Over the last couple of weeks, we have got to know a little better Director, Paul Peters and Head of Cyber and Innovation, Paul Hall from the small but dedicated WCRC team.

This week, we are taking a wider look at who supports the centre, and so it’s the turn of Advisory Group (AG) member, Mike Learmond who is senior development manager at the Federation of Small Business Wales.

Mike is one of eight Advisory Group members, which consists of a stellar consortium of businesses and organisations from across the Wales region, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their position. The group provides the WCRC with guidance, advice as well as assisting in the direction of the centre.

Here Mike kindly answers our questions so we can learn a bit more about his approach to cyber security.

Can you tell us about your role with the Federation of Small Businesses?

I am the senior development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Wales, with particular responsibility for North Wales.

FSB is Wales's largest business organisation, and we campaign to promote and protect the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. FSB is non-profit making and non-party political and supports its members through a comprehensive range of benefits that are designed to save money and protect against tax and legal problems.

I’m responsible for ensuring that the needs of small businesses in the region are maintained as a high priority on the political agenda and also to signpost FSB members on where to obtain help when they need it. I am spokesperson and first point of contact for in North Wales and my role includes lobbying politicians on behalf of SMEs, dealing with the media, representing it at various stakeholder groups and supporting our members by organising networking sessions, conferences and other relevant events.

What would you say to small business owners that don’t see cyber security as a priority?

Please don’t assume that you are too small to come to the attention of a cybercriminal! 

In the ever-evolving landscape of crime, fraud has emerged as the most prevalent offence in the UK, exacting a staggering cost of nearly £7 billion annually. Business cybercrime incidents have tripled since 2019, underscoring the inadequacy of current preventive measures. Small enterprises find themselves increasingly exposed, with fraud constituting 41% of offences in England and Wales.

Please take this threat seriously.

Do you have a go-to cyber security tip?

Educate yourself!  Be aware of the ever-changing scams and increasingly sophisticated attempts to steal from you and your business via online threats. Put procedures in place to help protect your company.  And sign up for free to the WCRC to access these resources.

If you could do any other job in the world, what would it be?

I’ve been with FSB for 19 years and I still love what I do, as I’m helping people navigate the challenges of self-employment and business ownership, so maybe I’m already in my dream job! I am jealous of travel writers who get to travel the world and stay in some amazing places, so maybe that might have been an alternative career for me.

What’s your favourite Welsh food?

That’s a difficult one!  I love Welsh lamb chops, bara brith and Welsh cakes, but if I’m having a light lunch and I see Welsh rarebit on the menu, I always order that.  Some people think it’s just cheese on toast, but properly made with Worcestershire sauce, beer and mustard elevates this moreish treat to a whole new level!

For more information on the WCRC’s services, training programmes and membership options the get in touch at enquiries@wcrcentre.co.uk