Cyber briefing at IoD spring dinner
Business bosses were given an expert briefing on efforts to tackle computer crime by one of the leading lights from GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre.
Chris Ensor told members of the Institute of Directors West Midlands about the range of information now available to help firms protect themselves from a range of potential threats.
He was speaking during the IoD WM's spring dinner at Hogarths Stone Manor, near Kidderminster, and also spoke of the work of the Cyber First initiative, aimed at nurturing tech talent among schoolchildren.
The event was also played host to one of the first visits to the regions by newly appointed IoD director general Stephen Martin - no stranger to the area after his spell as chief executive of Walsall civil engineering company Barhale before he joined Clugston in 2007.
He led Scunthorpe-based Clugston to three successive years of record figures and also starred in the TV documentary Secret Millionaire before leaving to take up the top job with the IoD in February this year.
Mr Martin reassured members that the organisation was make use of its high-level access to Government to ensure the business case was being heard regarding Brexit, the skills gap and a range of other vital issues.
He also said he had taken the job with the aim of bringing change to the IoD in what he called "one of the most defining periods in Britain's peace-time history".
In a frank question and answer session with members Mr Martin said the IoD needed to continuing arguing its case for free markets and the benefits of globalisation. On the issue of EU workers, he said: "Migration is absolutely essential to keep this economy ticking over."
He said the coming years would require "leadership from Government, and from business leaders as well". In terms of pressing the business case, he quoted former US President Ronald Reagan: "When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat."
