Cut crime against business to unlock growth

Scott Knowles (Credit: East Midlands Chamber)

The East Midlands Chamber is backing a national report calling for Government to step up efforts to reduce crime against business.

The report – Crime Against Business: The Hidden Threat to UK Growth – has been produced by the British Chambers of Commerce, following research conducted in Autumn 2025.

Findings in the report reveal two fifths of UK firms have experienced crime; one fifth have experienced cyber-crime, while the overall crime rate was substantially higher among larger businesses, with 250 or more employees, at 58%.

Actions called for in Crime Against Business: The Hidden Threat to UK Growth include:

• National Business Crime Strategic Assessment to properly measure the economic harm caused by crime against businesses
• Creation of a single cyber-attack reporting system for firms to reduce administrative burden while improving protection
• Creation of Regional Business Crime Hubs bringing together police and Business Crime Reduction Partnerships
• Expand cyber and fraud resilience support for SMEs and improve incentives for businesses to invest in security measures

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Business cannot have any brakes on growth. The findings of this report paint an alarming picture of the extent crime against business is having across multiple sectors, whether that be in physical form or cyber-crime. Financial loss and disruption to productivity or general operation mean investment stalls so growth stalls.

“With crime against business constantly evolving, it is essential action is taken to reduce every type. I support the recommendations outlined in the British Chambers of Commerce report and would urge policymakers to engage with business and prioritise addressing business crime, removing an unnecessary barrier to growth.”

View the full report – Crime Against Business: The Hidden Threat to UK Growth – here.