Amid growing concerns about rising violence and threats in the retail industry, experts have outlined how retail leaders can protect their employees during this challenging period.
A recent report by the Retail Trust revealed that the increasing rate of violence has caused nearly half (47%) of retail employees to fear for their safety, and nearly two out of five (39%) want to quit their positions or the industry entirely.
There are steps you can take to protect your business against crime, and taking the time to plan and prepare for such events can make a significant difference. So, how you can keep your staff and business safe?
Kyle Eaton, money.co.uk business insurance expert, comments on how businesses can best protect their employees and themselves:
Ensure your business is secure
Security is crucial if you have a high street business. It’s likely that your shop or premises will be closed overnight, and possibly early in the morning and later in the evening.
Having security cameras can be a good deterrent. They’ll also help if things go wrong during opening hours too, as it’s often the first thing police will look at. Consider placing them in obvious places so potential criminals can see them, but also make sure they’re set up to record places where valuable items may be kept.
Reinforced doors and windows, alarms and shutters are also a good way to keep unwanted people out or deter them from trying their luck in the first place. Many shutters these days can suit the aesthetic of your shop, so you don’t need to worry about your business looking uninviting.
Have an emergency plan
Unrest, looting or vandalism is not something any of us want to think about, but in the same way it’s important to plan for the event of a fire, planning for other types of emergencies can also help keep you, your staff and your customers safe.
You can start by carrying out a risk assessment. This is where you identify potential hazards or risks and think about what could happen should they occur. There are many resources online to help with this – but the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can be a good start.
Consider insurance and a contingency plan
Business insurance is an umbrella term for a range of individual insurance policies that can be selected for specific types of businesses.
It’s important that you choose the right insurance policies, such as commercial property insurance, which covers theft, riots, floods, and fire, or business interruption insurance to cover lost earnings if you’re unable to operate.
Additionally, establishing a contingency plan, like a savings account for your business, can provide extra security by earning interest on unused funds.
Look out for one another
Your high street business helps to keep your community alive. And nothing says community spirit like having each other’s back. Talk to your community and other businesses around you. Perhaps there’s a neighbourhood watch programme you could join to share information and support.
Keeping in close contact with local authorities is important too. Maintaining regular contact with local police or local council safety initiatives will mean you have the right information to help deal with potential unrest.
Stay positive
If you run a small high street business, there’s a good chance you do so because you love your community. Don’t let that spirit disappear. By standing strong with your community, looking out for each other and being prepared for any eventuality, you can rise above any challenges that may come your way.
