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
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 lof 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
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.
