A project to provide free advice and support to victims of business crime across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent has secured funding for a further three years.
The Business Crime Advisor project, delivered by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, was set up in 2015 by the Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner Sue Arnold to provide greater support to the business sector by ensuring victims of business crime receive a first-class service tailored to their needs.
The investment of £192,000 over the next three years will enable the project to continue to offer a range of support services to businesses who have been victims of crime, regardless of whether they have reported it to the police or not.
Businesses can take advantage of a free one-hour consultation with a specialist contractor who has a broad knowledge of issues likely to affect them after a crime, in areas such as HR, banking, insurance, ICT recovery and reputational damage.
Following the initial consultation, businesses can then choose to pursue additional paid support if they need further help to get back on their feet. Anyone affected by a business crime requiring emotional support will be referred to the Victim Gateway.
Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Sue Arnold, leads on the business crime portfolio of behalf of the Commissioner.
She said: ‘Successful businesses are the lifeblood of thriving communities. Thanks to the raft of support available in Staffordshire, it’s one of the safest places to do business, which is not only good for them, but has benefits for the region as a whole – a safe county is attractive for inward investment.
‘For those businesses who are victims of crime, however, there can be a significant impact on their development. Small and medium-sized enterprises are particularly vulnerable – in certain circumstances crime can even force them to close, with jobs lost as a result.
‘Through the Business Crime Advisor project, support is available to help companies who have been victims of crime minimise the costs and damage to their business.’
Sara Williams, CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: ‘Being a victim of business crime can be an incredibly distressing experience, and also raises lots of questions and concerns for the victim in the aftermath. I’m delighted that we’re able to continue to support victims in our business community to be able to move forwards and rebuild.’
Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) chairman Alun Rogers added: ‘It is a priority of the LEP to ensure our businesses, particularly smaller enterprises, have all the support they need to enable them to grow and thrive.
‘Many small businesses depend on expert advice and guidance on a range of issues, from employment law to financial assistance. And, as with any individual or organisation, businesses can be targeted by criminals, often with devastating effects.
‘Crime can impact on a business’s productivity, growth plans, employees and ultimately survival. This project will help give our businesses greater confidence to continue and play their part in our area’s ongoing economic growth.’
Tackling business crime is an important part of the Commissioner’s Safer, Fairer United Communities strategy. Find out about the range of business crime prevention and support.
Find out more about Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce business crime helpline or call 01782 900239.
