Business Voice WM is backing a major anti-crime workshop.

The lobby group is supporting an event run by the National Federation of Retail Newsagents, a BVWM member, aimed at business crime prevention.

It takes place on Sunday, July 18, from 10am to 4pm at the Holiday Inn Express in Walsall.

Small firms campaigner Fay Goodman is representing BVWM - she is the author of a business crime prevention booklet that is still free for all businesses to access at www.businessvoicewm.org.uk/crime.html.

West Midlands Police and Victim Support will also be attending the Putting Crime Out of Business workshop.

Specialist security companies will be on hand to offer advice.

The event is free and open to the public.

Ms Goodman said: "Crime against business is an on-going scourge which costs companies millions of pounds a year.

"Business Voice West Midlands has been campaigning hard to push the issue up the agenda of the authorities.

"I applaud the initiative of the NFRN in running this valuable event.

"I would urge representatives of businesses of all sizes to attend because they can learn a great deal from the experts. And obtaining a free copy of the BVWM crime prevention booklet will add to their knowledge.

"Taking sensible precautions does not necessarily have to be hugely expensive. It is better to be safe than sorry."