The Safer Business Network (SBN) has revealed a new strategic partnership with the British Retail Consortium (BRC) to help tackle retail crime and improve safety for retail workers across the UK.
The partnership will see Safer Business Network contribute to the BRC’s regular Operations Community Calls, sharing practical guidance, learning and experience on some of the most pressing issues facing retailers and their staff.
Topics will include retail crime prevention, conflict management, colleague safety, intelligence sharing and the impact of changes to legislation affecting the sector.
Safer Business Network’s first contribution will focus on conflict management, drawing on its experience of working directly with businesses and local partners to help prevent escalation, manage challenging situations and improve safety in retail settings.
Alongside the calls, the partnership will create opportunities for Safer Business Network to contribute articles, blogs and discussions on emerging issues, as well as help develop practical guidance and resources for retail environments.
The partnership provides an opportunity to bring this experience to a national audience, strengthen relationships with retailers and share what works on the ground, helping to shape practical approaches to crime prevention, intelligence sharing and colleague safety.
Hannah Wadey, CEO of Safer Business Network, said: “We are delighted to be working with the British Retail Consortium. While recent crime figures may suggest a reduction in retail crime, we know that shop theft, abuse and violence remain a daily reality for far too many retail workers. Nobody should come to work expecting to face abuse or violence, and we all have a role to play in changing that.
“Our teams work directly with businesses every day and see firsthand the impact crime has on retail workers, businesses and the wider community. We also see what can be achieved when businesses, police and local partners work together, share intelligence and invest in practical prevention.
“This partnership is a fantastic opportunity to bring that experience into national conversations, share what works and support retailers in taking meaningful steps to protect their people.
“We look forward to building a strong relationship with the BRC and its members and working together to make retail environments safer.”
Lucy Whing, policy advisor at the British Retail Consortium, added: “We are excited to partner with the Safer Business Network, with whom we share a deep commitment to ensuring our high streets remain safe and welcoming, particularly for the brilliant staff who are the lifeblood of the retail industry. It is completely unacceptable that retail colleagues continue to face violence and abuse simply for doing their jobs and protecting them remains the industry’s absolute priority.
“Our new strategic partnership with SBN will provide our members with invaluable frontline expertise and practical strategies to tackle retail crime head-on. By working collaboratively, we can better equip retailers to prevent conflict, protect their teams, and build a safer, more resilient future for the entire sector.”
No comments yet