To mark Cyber Security awareness month, we're hosting a series of free business briefings designed to help local businesses stay secure, resilient and ready for the future.
Whether you're looking to protect your business from growing cyber threats or explore how AI can improve productivity while keeping your data safe, these practical workshops will provide expert guidance, real-world insights and actionable advice.
Each briefing will feature an expert-led presentation followed by a question and answer session and an hour of informal networking. Attendees will also enjoy complementary pastries and refreshments.
Please note that these events are only open to businesses based in the Braintree District.
Cyber security for SME’s: Protect your business from online threats
Date: Wednesday 21 October 2026
Location: Braintree District Council, Causeway House, Bocking End, Braintree, CM7 9HB
Time: 9.30am to 11.30am
Cost: Free
Cybercrime is no longer just a problem for large organisations. Small businesses are increasingly being targeted by fraudsters, hackers and scammers, often because they are seen as easier targets.
The good news is that protecting your business doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.
In partnership with Cyber Resilience Centre for the East and Essex Police, join us for this practical and engaging workshop where experts will explain the most common cyber threats affecting small businesses and share simple steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Why attend?
- Learn how cyber criminals target small businesses
- Understand the latest scams, phishing emails and online fraud risks
- Discover practical measures to protect your data, finances and reputation
- Find out what to do if your business becomes a victim of cyber crime
- Ask questions directly to cyber security experts and police officers
- Network with other local business owners
Who should attend?
- Small business owners
- Sole traders and freelancers
- Start-ups
- Family businesses
- Anyone responsible for running or managing a business
No technical knowledge is required. The session is designed to be practical, jargon-free and focused on real-world business challenges.
Reseve a spot - Cyber Security for SMEs
AI for SMEs: Work smarter, stay secure
Date: Tuesday, 27 October 2026
Location: Braintree District Council, Causeway House, Bocking End, Braintree, CM7 9HB
Time: 10am to 11.30am
Cost: Free
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way businesses work. From writing marketing content and managing administration to generating ideas and improving customer communications, tools like ChatGPT are helping businesses save time and boost productivity.
But where do you start? How can you make the most of AI without exposing your business to unnecessary risks?
Join us for this practical, jargon-free workshop delivered by David Bell, Founder of SIMBOC, and discover how AI can help your business work smarter while keeping your data, customers and reputation secure.
What You'll Learn:
- Practical ways to use AI in your business today
- How ChatGPT and other AI tools can save time and improve productivity
- AI tools for marketing, content creation and business administration
- Common mistakes businesses make when using AI
- Understanding data security, privacy and confidentiality risks
- Tips for developing safe and responsible AI practices within your business
- Real-world examples of how SMEs are successfully using AI
This workshop is ideal for:
- Small business owners
- Sole traders
- Freelancers
- Start-ups
- Anyone interested in using AI to improve business performance
No technical knowledge is required. Whether you're completely new to AI or already experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, you'll leave with practical ideas and actions you can implement straight away.
