Local businesses invited to learn more about cybercrime

Local businesses are invited to the Longton Community Cyber Day next month to learn more about cybercrime and how to protect themselves against it.

Organised by Sergeant Richard Lloyd, of the Stoke-on-Trent local policing team, alongside the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands, the event takes place on Monday 8 June between 12pm until 6.30pm at the former Shoe Zone unit at Longton Exchange.

The event seeks to inform business owners about current threats and trends, highlight the fully funded support available to SMEs and charities and offer the opportunity to talk with cyber professionals and representatives from national organisations.

Speaking about the inspiration to organise the Longton Cyber Day, Sergeant 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.”

From 12pm until 5pm, local businesses can drop in for 1-2-1 chats with policing, Cyber Resilience Centre staff and cyber professionals.

From 5:30pm until 6:30pm, 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. There will also be ample time after the meeting for business networking with fellow business owners.

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.”

There is no requirement to book; simply turn up when it suits you and meet the 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