Networking with the FSB – Durham University Business School

It will be a relaxed event with an emphasis on making introductions, connecting with new contacts and meeting old friends, featuring expert guest speakers delivering a bite sized seminar on topical matters. Whether you are a regular networker or new to these type of events, you will find a warm welcome and a nice easy atmosphere for making those valuable introductions.

This event is open to both FSB members and non-members, offering a valuable opportunity for all local business owners to connect and collaborate.

The event will also feature a bite-sized seminar delivered by an expert guest speaker, offering a timely exploration of key topics currently shaping the business landscape.

Speaker session – How Much Cyber Risk Can Your Business Afford? A Practical Guide for SME’s.

This talk presents cybersecurity as a business and financial risk, not just a technical concern. It explains why SMEs are increasingly targeted, outlines the real costs of cyber incidents—including downtime, lost revenue, and reputational damage and highlights how many risks can be avoided.

The session uses clear examples and non-technical language to outline practical, affordable steps SMEs can take immediately. These include prioritising risks, improving staff awareness, and making proportionate security investments. Owners will gain the knowledge needed to decide how much cyber risk their business can reasonably accept and manage.

About our speaker

Dr Igor Kotsiuba is Assistant Professor in Finance (Financial Technology and Security) at Durham University Business School, focused on Security of Financial Services and Technology, including participation in EU Horizon Research and Innovation and UK Cybersecurity Clusters, collaboration with Fintech industry and delivering Executive Education modules on Cybersecurity of Financial Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Risk dimension.

Since his PhD in IT, Dr Kotsiuba worked for over decade in industry and Academia and founded a a digital forensics lab in Ukraine. Elected in 2018 as Head of the Cybersecurity Work Group of the American Chamber of Commerce and Honorary Chairman of Cybersecurity Cluster, acting as an Of Counsel for government and industry managed more than 10 transnational cybersecurity R&I projects on National Critical Infrastructure, Dynamic Risk Assessment.

Getting here

The venue is close to the city centre and easily accessible by bus and rail links. If you are travelling by car, there is paid parking available at The Sands multistorey car park.

Refreshments

Tea and coffee will be provided.

Agenda

9.30am Arrivals, registration and informal networking over refreshments

10.00am Welcome by FSB

10.05am Welcome from Durham University

10.15am Guest speaker: Dr Igor Kotsiuba – How Much Cyber Risk Can Your Business Afford? A Practical Guide for SME’s

10.45am Informal networking

11.30am Event close