New guidance to help North West businesses defeat terrorism

New guidance is being made available to businesses across the North West to highlight the vital part they can play in defeating terrorism.

It aims to show the business community how they can make a real difference by being prepared and implementing measures to prevent and protect their company and staff from the threat of terrorism, crime, the consequences of natural disasters and electronic attacks.

The Secure in the Knowledge booklet and DVD has been developed by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), London First (a business membership group) and the Security Service.  

It is being distributed nationally and provides essential information to help in particular small and medium-sized businesses remain safe, secure and viable.  There is advice to help companies recognise where they are most at risk and how they can improve their security and protect the information that they depend upon.  

Greater Manchester Police’s Chief Constable Michael Todd said:  “I want to reassure people that there is no intelligence to suggest there is a specific threat to Greater Manchester.  However, in today’s current climate, businesses cannot be complacent and it is crucial that they take the necessary steps to help prevent and protect themselves from all crime and in particular terrorist acts.  

“This new guidance booklet and DVD is an excellent tool, which I urge businesses across the North West to use to help make themselves resilient to the threat of crime and terrorism.  Together we can make a difference and ensure Greater Manchester is a safe and secure place to live and work.”

Detective Sergeant Richard Flynn from NaCTSO and author of the Secure in the Knowledge booklet and DVD said: “It provides guidance and information to businesses on improving their security and in turn, protecting their livelihood.  Everybody in a business has a part to play, by remaining vigilant, being security-minded and having basic security measures in place can help protect businesses and make the work of criminals, especially terrorists, more difficult.

“Also, being better informed and prepared reassures customers and suppliers that a company takes its security seriously and if businesses are to be successful in the future, they will need to show that they are resilient.”

Secure in the Knowledge was launched to North West companies at a conference organised by Greater Manchester Police, which took place on Thursday 6 October 2005 at Kellogg’s UK Headquarters, Talbot Road, Manchester.

The Secure in the Knowledge DVD and booklet can be viewed on GMP’s website: www.gmp.police.uk or by emailing: ctsa@gmp.police.uk