Cyber Security Is a Key Theme at Question Time for Businesses

Published on: 20 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 20 Mar, 2026

From left, Fay Sharpe, Founder, Fast Forward 15; Cllr Vanessa King; Sush Patel, MD Stag Print; Maggie Howell, CEO of Surrey Hills Enterprises; Jane Frankland; Chris Hurren, Office Managing Partner, RSM Guildford; Pete Glanville, Creative Director and CEO, Farnham Maltings; Peter Gordon; and Cllr Liz Townsend. Credit: Justine Burton.

More than 80 local business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals got together in Guildford on Monday (March 16) for an evening of discussion, networking and insight.

The occasion was the fourth annual Guildford and Waverley Business Question Time, which took place at the Harbour Hotel in Guildford.

Jointly organised by Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council, the event aimed to support and connect the local business community. The host was broadcaster Peter Gordon and the theme was “Resilience in the Digital Age.”

Attendees heard a keynote address from Jane Frankland, an internationally recognised cyber security expert and award-winning author. Her session sparked an engaging debate around cyber security for businesses, with organisations keen to understand how to strengthen their resilience in an increasingly digital landscape.

Another area that resonated strongly with the audience was the present challenge of graduate recruitment. With the jobs market shifting rapidly, businesses shared their struggles in attracting and retaining early‑career talent, leading to a discussion among panel members and attendees about how employers can adapt to changing expectations and employment patterns.

The panel – comprising influential figures from sectors including professional services, sustainability, creative industries, and academia – explored a wide range of topics such as digital transformation, innovation, the pace of change within digital media/advertising, and practical advice for growing a business.

Cllr Liz Townsend

Cllr Liz Townsend, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development at Waverley Borough Council, said: “We were happy to see this year’s Business Question Time, once again, achieve such strong engagement.

“Bringing together more than 80 members of our local business community demonstrates just how valuable this event has become.

“The insightful discussions, particularly around cyber security and the evolving challenges of graduate recruitment, highlight the real-world issues businesses are facing right now. Events like this strengthen collaboration, spark new ideas, and support the resilience and ambition that define our local economy.”

Cllr Vanessa King

Cllr Vanessa King, Deputy Leader and Lead Cllr for Economy and Place at Guildford Borough Council, said: “Guildford’s business community continues to demonstrate remarkable adaptability and ambition, and this year’s Business Question Time was a powerful reflection of that.

“Bringing together such a diverse group of business leaders to discuss the opportunities and pressures of the digital age is vital to supporting a thriving, forward‑looking economy.

“We are proud to work alongside Waverley Borough Council to champion the innovation, resilience and collaborative spirit that make our local economy so strong.”

A statement from the organisers said: “As the event continues to grow in popularity and impact, both councils look forward to supporting the business community with future sessions aimed at fostering resilience, collaboration and sustainable economic growth across the region.”

For further information on business advice and support in Waverley, visit Welcome to Waverley for business and in Guildford, Businesses – Guildford Borough Council.