Making businesses in the Longton Community safer online
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Cybercrime is a growing problem that all businesses must be aware of, regardless of size or sector. There’s a common misconception that cybercriminals only target larger companies, but the reality is that most don’t target companies by size or type; they target vulnerabilities! Small businesses are every bit as likely to experience a cyber incident as larger organisations.
To compound the problem, many SME businesses don’t consider themselves cyber businesses, but if you’re doing anything business-related online, you are a cyber business. Whether you take online bookings or use social media channels to promote your company, you are at risk of a cyber attack.
The Longton Community Cyber Day on the 8th of June seeks to inform local business owners about current threats and trends, and to highlight the fully funded support available to SMEs and charities to help them become more cyber resilient. The day will also offer the opportunity to talk 1-2-1 with cyber professionals and representatives from national organisations who recognise how small businesses in their supply chain can be a weakness in their defences.
The event is being organised by Sergeant Richard Lloyd from Staffordshire Police in partnership with the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands. It is also supported by leading organisations such as the multinational information technology consulting and software development company CGI and the Tier 1 Construction company Sir Robert McAlpine. Local businesses such as IT support specialists, Hammer, and Stoke-on-Trent Live are also providing support.
From 12 noon until 5pm, local businesses can drop in for 1-2-1 chats with policing, Cyber Resilience Centre staff and cyber professionals. Then, from 5:30 until 6:30, there will be a presentation about the Cyber Resilience Centre and the range of fully funded cyber services available to all SMEs and charities in and around Longton. Of course, there will be ample time after the meeting for some business networking with your fellow business owners.
Speaking about the inspiration to organise the Longton Cyber Day, Richard Lloyd said:
“Since being introduced to the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands, I have become actively invested in supporting the fantastic work they do to protect businesses and communities from cybercrime. Having attended their community events and the launch of their cyber hub in Birmingham, I have been determined to bring that same level of expertise and support to Longton.
“Working closely with the Cyber Resilience Centre, I have developed this event specifically for our local businesses and community – the first of its kind in the UK. It is a unique opportunity to access specialist advice, practical guidance, and support all in one place. I have also secured a number of industry experts as guest speakers, giving attendees the opportunity not only to learn from leading professionals but also to network and build valuable local and regional connections.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to attend and see what is on offer. Ideally, we want this event to be so well supported that we can deliver further sessions in the future and continue building cyber resilience across our community.”
Michelle Ohren, T/Detective Chief Inspector, and Director at the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands, added,
“We are delighted that Richard has organised the Longton Cyber Community Cyber Day. It is essential that we raise awareness of cyber threats and the government-funded support available to all businesses, especially those operating in small towns and communities.
“We can offer an amazing range of services and easy-to-follow guidance. We fully appreciate that business owners are time-poor, but by arranging a full afternoon when people can simply drop in for a chat, we hope they can find the time. We also have a presentation later in the day, when we hope most people will be able to make time. It really is a crucial topic, but we hope to present simple and free options that will make businesses more secure and better ready to face the increasing challenge of cybercrime.”
The Longton Community Cyber Day commences at 12 noon on the 8th of June in the former Shoe Zone unit at Longton Exchange. There is no requirement to book; simply turn up when it suits you and meet our professionals, who will be happy to chat and highlight the support available to you.
For further information about the Longton Community Cyber Day, please visit: https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/longton-cyber-day
Contact:
If you require any additional information, please contact Gordon White, Chief Marketing Office at the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group at gordon.white@nationalcrcgroup.co.uk
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