Thrive 26
In association with Phocas
Future-proof your business and let it thrive
Join us for Thrive 26, where we’ll bring together senior decision-makers and business leaders for a focused, in-person business leadership event.
Empowering businesses through security, people and performance.
Thrive 26 headline sponsor is
What is Thrive?
Thrive is about real conversations, practical insights, and genuine peer-level networking that help businesses do more with what they’ve got to thrive.
The day will centre on the conversations that matter most in 2026 and beyond:
- Sustainable growth
Smarter, more predictable operations - Resilience
Stay strong in uncertain markets and protect against business risk - Better decisions
Free leaders to focus on strategy - People and performance
Attract, retain and empower your teams
Expect practical insight, commercially relevant speakers and genuine peer-level networking, not a passive conference.
Attendance is complimentary, but places will be limited to maintain the quality of the room
Thrive 26 agenda
| Time | Title | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | REGISTRATION OPENS | |
| 09:15 |
Welcome to Thrive 26An introduction to EBS and what to expect from Thrive 26 |
Sandy Gaggini, Managing Director, EBS |
| 09:25 |
Saved by Seconds: The Decisions That Make or Break a Business During a BreachDrawing on frontline investigative experience and surviving the 2004 Asian tsunami, this talk reveals how the same crisis behaviours that determined survival in the Indian Ocean determine outcomes when your business is on the line. |
Adam Pilton, The Cyber Detective |
| 10:10 |
Analytics, AI, and Scorecards: The New Standard for Sage Reporting with PhocasThis session shows how analytics, AI-driven insights and real-time scorecards can replace static reporting with clearer visibility, faster decision-making and better performance tracking. Attendees will see how dashboards, automated reporting and intelligent analysis help teams work more proactively and make more informed business decisions. |
Gio Gaudelli, Account Executive, Phocas |
| 10:30 |
Conversations from the Front Line – Networking sponsored by SonicWallAn interactive networking session bringing together customers, prospects, partners and specialists to discuss today’s business challenges. Through table discussions and live audience interaction, attendees will explore resilience, culture, cyber security, fraud, AI, operational risk and leadership, beginning with a real example of deepfake impersonation. |
Hosted by Paul Ince |
| 11:00 | BREAK | |
| 11:20 |
AI as your assistant, not your replacementThis practical session explores how AI can support employees rather than replace them. Focusing on tools such as Microsoft Copilot, it will show how organisations can improve productivity, increase efficiency and help people work more effectively in their everyday roles. |
Chris Powell, Operations Manager, EBS |
| 11:40 |
Riding the Waves of Operational ComplexityEBS and Waves Car Wash (Gilmore Consultancy) will discuss the realities of supporting one of the UK’s largest hand car wash and valeting franchise networks. The session covers operational, infrastructure, compliance and technology challenges involved in running a fast-moving business across hundreds of locations. |
Colin Berry, Financial Controller, Gilmore Consultancy and Luke Pearman, New Business Development Manager, EBS |
| 12:00 |
It Only Takes One Click – the real business impact of modern cyber attacksUsing real-world examples, this session shows how easily cyber attacks can begin through everyday interactions. Attendees will learn about the financial, operational and reputational impact of incidents, the growing role of AI in modern threats, and practical ways to reduce risk and strengthen organisational resilience. |
Luke Pearman, New Business Development Manager, EBS and Ashley Smith, Technical Support Team Leader, EBS |
| 12:20 |
The Business Reality Check – People, pressure, risk and resilience in a changing worldBringing together voices from HR, cyber security, policing and insurance, this panel examines the real pressures organisations face today. Expect practical insights on resilience, fraud, leadership, workforce challenges, technology change and risk, alongside honest discussion about what businesses may still be underestimating. |
Adam Pilton, The Cyber Detective, Richard Crooks, Director and Owner, Wright People HR, Ed Kidson, Channel manager, TrustLayer, Sam Hawthorne, Account Executive, Howdens, Sandy Gaggini, Managing Director, EBS |
| 12:50 |
Innovating for Our CustomersThis session highlights how EBS is innovating to help customers work more efficiently and stay ahead. Attendees will see how new products, integrations and smarter functionality are reducing complexity, improving user experience and responding to customer feedback, emerging technologies and changing business needs. |
Simon Pritchard, Software Director, EBS |
| 13:10 | LUNCH | |
| 14:10 |
EBS Business Update & Future DirectionAn update on where EBS is today, the progress being made and the direction ahead. The session covers growth, investment, customer feedback, EBS Cloud and AI-led innovation, showing how the business is evolving to help customers improve efficiency, resilience and long-term success. |
Richard Bates, Sales Director, EBS |
| 14:20 |
From Panic To Process: Strengthening Cyber Resilience Through InsuranceHowden Insurance Brokers will explain how cyber incidents can rapidly escalate from disruption to crisis, affecting operations, finances and reputation. This session explores how organisations can move from reactive panic to proactive process by strengthening cyber resilience through better planning, protection and insurance support. |
Paul Biriblas, National Cyber Development Executive, Howden and Sam Hawthorne, Account Executive, Howden |
| 14:40 |
Protecting what mattersThis session explores practical ways organisations can strengthen resilience, reduce vulnerabilities and improve how they prevent, detect and respond to threats. It covers people, processes, technology and strategy, while also showing how businesses can embrace digital transformation and AI without compromising trust or security. |
Simon Gee, New Business Development Manager, EBS and Richard Bates, Sales Director, EBS |
| 15:00 |
Connected for the Future: Cloud, Cyber & AI at WebroEBS and Webro will discuss how a long-established UK manufacturer is using cloud, cyber security and AI to support growth and resilience. The session looks at modernising infrastructure, achieving Cyber Essentials compliance and building a scalable technology foundation within a busy real-world operational business. |
Peter Edginton, Managing Director, Webro and Simon Gee, New Business Development Manager, EBS |
| 15:20 |
Helping businesses simplify sellingAspin will show how connected technology can help wholesalers, distributors and brands simplify selling. The session covers tools such as mobile sales apps, B2B ecommerce and product information management, demonstrating how digital solutions can improve accuracy, customer experience, efficiency and overall business growth. |
Nathan Aspin, Managing Director, Aspin |
| 15:40 |
Closing RemarksTo close the day, the owners and directors of EBS will reflect on the key themes, insights and conversations from across the event, sharing their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities facing businesses today. The session will also include the announcement of our prize draw winners before the formal agenda concludes. Guests are then invited to continue the conversations with fellow attendees, partners and the EBS team as the bar opens for informal networking and, hopefully, an opportunity to enjoy the sunshine on the terrace. Please note that the Partner Showcase area will close at 4:30pm. |
Sandy Gaggini, Richard Bates, Simon Pritchard, Dan Price, EBS |
| 15:50 | BAR OPENS – NETWORKING DRINKS | |
| 16:30 | CLOSE | |
Why attend Thrive 26?
- Discover real strategies from businesses like yours
- Build valuable relationships through structured networking
- Leave inspired, informed, and ready to take action with expert-led insights from across key industries
Because the challenges facing businesses are not getting any simpler, and neither are the decisions.
We have attended all of the Thrive events by EBS and they have been really informative...we have picked up a lot of things we could do to increase our cyber security...It's also good to meet other companies facing similar issues.
The third year in, and it is still as interesting as the very first Thrive event...yet again EBS have delivered very engaging and interesting information to current issues faced by all businesses.
Watch the Thrive 25 highlights to get a feel for the day
Our Speakers
Meet our Keynote Speaker
Adam Pilton, Cyber Security Advisor & Speaker
Adam Pilton brings a unique perspective on cybersecurity, combining 15 years in law enforcement with extensive experience in the private sector. As a Detective Sergeant, he led Cyber Crime and Covert Operations teams, investigating hundreds of cases and pioneering digital tactics to tackle complex threats.
Since 2016, Adam has advised multinational businesses, helping them strengthen their cyber maturity, develop their people, and translate technical risks into clear, actionable strategies. His insight turns complex threats into practical guidance, giving leaders and teams the knowledge they need to protect their organisations and respond confidently to the ever-evolving cyber landscape.
Expert Speakers
Paul Birbilas – Cyber Risk and Insurance Specialist
Paul Birbilas is a Cyber Development Executive at Howden, leading the development of cyber insurance strategy across the UK Corporate and Commercial division. With 17 years of experience in cyber insurance, Paul works with brokers, insurers, and clients to help businesses understand, manage, and transfer cyber risk through practical, commercial insurance solutions. He also develops national reporting and sales frameworks, delivers training to teams, and supports complex client placements. Paul is passionate about making cyber insurance easier to understand and more accessible for colleagues and clients alike.
Sam Hawthorne – Business Insurance Specialist
Sam Hawthorne is an Account Executive in Howden’s Commercial and Corporate division, based in Stourbridge. With extensive experience advising businesses on tailored commercial insurance solutions, Sam helps clients understand their risks and secure cover that genuinely supports growth and resilience. Known for a clear, practical approach, Sam is passionate about helping businesses navigate an increasingly complex risk environment with confidence and clarity.
Our sponsors
Headline Sponsor
Premium Sponsor
Networking Sponsor
Our support sponsors are
Who are EBS?
EBS is an experienced technology partner helping businesses improve performance, strengthen resilience and get more from their systems. Established more than 40 years ago, EBS provides a broad range of services including software solutions, cloud services, IT hardware, network infrastructure, managed services and support. They also support organisations with cybersecurity, business management solutions, and bespoke software development, giving clients access to both strategic advice and practical delivery.
What sets EBS apart is its focus on long-term relationships and tailored support. Their approach is built around understanding how each business operates, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, and delivering solutions that support growth, continuity and day-to-day performance. With decades of experience and a strong customer-service ethos, EBS works as a trusted partner to organisations across a range of sectors.
Register now
Add your required admission tickets and select Register to join us at Thrive 26.
Frequently asked questions
Thrive 26 is built for business leaders and decision-makers who want to move their organisation forward with confidence.
If you are focused on driving sustainable growth, strengthening resilience, making smarter decisions or getting more from your people, Thrive will give you practical insight you can act on. It goes beyond digital solutions to tackle the real challenges businesses face today, helping you build a stronger, more efficient and future-ready organisation.
Thrive 26 is focused on all aspects of business. The day will feature real-world insights for tangible value, you can expect to:
Gain valuable business knowledge aligned to SMEs from expert speakers
Network and collaborate with other forward-thinking business leaders
Hear real-life experiences at our customer panels
Walk away with practical strategies you can implement immediately
And, most importantly, you won’t be subjected to product pitches or a ‘hard sell’, Thrive 26 is about real conversations, practical insights, and genuine peer-level networking that helps businesses do more with what they’ve got in order to go further.
We’re currently finalising the full agenda, but the day will begin with registration from 08:30, with coffee and pastries available on arrival. The event will officially open at 09:15, followed by our keynote session at 09:25.
The schedule will include a mid-morning break around 11:00 and lunch at 13:00, with a mix of sessions, discussions, and networking throughout the day. We’ll wrap up at 16:00, followed by post-event drinks, a great opportunity to continue conversations in a more relaxed setting.
Thrive 26 will take place at The Windmill Hotel, Birmingham Road, Allesley, Coventry, West Midlands, CV5 9AL. The hotel entrance is on the A45. Complimentary on-site parking is available.
For any questions or problems in advance of the day, please contact us via email (hello@ebs.tech) or on 0121 384 2513.
