Could your business withstand a cyber attack? Join Reading BID's free cyber security event this November
1st October 2026
Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing threats facing businesses today. From phishing emails and data breaches to ransomware attacks and online fraud, organisations of every size are increasingly being targeted.
This November, Reading BID is bringing together local businesses, cyber security experts and banking partners for Cyber Safe Reading: Build your Cyber Resilience, a practical workshop designed to help businesses understand the current cyber threat landscape and take steps to protect themselves.
Key event details:
- Date: Thursday 19 November
- Timings: 8am–11am
- Location: Novotel Reading Centre
- Cost: Free to all Reading businesses
Cyber Safe Reading: Build your Cyber Resilience
As part of its commitment to supporting a safe, resilient and thriving business community, Reading BID regularly delivers training and upskilling opportunities that address the challenges facing businesses today.
The session will give local business owners, managers and employees straightforward advice on identifying cyber risks, responding to potential incidents and strengthening their organisation’s security.
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Event agenda
8–9am: Networking and refreshments
The morning will begin with light refreshments and an opportunity to connect with fellow businesses, as well as corporate banking partners who will share insight into fraud prevention services and support available to organisations.
9–10:30am: Interactive cyber crime workshop
The Cyber Crime Unit will lead an interactive Lego tabletop exercise, helping delegates explore how a cyber incident could affect different areas of a business and highlighting the importance of preparation and resilience.
Following the exercise, attendees will hear from cyber security specialists who will help businesses to:
- Gain insight into the latest cyber threats, how criminals target businesses and the steps you can take to reduce risk.
- Discover practical security measures, free tools and expert support to help strengthen your organisation's cyber resilience and protect against future attacks.
10:30–11am: Networking and departure
The session will finish with an opportunity to speak directly with corporate banking partners and the Cyber Crime Unit, giving delegates the chance to discuss their own challenges and questions.
Alexa Volker, Reading BID Manager, said: “Creating a successful town centre is about much more than marketing and events. It's about giving businesses the knowledge, skills and support they need to operate safely and confidently. Through initiatives like Cyber Safe Reading: Build your Cyber Resilience, we're bringing together expert partners to provide practical advice, valuable tools and networking opportunities that can help our businesses strengthen their cyber security and protect themselves against an ever-evolving threat landscape. In today's digital world, taking proactive steps to improve cyber resilience isn't just good practice, it's essential.”
Join us! Book your free place today
Whether you're a small independent business, a growing SME or part of a larger organisation in Reading, Cyber Safe Reading offers the opportunity to build your understanding of cyber threats, explore practical ways to improve security and connect with experts who can help.
Join Reading BID on Thursday 19 November at Novotel Reading Centre and take the next step towards a more cyber-resilient business.
