Bath BID’s Safe and Secure Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) is the first to be formally recognised for Exceeding the Standard of the National Standards Accreditation, for demonstrating exceptional performance and best practice.
The Bath Safe and Secure BCRP provides an invaluable service to Bath’s city centre. The award-winning Bath Safe Bus is out on the weekends supporting vulnerable people, and its City Marshals are integral to helping create a secure retail environment for businesses and providing reassurance to the public, particularly with the strong rapport they have built with many of Bath’s business owners.
Bath is the first BCRP nationally to receive this grading from the National Association of Business Crime Partnerships (NABCP) since the standards were reviewed. This sets a new ‘benchmark in excellence and innovation’ across the sector and reinforces the strength of partnership-led approaches in tackling business crime, reducing anti-social behaviour and supporting safer communities.
Sophie Jordan, CEO and Lead Assessor at the NABCP, said: “NABCP is delighted to award the BCRP National Standard Accreditation to Bath BID, recognising their outstanding efforts to reduce crime affecting businesses, staff, and the community in Bath. Through innovative projects and a strong focus on community safety, Bath BID has demonstrated exceptional commitment to business crime reduction.
“Our assessor identified a wealth of best practice and forward-thinking approaches, resulting in the prestigious grade of Exceeding the Standard, as set by the National Standards Board under the City of London Police’s National Business Crime Centre.
“This is a remarkable achievement – Bath BID is the first BCRP to receive this grading since the standards were reviewed, following recommendations outlined in the accreditation report by Criminologist Professor Emmeline Taylor.
“We at NABCP commend Bath BID for setting a new benchmark in excellence and innovation across the sector, driven by the outstanding commitment and leadership of BCRP Manager Nick Bishop. The quality and depth of the accreditation submission, meticulously presented and robustly evidenced, reflect a truly commendable standard of work. A well-deserved recognition. Very well done!”
Businesses, police forces, and other key stakeholders can be confident that accredited BCRPs operate legally, comply with data-sharing and integrity standards, and can be reassured the BCRP is a worthwhile investment.
Chief Inspector Scott Hill, Avon and Somerset Police said: “I would like to congratulate Nick and the Bath BID team on achieving the prestigious BCRP National Standard Accreditation. This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and professionalism they have shown in tackling business crime and supporting community safety across the city.
“The partnership between Bath BID and Avon and Somerset Police continues to make a real difference in keeping our city safe, supporting businesses, and protecting our communities. This recognition is well deserved and highlights just how effective that partnership has become.”
Nick Bishop, Business Manager at Bath BID and Project Manager, Safe and Secure Bath BCRP said of the accreditation: “We are really proud and honoured that our BCRP has been rated as Exceeding the Standard. Our team works exceptionally hard to keep our city safe and welcoming. To gain recognition for this on a national stage means a huge deal to all of us.
“Our work is more crucial than ever – whilst we are lucky to operate in a largely safe city, we know the strain that businesses are facing with an increase in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. We continue to be committed to ensuring that businesses, visitors and local people feel secure and comfortable in Bath.
“We look forward to continuing our brilliant partnership with Avon and Somerset Police to make our city the best it can be for residents and visitors.”
