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.
Free cyber security consultations for local businesses
Date: Tuesday 13 October 2026
Location: Braintree District Council, Causeway House, Bocking End, Braintree, CM7 9HB
Appointment length: 30 minutes
Cost: Free
Get practical, one-to-one help to protect your business
As part of Cyber Security Awareness Month, Braintree District Council is offering local businesses a free 30-minute consultation with James Pitron, an NCSC Assured Cyber Advisor and IASME Assessor.
These informal, jargon-free appointments are designed to help small businesses, sole traders and freelancers understand their cyber security risks and identify practical steps to improve their protection. There is no sales pitch and no obligation to purchase any products or services.
What can I discuss?
You can bring any cyber security question or concern, including:
- Phishing emails and online scams
- Account security
- How to protect business and customer information
- Backups and recovery arrangements
- Working securely from home
- Staff cyber security awareness
- Responding to a cyber incident
- General reassurance that your business is taking appropriate precautions
You are welcome to bring a laptop or business device to support the discussion. The adviser can offer general guidance on updates and security settings, but will not request passwords, access confidential information or make changes directly to your device.
Whether you are just getting started or want reassurance that you are on the right track, you will leave with practical guidance, clear next steps and signposting to trusted resources.
Who can book?
The appointments are available to:
- Small businesses based in the Braintree district
- Sole traders
- Freelancers
- Start-ups
- Businesses without dedicated cyber security or information technology support
Each business may book one appointment.
Book your free appointment
Appointments are available at the following times:
- 9:00am to 9:30am
- 9:45am to 10:15am
- 10:30am to 11:00am
- 11:15am to 11:45am
- 12:00pm to 12:30pm
- 1:30pm to 2:00pm
- 2:15pm to 2:45pm
- 3:00pm to 3:30pm
Only eight appointments are available and advance booking is essential.
Complete the booking form and select your preferred appointment time. Please provide a short summary of the advice or support you are seeking. This will help the cyber security adviser prepare and make the best use of your appointment.
Appointment times are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Your appointment is confirmed only when you receive a confirmation email from Braintree District Council.
About the adviser
James Pitron is an NCSC Assured Cyber Advisor, IASME Assessor and cyber security consultant at Digital Data Governance Ltd, formerly Cyber Trust.
James has spent many years understanding and managing risk. Since moving into cyber security, James has helped businesses of different sizes improve their cyber resilience through practical, business-focused advice. James is committed to making cyber security accessible and achievable for organisations that do not have dedicated information technology or security teams.
Privacy statement
Braintree District Council will use the information you provide on the booking form to manage your booking and help the cyber security adviser prepare for your appointment.
Your name, business name and a brief summary of your cyber security concern will be shared with the adviser solely for this purpose. Your information will not be used to promote or sell commercial services.
Your information will be retained by the Council only for as long as necessary to administer and evaluate the appointments. It will not be used for future marketing unless you provide separate consent. For more information about how we use personal information and your rights, visit https://www.braintree.gov.uk/privacy.
Important cyber security information
For your own protection, please do not provide passwords, login details, banking information, customer data or other confidential or sensitive information at any stage of the booking process. The adviser will not request passwords, take control of your device or make changes directly to your systems.
Important disclaimer
Braintree District Council is facilitating an introduction only. The Council does not provide cyber security advice and, unless expressly stated otherwise, does not recommend, accredit or endorse any participating provider.
Providers operate independently. Any subsequent advice, services, charges or contractual arrangements are matters solely between the business and the provider. Businesses should undertake their own checks and obtain independent advice before appointing a provider.
The Council does not guarantee that any advice or service will be suitable or prevent a cyber incident. The Council accepts no liability arising from the provider’s acts, omissions, advice or services, except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.
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.
