Safer Business Network’s Adam Ratcliffe reveals what it really takes to bring the right people together in the fight against crime…

This week on the Retail Risk – Podcast, Paul sits down with Adam Ratcliffe from Safer Business Network – a not-for-profit Community Interest Company providing crime prevention and community safety services to business communities across the UK.

To say Adam’s CV is impressive would be an understatement. A former police officer, he’s also a Law Graduate and an Associate Lecturer in Criminology, Politics, and the Ethics of Policing, as well as a White Ribbon Ambassador and a former Business Crime Reduction Partnership leader.

Now working as Operations Director at Safer Business Network, his experience on both sides of the fence means he has a genuine understanding of the challenges facing law enforcement and businesses on the frontline.

In this fascinating conversation, Adam brings Paul up to speed on the brilliant work being done by Safer Business Network, which represents more than 20,000 businesses across London. Describing the organisation as “the head of the octopus”, he explains how its role is to bring together retailers, police, local authorities and other key partners, ensuring information flows effectively between all the different “tentacles”.

The pair also discuss the recent launch of the new Safer Business Network Intelligence Service. With some seriously impressive results already being achieved – including a 78% reduction in repeat offending among top offenders, a 27x return on investment and 86% of businesses reporting that they feel safer – he reveals exactly why their intelligence-led approach is proving so effective. It’s worth listening for this alone!

We also get the inside track on Adam’s appearance before the House of Lords Select Committee on shop theft, as well as his thoughts on the vital role Business Crime Reduction Partnerships play in creating safer communities. Plus, he reveals the one issue that keeps him awake at night more than anything else…

But when you’ve spent your day tackling crime, sometimes it’s good to focus on something more positive. An avid photographer, Adam reveals that he enjoys nothing more than heading out with his camera to capture the very best of London – a welcome contrast to the darker side of city life he encounters through his work.