The UK must ensure that the City and the wider national economy are “the safest places to do business in the world”, the Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board said today.

James Thomson told an audience of UK law enforcement and security service leaders that with so many SMEs conducting their business online, it is “vital that they are supported to do so in a way that protects them and their customers, contributing to a thriving economy – which is needed now more than ever.”

The former City of London Police Special Constable also chairs the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group.

He was speaking today at the launch of the Cyber Resilience Centre for London. The new body is part of a network of nine UK regional centres which helps SMEs and third sector organisations reduce their vulnerability to cyber-crime. It is a police-led, not-for-profit organisation working in partnership with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime, the City of London Police, and the Metropolitan Police.

He said: “becoming a victim of crime changes lives, whether it’s individuals or businesses that are the target. And we have an enormous opportunity to make a difference to many people’s lives, by preventing them becoming victims in the first place. Reducing the vulnerability in our business community will ultimately protect us all.”

The City of London Corporation’s Court of Common Council is the Police Authority for the Square Mile. The Police Authority Board is responsible for holding the Commissioner of the City of London Police to account. It aims to make sure the force is running an effective and efficient service, ensuring value for money, and setting policing priorities considering the views of the local community.

ENDS  

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk