Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis is urging people to get behind local companies tomorrow, 7 December, on Small Business Saturday.
Latest reported crime figures show that there’s almost one crime every hour in Staffordshire where businesses are the victims.
Mr Ellis has commissioned a new strategy to support businesses, spearheaded by his deputy Sue Arnold, herself a former president of South Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce.
Tomorrow will see the first ever Small Business Saturday in the UK to encourage people to “shop small, shop local and support small businesses.” Special Small Business Saturday events and promotions will be taking place throughout Staffordshire.
Mr Ellis said: “We want a level playing field for local providers which is why we are reviewing police procurement to help tax-payers’ money be spent in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent wherever possible.
“Businesses are the lifeblood of local communities but times are tough for small retailers and as a local organisation we need to support our local businesses.
“I am focusing heavily on local business not just in terms of procurement but also in terms of crime. We need a new approach that treats business crime more seriously, where company owners get the support they need.
“I’m developing a comprehensive business strategy and I’ll be consulting with businesses throughout Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent early in the new year.
“I’ve asked Sue to deliver this vital strategy for me due to her extensive commercial experience, including her previous role on the Chamber.”
Mrs Arnold got the backing of 180 businesses when she spoke about the strategy at the Business Networks Forum at Drayton Manor Park on Thursday night, 4 December.
She said: “I am talking to lots of businesses at events like the forum on Thursday.
“Over the next few months, as the strategy is launched across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, we’ll be updating businesses about specific changes that they will benefit from.
“One thing’s for certain – we’re determined to focus on local businesses, particularly in terms of procurement and making crime a business of the past through a brave new world of computer innovation, communication and customer consideration.
“It’s our duty to look after the economy when it is under attack.
“Supporting businesses is a central part of the PCC’s Safer, Fairer United Communities strategy which can viewed at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk”
