A push by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to achieve business representation on local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) has proven fruitful. Tim Colman, FSB County Chairman, wrote in January to each CDRP, or equivalent, across the region and now businesses are represented on four groups with invitations from a further two.
Mr Colman himself represents the FSB on the Hart CDRP and is pleased that the FSB has received invitations to attend the East Hants Community Safety Partnership and also to offer a presentation at the next IoW CDRP, with a view to the FSB becoming a member of the Board.
Mr Colman said: “Crime against business is increasing nationwide and Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are no exception to this. However business representation on local CDRPs and similar community crime forums is minimal. An issue that we are coming up against time and time again is the belief by some people that business is not part of the community. Whilst there is no statutory requirement to have business representation on CDRPs, some business presence is both desirable and actually recommended.”
The FSB already has representation the Safer Portsmouth Partnership and the Safer Havant Partnership. Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, New Forest, Southampton, Test Valley and Winchester have yet to respond. Ironically the FSB were the only voice of business on the Basingstoke and Deane Community Safety Forum but were removed from the forum two years ago without any explanation.
“We believe that where the FSB does have a seat on these panels its presence contributes significantly to their success. We hope to be able to represent businesses – as an integral part of the community – on all panels across our region,” added Mr Colman.
The FSB is the UK’s leading business organisation with over 213,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run their own business. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk.
Tim Colman – FSB Hampshire and Isle of Wight County Chairman – 0845 2577213
Neil Eames, Regional Organiser, Wessex Region (Hampshire and the Isle of Wight) 07920 846684/ 01425 280080
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