MI5 offers new anti-terror advice for business

In an initiative supported by MI5, London’s largest businesses have received new security guidelines. A security booklet has been prepared by business support group London First and the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office. The initiative follows the recent bomb attacks in the capital.

Over 300 firms, including Tesco and HSBC, have been advised on counter-terrorism measures, including searching staff bags, keeping offices locked, ensuring public area are tidy and well lit and relocating mail rooms away from their main premises. The need for all businesses to have a contingency plan has also been stressed. MI5 has posted a basic security checklist for companies on its website.

It is believed that over 50% of British businesses do not have basic contingency plans in place to cope with terrorist attacks.

According to Rachel Goodison, London First’s director of security, security issues would vary from business to business, but she said that many of the measures were simply “common sense”.

The companies involved have been asked to share the information with their suppliers across the UK.

Sir Digby Jones, director general of the CBI, said that the failed attacks on 21 July were potentially more damaging to the economy than the 7 July bombs, because they indicated that the threat of terrorism was likely to be present for some time. However, he said that the bombs had not deterred tourists from visiting the capital. He said: “I am seeing no real lasting or indeed deep damage at all”.