Businesses in Staffordshire battling the credit crunch are being offered free advice by the police and fire service on how to reduce the risk of crime and fire destroying their hard work and livelihood.

Every spring there is a rise in the number of fires and arson attacks on businesses and there are concerns that this year the increase could be higher due to the difficult economic climate.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, in conjunction with the West Midlands Arson Task Force, is warning bosses that cutting corners in fire safety could end up costing them much more and they have produced an information pack to help them avoid seeing their businesses go up in smoke.

The Keep Your Business in Business pack is designed as a reference manual to provide the best arson, fire and crime prevention advice to small and medium-sized businesses.

Sgt Mick Butters, from Staffordshire Police’s arson reduction team, said: “Over the last three years deliberate fires are down by over 50 per cent which has saved Staffordshire over £20 million.

“However we have ambitions to reduce the risk further. Good housekeeping can reduce risks from fire and other crime and costs little.

“Insurance companies are now being more thorough in their investigations and it is essential that good risk assessments are done to ensure that incidents are reduced and quick recovery is made after an incident. KYBIB tells you all you need to know to carry out the right preventive measures.”

Station Manager Simon Craythorn said: “Managing the risk of fire must be a normal part of day to day business activity and included in all business continuity plans.

“This guide will help businesses to comply with their legal requirements to protect themselves and their staff from accidental or deliberate fires which have the potential to destroy a business to such an extent that it is unlikely to recover.”

To get a copy of Keep Your Business in Business visit www.wmarsontaskforce.gov.uk or www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk