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Andy Watterson has been revealed as the new head of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce’s business crime reduction operation.

Watterson, who has a background in the automotive sector, joins the chamber with the brief of developing its BusinessWatch brand.

BusinessWatch is aimed at helping firms boost their security and prevent crime by working with them to identify potential risks and problems. The scheme was launched in 1995 and the chamber says it has helped to improve security for more than 2,500 companies.

Watterson said: “I’m delighted to be joining the BusinessWatch team and look forward to working with local companies to help them boost their security and protect themselves against crime. I join at an exciting time. The BusinessWatch team has a number of important new initiatives in the pipeline which will really step up the fight against business crime here in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.”

Scott Knowles, the chamber’s deputy chief executive, added: “We are delighted that Andy has joined the chamber to head up the BusinessWatch operation and help more local firms take steps to prevent themselves from becoming the victims of crime.

“Business crime remains a serious issue that not only affects companies, but can also have a knock-on impact on the economy in general, so it is absolutely crucial that firms do all they can to protect their premises, equipment, product holdings, staff and customers.”