCSWG), a group that focuses on the future technology requirements of HMG and its application of cryptography.

Hewlett Packard

I conducted hardware and software testing with HP on their ProCurve networking solutions. Covering network hardware, software and management applications for HP’s high-end networking products and other services. Creation of various lab-based networks and systems to be able to test the functionality and feature set of the equipment and management tools. This work required an in-depth understanding of all the technologies in use to identify and replicate issues for resolution.

I also contributed to the review of the content and exams for the HP professional networking qualification.