Companies in Oxfordshire are teaming up with motor racing boss Jackie Stewart in a new drive to fight business crime and improve community safety.

The three-times Formula One world champion is backing the Thames Valley Police Firms Community Safety Trust, a 'one stop funding shop' for locally based projects aimed at improving safety and security in the Thames Valley region.

The Trust has already generated nearly £300,000 from the Thames Valley Police Authority and local businesses, such as Oxford car parts firm Unipart, Milton Park industrial park, near Abingdon, British Gas in Reading, and Microsoft in Newbury, are keen to be involved.

Mr Stewart said: The Trust's unique approach to business investment will directly benefit the security of the business environment and the wider community.

Companies will receive free advice on staff personal safety, road safety and the related corporate risk, and combating crime within the business community.

Projects within the Thames Valley that will benefit range from consulting young people on vital leisure facilities, to providing motor mechanics' courses, leading to formal qualifications, to youngsters who have been involved in car crime.

Other projects include giving personal safety advice to school children and practical tips on avoiding involvement in crime and drugs.

From: In Business magazine, The Oxford Times, November 18, 2000