Cyber Risk and Financial Resilience

Cyber risk has evolved far beyond the realms of IT.

Today, it’s a boardroom, financial and growth issue, all wrapped into one.

Many finance leaders still lack a clear understanding of today's cyber threat landscape, the risks facing their organisation, and the practical steps they should be taking to protect their business.

That is why URM, together with Cooper Parry, is bringing together cyber experts and business leaders for an exclusive morning event designed specifically for finance decision-makers.

Join us in Reading on 22 October, during Cyber Security Month, for a candid discussion on the realities of cyber risk, the impacts of cyber incidents, and the knowledge every finance leader needs to stay ahead.
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Our keynote speaker, Chris White, brings a unique and invaluable perspective from the front line of cyber crime. Drawing on his experience as a Police Cyber Security Advisor and his current role as Director of the Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East and West, Chris will share practical insights into the threats organisations are facing today. He will cover:

• The cyber and fraud threats hitting organisations right now
• Why finance teams and senior leaders are increasingly being targeted
• Lessons learned from real incidents and investigations

Joining him will be Lisa Dargan, CEO of URM Consulting Services, Cooper Parry Digital's cyber and information security business, and Wayne Armstrong, Senior Information Security Consultant at URM. Together, they bring decades of cross-sector cyber security experience and will explore:

• The hidden costs of a cyber incident
• The questions every finance leader should be asking
• Strengthening organisational resilience and preparedness
• Building confidence before, during and after a cyber incident

The event will be hosted by Richard Alborough, Associate Director at Savant, who advises businesses and finance leaders on a wide range of strategic and operational challenges.

Find out more about our speakers below and prepare your questions for the grand finale: a panel discussion featuring some of the most experienced voices in cyber risk, resilience and business leadership.

Agenda

08.30am - Arrival, Breakfast & Networking
Meet fellow finance leaders, share experiences and make new connections.

9.00am – Welcome- Richard Alborough
Opening remarks and an overview of the morning's key themes.

9.05am - Chris White
The real-world cyber and fraud threats facing organisations today.

9.35am - Lisa Dargan
Understanding risk exposure, business impact and executive responsibilities.

9.55am - Wayne Armstrong
5 Practical steps to improve cyber resilience and preparedness.

10.15am - Panel Discussion & Q&A
Expert insights, audience questions and practical takeaways for finance leaders.

10.30am - Finish

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Meet Our Host & Speakers

‍Richard Alborough
Associate Director, Savant
‍Richard is a senior adviser at Savant, working closely with businesses and finance leaders on strategic and operational challenges. With a background in advising growth-stage and mid-market organisations, he brings a practical, real-world perspective on finance leadership, governance, and business performance.
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Chris White
Former Police Detective Inspector
‍Chris White spent 30 years in policing, specialising in technology-focused roles and cyber security. Formerly a Police Cyber Security Advisor and later Director of the South East Cyber Resilience Centre, he played a key role in delivering the UK’s National Cyber Security Strategy, helping organisations strengthen their cyber resilience. Now Director of the Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East and West, Chris brings real-world insight into today’s cyber threat landscape, combining frontline experience, practical guidance and compelling case studies to help organisations better prepare for and respond to cyber incidents.
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Lisa Dargan
CEO of URM Consulting Services
‍Lisa is CEO of URM Consulting Services, the cyber and information security specialist within the Cooper Parry group. She has built a strong reputation in cyber security, data protection, and risk management, helping organisations strengthen resilience and meet evolving regulatory requirements. Lisa plays a key role in integrating cyber security into broader business risk and assurance strategies.
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Wayne Armstrong
Senior Information Security Consultant at URM Consulting
‍Wayne Armstrong is Senior Information Security Consultant and Consultant Manager at URM Consulting Services, with more than 25 years’ experience helping organisations strengthen security, manage risk, and improve resilience. A PCI DSS Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) and holder of CISSP, CISMP, PCIRM, and CISA qualifications, Wayne has supported over 50 ISO 27001 and PCI DSS projects across a wide range of sectors. Known for his pragmatic, business-focused approach, Wayne excels at translating complex cyber risks into practical actions that deliver measurable results.
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