U.K. compliance bites: Navigating fines, Regulations and Cyber Resilience

With over two decades of professional experience, I have dedicated my career to enhancing cyber resilience for SMEs in the North East region. At the North East Business Resilience Centre (NEBRC), my mission is to drive innovative cybersecurity solutions by fostering collaboration between law enforcement, academia, and the business community. As a police Detective Inspector, I have gained extensive expertise in cybercrime prevention at local, regional, and national levels. This role has provided me with a deep understanding of electronic security systems, which informs and strengthens my contributions to the NEBRC. My current academic research focuses on how User-Centred Design (UCD) principles can be applied to deliver essential cybersecurity insights to professionals working with SMEs, ultimately helping to improve their cybersecurity posture. This research reflects my dedication to advancing the field through practical, strategic innovation. Additionally, I have applied my skills as a User Researcher, utilising the Government Digital Service (GDS) service manual to improve websites, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, and other digital platforms. This work involves identifying user needs, gaining empathy with users, and ensuring solutions are tailored to real-world challenges. I am an experienced public speaker, adept at presenting to both technical and non-technical audiences of varying sizes. My passion for cybersecurity inspires and mobilises stakeholders across the cyber ecosystem.

CIM-qualified executive with nearly 20 years’ global experience leading B2B and B2C marketing across EMEA, the US, and Japan. I’ve built and led high-performing teams, delivered award-winning campaigns, and driven significant commercial outcomes in both high-growth tech and world-class sports events. In my current role as Senior Director of Marketing, EMEA at Acronis, I lead regional marketing at a pivotal time in Acronis’ growth journey, being responsible for elevating brand presence, accelerating partner acquisition, and building a high-performance marketing engine across the region. This includes aligning regional go-to-market strategies with global priorities, driving pipeline growth through integrated demand generation activity, and enhancing partner engagement through content, events, and automation. Prior to Acronis I was VP of Marketing, EMEA at Pax8, the cloud technology marketplace that services 35k+ MSPs globally. I was appointed as the first marketing leader outside the US and was instrumental in Pax8’s international expansion, building a marketing function from the ground up, launching across 17 countries and contributing to significant revenue growth in-region. Before moving into tech, I led marketing for the travel and hospitality programmes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Rugby World Cup 2019, and Cricket World Cup 2019, managing direct teams in the UK and Japan as well as a network of official distributors. This role sharpened my skills in brand storytelling, international campaign execution, and cross-cultural leadership.

Nidhi has 15 years of experience in cybersecurity, having held various Product Management roles. For over 2 years, Nidhi has been with Acronis, leading the cybersecurity portfolio and successfully launching EDR, XDR, and MDR solutions. Nidhi is responsible for developing Acronis' cybersecurity portfolio, ensuring it meets the comprehensive security needs of both partners and customers.