Women In Business News for February 2007

9 March 2007

With a focus on retail, the Women In Business Group invited guest speaker, David Carr, a Police Sergeant from the Hampshire Constabulary, to their February meeting, to discuss the efforts being made to maintain and improve security within the Basingstoke area.

David immediately assured the meeting that, statistically, Basingstoke is a very typical English town, with average crime rates. The police have introduced Zones to the Town Centre, targeting trouble spots in the area. There is the Dispersal Zone, where police can break up gangs of youths. If a warning does not deter them then a fine of up to £5,000 can be enforced. Another zone is the Alcohol Restriction Zone, where the police can request certain members of the public not to consume alcohol if they are acting in a troublesome way.

A further reassurance is that there are many CCTV cameras strategically placed in the Town Centre, to provide peace of mind to Basingstoke residents. Festival Place has 182 cameras covering practically every square inch. Because of this, the Festival Place car park boasts practically a zero crime rate. All of these cameras are operated and controlled from the Festival Place control room, as well being monitored from the police control room.

Since their installation in December 2005, they have proved to be a very powerful tool and Police have witnessed a significant improvement in crime rates. In the last six months, a total of 687 incidents have been viewed using CCTV images, resulting in 366 arrests.

Additionally, the police employ six personnel who are 'Shopwatch Specials'. These are in addition to the Town Centre security officers.

Clydesdale Bank

At every Women In Business Group meeting, members are invited to include their business card and a small donation into a raffle. One of the business cards is picked and that person is able to speak about their business and the services they offer for 3 minutes during coffee.

This month, Anna Wooldridge from Clydesdale Bank talked about the services the Bank offers to local businesses. Anna explained that all decisions are made at a local level within the branch, taking into account their understanding of local influences and trends.

In addition, Anna described the modern facilities available at their offices in Basing View. There are meeting rooms and a board room, which she encouraged Women In Business members and local companies to book and use free of charge for their own business meetings. As some of our members work from small offices, or from home, this is a very welcome and valuable opportunity.

If you'd like to know more please visit the Clydesdale Bank website

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The Women In Business Group, an affiliation of the North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, organises regular monthly meetings on business and lifestyle issues for its all- female members. The meetings provide an ideal opportunity to meet other like-minded business women in the North Hampshire community, to network and do business together.

Details of how to join Women In Business, their monthly events and other news and information can be found on the Women In Business Group (WIBG) website.

Rest of Basingstoke Business News