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Aberdeen-based internet service provider, IT support and security specialist, Converged Communication Solutions, has added cybersecurity to the mix of training topics covered in the Growth500 programme operated by not-for-profit business collaborative, CeeD. Established in 2014, to ‘guide 500 ambitious Scottish businesses on a journey to growth’, CeeD’s training programme comprises eight days run over nine months, offering members peer-to-peer insights into the areas of business activity considered key to growth, including finance, direct selling, leadership and customer mapping.
Sharing our skills and expertise
Converged’s CSO, Robbie Ross, delivered the first training session on cybersecurity at the University of the West of Scotland’s Lanarkshire Campus in Hamilton last week. He explains: “Having benefitted from a number of learning and networking opportunities since joining CeeD in 2018 – with several of our staff having completed the Growth500 training programme in that time – we were keen to share our skills and expertise to ensure that fellow members are armed with the tools they need to protect their own businesses.”
Robbie’s 2.5 hour module covered the cyber fundamentals, from the definition of cybersecurity to the steps an organisation should take to be better protected, including a tabletop exercise in which participants worked through a series of scenarios to form an action plan for their business.
Encouraging a longer-term culture of security
“We’re delighted to partner with CeeD on a programme that has proved invaluable to countless members and their employees, and I’m happy to provide advice to any members keen to continue the conversation after the training,” continues Robbie. “I hope these sessions will enable businesses to proactively manage their own security, and maybe even encourage a longer-term culture of security that future-proofs them against cyber-attacks as they continue to grow.”
Smooth transition through survival to growth
CeeD is a growing community of businesses and academics delivering best practice in the pursuit of operational excellence. The organisation has co-hosted several awareness sessions with Converged, most recently at a hybrid in-person/online event in June which attracted an audience from all over Scotland. CeeD’s Business Development Manager, Dave Nicholson, says: “Our Growth500 training programme teaches our members’ employees every aspect of business to ensure a smooth transition through survival to growth, with topics presented by academics, private practitioners and business experts. Cybersecurity is a vital consideration for any business these days, so it’s fantastic to be able to offer this training through our partnership with Converged.”
