Partnership Approach to Fraud Identified
October 7, 2015
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council was delighted to collaborate with the Ulster Bank at the recent NI ‘Fighting Fraud Through Awareness’ Conference held at Lagan Valley Island.
Justice Minister David Ford MLA was the keynote speaker at this event and discussed the importance of partnership working to collectively fight fraud. The conference was attended by representatives from the business community across Northern Ireland.
The Mayor, Councillor Thomas Beckett, welcoming everyone to the conference, said: “I am delighted such a wide cross section of the business community has joined us today to identify methods for reducing fraud in the local economy and to hear from local banking experts on how to grow their business and prosper. I would like to thank the Ulster Bank for being innovative and arranging this very important conference with topic focussed sessions for the business community.”
Fraud techniques continue to evolve as criminals look for new ways to defraud their victims. Everyone is a potential target. The Ulster Bank is committed to helping its customers remain vigilant and follow best practice in order to help safeguard their business.
Alderman Allan Ewart, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, added: “Over recent years there has been an increase in the local economy in terms of employment and investment. It is very important for the Council and the Ulster Bank to work in partnership with local businesses to ensure that they have the information and tools required to fight fraud with a particular focus on online security. The conference highlighted the importance of businesses being proactive to protect themselves from fraudsters as the cost of prevention is significantly less than the cost of rectifying fraud if it occurs.”
Also speaking at the conference were Beverley Burns (Trading Standards Service), Maxine Fraser (Retailers Against Crime), Detective Chief Superintendent David Clark (City of London Police), Nigel Walsh and Lauren MacKensie (Ulster Bank) and Tim Mitchell (Get Safe Online).
Richard Donnan, Head of NI at Ulster Bank, said: “Part of being successful in business involves managing risks as well as spotting new opportunities. We are committed to providing information and practical support that can help our customers protect themselves and their business assets.
“By creating this opportunity for networking and discussion, we hope to provide a platform for engagement between local businesses and the industry bodies that have the knowledge and expertise to help them enhance their safety.”
Pictured at the NI Fraud Awareness Conference which recently took place at Lagan Valley Island are: (l-r) Detective Chief Superintendent David Clark, City of London Police; Alderman Allan Ewart, Chairman of the Council's Development Committee; the Mayor, Councillor Thomas Beckett; Justice Minister David Ford MLA; Nigel Walsh, Head of Sectors and Specialsied Business, Ulster Bank and Alastair Ross, Chair of the Justice Committee.