Safety advice for businesses

Monklands businesses are being encouraged to act now to keep their workplaces safe as part of a pioneering campaign.

Launched by the Scottish Business Resilience Centre ( SBRC) with support from Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Safer Business, Stronger Scotland initiative is being backed by the Scottish Government.

It aims to create a strong economic base by helping businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations to be more resilient to the threat of criminal activity and fire risk.

Throughout the campaign, SBRC will be delivering a range of advanced training, support and intelligence sharing for businesses to help mitigate threats ranging from online fraud to serious organised crime.

Chief operating officer at SBRC, Lynsae Tulloch, said: “Our message is that Scotland is a safe place to work and do business, whether online or in a physical setting, through taking very simple steps to understand and mitigate risks.

“This, in turn, supports a stronger and more robust economy for continued investment that, together, means we can build safer, stronger communities.”

As part of the campaign, businesses in Airdrie and Coatbridge are being encouraged to sign up to the free # PadlockPledge to make a clear commitment to safety and resilience.

A #PadlockPledge could be anything from pledging to make online passwords more complex to keeping staff safe through lone worker training.

By signing up, businesses will join a national network committed to making a difference by taking proactive measures against potential threats.

Assistant chief officer Ross Haggart said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are delighted to be supporting this campaign and we are working closely with our partners to help keep businesses safe.

“Alongside the SBRC, we regularly provide advice and guidance to businesses across Scotland which helps to create a safe working environment.

“I would urge business to sign up to the # PadlockPledge scheme and make a clear commitment to safety and resilience.”

Assistant chief constable Gary Ritchie added: “Police Scotland is committed to improving the safety and wellbeing of our communities and this of course includes our business communities.

“We are delighted to have strong partnerships with the SBRC and other agencies, working together to provide support to businesses and help them to protect themselves from criminals who are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods.”

For more on how to take the # Pa d l o c k P l e d g e, visit SaferBusinessStrongerScotland.com