DEC Connect Breakfast July 2026: Cyber Smart – Protecting Your Business in a Digital World
Join us for our monthly DEC Connect networking breakfast at the Dryden Enterprise Centre. If you’re keen to grow your business network, exchange ideas with fellow founders and gain practical insights to support your business journey, this session is for you.
Designed for start-ups, freelancers, SMEs and business leaders, DEC Connect offers a welcoming space to build connections across Nottingham’s entrepreneurial community while learning from expert guest speakers. Alongside great conversation, you’ll also enjoy a light breakfast and refreshments.
Type of event: Networking | Workshops
From: Thursday 9 July 2026, 8.30 am
To: Thursday 9 July 2026, 10 am
Location: Dryden Enterprise Centre, Dryden Street, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ
Cost: £7.50 for non-members
Booking deadline: Wednesday 8 July 2026, 12.00 pm
Event details
Cyber Smart – Protecting Your Business in a Digital World
You get a call in the middle of the workday from the bank, the phone number matches the phone number on your bank card, and they confirm your name and account details. They let you know your account has had suspicious activity and they'll help you freeze the account; they just need to confirm some more details and get the details of your credit card too. As always, it's a busy day and you just want it sorted, but you didn't realise the call is the hack - and you've just been scammed...
Cyber crime is no longer something that only affects large organisations. From phishing emails and hacked accounts to data breaches and online scams, small businesses and start-ups are increasingly being targeted — often because they don’t realise how vulnerable they are.
In this practical session, the East Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre (EMCRC) will share expert guidance to help businesses better understand online risks and take simple, effective steps to improve their cyber resilience.
The EMCRC supports SMEs, charities, education and third sector organisations across the East Midlands, working alongside local universities, industry experts and the region’s five police forces to provide trusted, up-to-date advice on emerging cyber threats and safeguarding best practice.
During this session, you’ll explore:
- The most common cyber threats currently affecting SMEs and start-ups
- Simple actions businesses can take to improve cyber security
- How to spot vulnerabilities before cyber criminals do
- Practical ways to protect your team, systems and customer data
- Free and fully funded resources available to support your business
Whether you’re running a growing start-up, freelancing independently or managing an established SME, this session will provide practical guidance to help you feel more confident and prepared in an increasingly digital world.
Expect useful insights, real-world examples and plenty of opportunity to ask questions and connect with other businesses over breakfast.
Who should attend?
- Founders and entrepreneurs
- SMEs and business leaders
- Freelancers and consultants
- Charities and third sector organisations
- Anyone looking to improve their understanding of cyber security and online safety
No technical knowledge is required — this session is designed to be practical, approachable and relevant for everyday business operations.
About DEC Connect
DEC Connect is a bi-monthly networking breakfast hosted at the Dryden Enterprise Centre, bringing together Nottingham’s entrepreneurial community to share knowledge, spark collaboration and support business growth.
Our sessions are open to everyone, whether you’re a start-up founder, established business owner, NTU student or part of the wider professional community.
Come along, grab a coffee, and connect.
Programme
08:30 – 09:00: Arrival and breakfast
Sign in, grab a coffee and enjoy a light breakfast.
09:00 – 09:45: Guest speaker, networking and skills share
09:45 – 10:00: Round-up and close
Final reflections, connections and wrap-up.
Location details
Address:
Dryden Street
Nottingham
NG1 4FQ
Parking:
There is no onsite parking at the Dryden Enterprise Centre, and we encourage, wherever possible, that people access the building by walking, cycling, or using public transport.
The DEC is within Nottingham Trent University’s city campus.
We’re adjacent to the Dryden Centre and opposite the Bonington Gallery. Our location is highlighted by the NTU Enterprise pin. Map courtesy of Google.
If you’re using SatNav or Google Maps use the postcode NG1 4FQ to help find us.