CyberGrowth
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East Midlands Cyber Summit
East Midlands Cyber Summit 2026 will bring together 100+ delegates to showcase achievements, facilitate learning, and engage with leading voices in cyber resilience.
Attendees will gain:
- access to regional cyber security experts
- share insights from other businesses
- networking, lunch, and specialist speakers
- real world examples of opportunities taken and challenges overcome.
Agenda
East Midlands Cyber Security Summit
Location: The Venue at De Montfort University, The Venue, Western Boulevard, Leicester, LE2 7BU
Time: 9am – 4pm
Theme: The resilience imperative: shaping the future of Cyber in a connected world
09:00 – 09:30
Guest Arrival & Welcome Registration
- Registration & name badges
- Welcome refreshments
- Networking
09:30 – 09:45
Welcome and Introduction
Dr Ismini Vasileiou, Associate Professor at De Montfort University and Director, East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster
- Welcome
- Outline of the day and objectives
09:45 – 10:15
Keynote: Paul Abbott – The Reality of a Cyber Attack
Dr Ismini Vasileiou, Associate Professor at De Montfort University and Director, East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster
Paul Abbott, COO and Consultant, Paul Abbott advisory will deliver a keynote on the reality of a cyber attack
10:15 – 10:30
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will deliver a talk on Setting the scene: The role of regional cyber resilience in national growth
10:30 – 11:00
Adrian Davis – Awareness: a cure for all ills?
Adrian Davis, Managing Director, Horme Business Services, will explore how cybersecurity awareness can be clarified, reclaimed and delivered more effectively through a people-driven approach that creates real organisational impact.
11:00 – 11:15
Martin Sadler – Cyber Growth Action Plan
Martin Sadler, Advisor at the University of Bristol, will discuss the Cyber Growth Action Plan
11:15 – 11:30
Refreshment break
11:30 – 12:00
Panel 1: Building Cyber Resilience Across the Region
A panel conversation with:
- Jill Broom, Head of Programme – Cyber Resilience, Tech UK
- Eli Bowen, Supervisor, Cyber Path
- Colin Ellis, East Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre
- Raj Atwal , President, ISACA Central UK
12:00 – 1:00
Networking Lunch
Lunch break for all speakers and attendees
1:00 – 2:00
Hands-on workshop: practical cyber resilience in action
Simon and Kate Plummer, Collective Security, will deliver a hands-on workshop
2:00 – 2:30
Professor Ian Johnson, UWE
2:30 – 3:00
Refreshment break
3:00 – 3:30
Closing Panel/ Fireside Chat
Next steps for regional collaboration and national alignment. A panel conversation with:
- Jon O’Grady, Associate Director of Information Security, De Montfort University
- Adrian Davis, Managing Director, Horme Business Services
- Paul Abbott, COO and Consultant, Paul Abbot Advisory
3:30 – 4:00
Closing remarks & networking
Final reflections, key takeaways and future engagement opportunities.
Sophie Powell
Sophie Powell will share practical advice on how businesses can avoid falling victim to cyber attacks as she speaks at the East Midlands Cyber Summit. Sophie, co-founder and director of CyberWomen Groups CIC, will speak at the inaugural event at De Montfort University next month – and her insights are designed with SMEs in mind.
Jon O'Grady
Jon O’Grady, Associate Director of Information Security at De Montfort University (DMU), joins the line-up for the event in February. Jon plays a leading role in DMU’s cyber and information security function, overseeing the protection of university data and contributing to security innovation in the higher education sector. His work includes collaborating with major technology providers on cyber security in universities, and his professional certifications, including CISM and CRISC, reflect deep expertise in managing information security programmes and risk.
Simon Plummer
East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster has confirmed another expert speaker for its East Midlands Cyber Summit 2026. Simon Plummer, Director of Information Security at Nottingham-based cyber security partner Collective Security, will address delegates at the event in February. With more than 20 years’ experience across IT, cyber, and information security, Simon specialises in making robust cyber security accessible, practical, and jargon-free for organisations of all sizes.
Jill Broom
Jill Broom, leads the techUK Cyber Resilience programme, having originally joined techUK in October 2020 as a Programme Manager for the Cyber and Central Government programmes. She is responsible for managing techUK’s work across the cyber security ecosystem, bringing industry together with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
Paul Abbott
As group director of KNP Logistics, Paul Abbott experienced personally how a ransomware attack can cripple operations and force a business into administration. More than 700 employees lost their jobs after the 158-year-old Northamptonshire transport company – familiar on UK roads under the brand name Knights of Old – was targeted in June 2023.
Dr Adrian Davis
A leading cyber security expert has been confirmed as the latest speaker for next week’s East Midlands Cyber Summit. Dr Adrian Davis, Managing Director at Horme Business Services, will explore how organisations can move beyond box‑ticking and make cyber awareness genuinely people‑driven, practical and impactful.
Martin Sadler OBE
A member of the expert team behind the UK’s new Cyber Growth Action Plan will address delegates at next month’s East Midlands Cyber Summit. Martin Sadler OBE, an adviser at the University of Bristol, specialises in helping organisations seize the opportunities of emerging technology. His work also considers ways of improving how academia, industry, and government work together.
Raj Atwal
A leading information security expert will join the packed line-up for next week’s sold-out East Midlands Cyber Summit. Raj Atwal is an information security and governance leader and the current President of the ISACA Central UK Chapter. He has been an ISACA member since 2008, joined the Chapter Board in 2023, and became Vice President in 2024.
FAQs
Who should attend the Cyber Summit?
Business owners, managers, IT leads, and anyone involved in risk, compliance, or digital operations within East Midlands small and medium-sized businesses.
What topics will the Cyber Summit cover?
Sessions will cover practical cyber security strategies, the latest threat trends, case studies, innovation success stories, as well as ways to access regional support and funding.
Is there a cost to attend the Summit?
No. The event is fully funded and free to attend for regional businesses, thanks to support from our partners DMU, Innovate UK, and DSIT.
What networking opportunities are available during the event?
There will be dedicated time for networking with peers, presenters, academic experts, and support organisations.
Will I receive resources or follow-up support after the event?
Yes. All attendees will receive access to event resources, slides, and signposting to further training, partnership opportunities, and ongoing regional cyber support programmes.
When and where will the Cyber Summit take place?
The Cyber Summit will be held in February 2026 at an accessible venue central Leicester. Food and drinks will be provided to delegates.