Webinar

Episode 4 – Lead safely in the age of AI and cyber risk

Date & time

09 September 2026 10:30

Watch on demand

Paul Birbilas

LinkedIn
Cert CII
Cyber Development Executive

Paul specialises in helping businesses understand, manage, and transfer cyber risk through practical commercial insurance solutions.

With over 17 years of experience in insurance and cyber risk across the UK and North America, he supports brokers, insurers, and clients with technical guidance, market insight, and complex placements.

In his current role, Paul leads the development of cyber insurance across Howden’s UK Corporate and Commercial division, working with regional teams and insurer partners to drive growth, improve client outcomes, and make cyber insurance more accessible and easier to understand.

Photo of Paul Birbilas

Why attend?

Right now, many SME leaders are under real pressure to adopt new technology, but without a clear roadmap.

Businesses are facing:

  • Constant noise around AI, automation and “digital transformation”, with little clarity on what actually delivers value
  • Growing cyber risks as more systems, data and processes move online
  • Uncertainty around regulation, compliance and the ethical use of technology in the workplace

Technology is no longer optional for SMEs. It has become a survival tool. From automation to artificial intelligence, the right tools can unlock efficiency, resilience and scalability. But for many business leaders, tech adoption feels overwhelming. The jargon is confusing, the return on investment is unclear, and the risks, particularly around cybersecurity, feel ever present.

As a result, some businesses delay decisions altogether. Others invest reactively, adopting tools without fully understanding the implications. Both approaches can leave SMEs exposed, either by falling behind competitors or by increasing risk without real benefit.

At the same time, expectations are shifting. Customers expect faster, more responsive service. Staff expect better systems that make work easier. Regulators are paying closer attention to how data and AI are used. Doing nothing is rarely the safest option.

Silhouetted figures walk in front of a red illuminated wall with the words “Future ready” and “Howden” displayed.

This session is about cutting through the noise

In the webinar we’ll cover:

  • What AI really means for SMEs, separating practical use cases from overhyped trends
  • Realistic examples of how technology can be used today to save time, improve customer experience and support decision making
  • Why cyber security must underpin any tech adoption, and the most common vulnerabilities SMEs face
  • How cyber insurance and simple risk frameworks can strengthen your overall resilience
  • The emerging regulatory and ethical considerations around AI in the workplace, and the policies SMEs should have in place

If you want to embrace technology without overwhelming your team or increasing unnecessary risk, this session will give you a clearer, more confident way forward.
 

Watch on demand