AI & Cybersecurity Summit

28 Apr 2026

Dunkenhalgh House , Blackburn Road, Clayton Le Moors, BB5 5JP

08:30 - 11:00

AI and Cybersecurity Logo

Turning ambition into delivery

How are businesses actually deploying AI - and how are they managing the cyber risks that come with it?

Lancashire is increasingly at the centre of the AI and cyber conversation.

With the emergence of the National Cyber Force HQ, strong higher and further education institutions and a growing number of businesses deploying AI and digital technologies, the county is well placed to play a leading role in the UK’s digital future.

But businesses face a clear challenge.

AI adoption is accelerating while cyber risks are evolving just as quickly. Organisations are making decisions about automation, data and digital transformation now - often without clear benchmarks, shared learning or trusted peer insight.

The Lancashire AI & Cyber Summit brings together business leaders to explore how organisations are responding in practice.

This focused morning event combines expert insight, real business experience and open discussion, helping organisations understand both the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with AI adoption.

The programme will include:

• A conversation exploring what responsible AI adoption means for businesses.
• A practical reality check on AI and cyber risk.
• A panel discussion on the skills, behaviours and governance organisations need to adopt AI safely.
• Real-world insight from organisations already deploying AI in their operations.
• A collaborative discussion capturing lessons and questions from the businesses in the room.
The aim is simple: to move the conversation from ambition to delivery.

Who should attend?

This event is designed for organisations that are:
• Already using AI or automation within their business.
• Exploring how AI could improve productivity or services.
• Responsible for cyber security, data, digital transformation or organisational risk.
Attendance is limited to maintain a high-quality business discussion.

What you will gain?

Attendees will leave with:
• Real examples of how businesses are deploying AI.
• Insight into emerging cyber risks and governance challenges.
• Practical lessons from organisations already using these technologies.
• A clearer understanding of the skills and capabilities needed for the future.

 This event is in association with Blackburn College, Seriun and the University of Lancashire.

Additional speakers to be announced

Our speakers:

Marcello Trovati

Professor of Digital Transformation

University of Lancashire

Daniel Knowles

Dan Knowles

Founder

Northern Reach

 Dan Giannasi

Dan Giannasi

Detective Inspector

North West Cyber Resilience Centre

Mark Edwards Updated

Mark Edwards

Operations Director

Seriun

Tim Barrow

Tim Barrow

Managing Director

Terry Lifts

Darren Ratcliffe

Darren Ratcliffe

Corporation Board Member

Blackburn College

Lisa Kennery

Lisa Kinnery

Partner of the Pierce Group

Wayne Fulton

Wayne Fulton

Head of Cybersecurity

Seriun

Tamima Mulla-Shah

Tamima Mulla-Shah

Regional Manager

In4 group

Lewis MacCallum

Lewis MacCallum

Director and Head of Development

VARS Technology

Austin Waddecar

Austin Waddecar

Director of  Product

Fulfilment Crowd

Paul Bell

Paul Bell

Programme Manager

North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA)

Express your interest here

Tickets are £25, or £40 for two.

Booking details will be shared with those selected to attend.

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