Closer partnerships between the police and within the industry are integral to fighting business crime and delivering effective Olympic security. That was just one of the messages to come from the inaugural Business Crime Conference held in Surrey on the 30th of November. The event was organised by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) in partnership with Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Kent and Thames Valley Police forces, and in conjunction with the Federation of Small Businesses. The aim of the conference was to provide advice and guidance to key decision-makers from a range of industries and business sectors, including local authorities, retailers, blue chip companies, SMEs, health authorities, facilities managers, consultants and the police on security measures such as CCTV systems.

Fraser Halliday – from event sponsor Securitas Security Services Ltd, opened the seminar programme highlighting the importance of collaboration, he said: “The subject of today’s conference, business partnership against crime, [..] has come out very strongly today. It is all about collaboration, between the security industry, businesses and the Police. […] and I think the event has gone down absolutely superbly.”

Chief Executive of the BSIA James Kelly chaired the event and said: "The first Business Crime Conference was a great success and gave delegates a deeper understanding of the many security challenges businesses face in today's environment. We were very lucky to secure such a high calibre of experts for the seminar programme. Each speaker provided the audience with an insight into the importance of a closer partnership between the Police and the commercial and security sectors, to reduce the incidence of business crime and keep staff, goods and premises protected. A diverse range of exhibitors was also on hand throughout the day, showcasing the wide array of security measures and initiatives available to keep businesses safe.”

Posted by Chris Williams