Membership of the SRA, which is a non-profit company registered under the Companies Act, is open to all the registered property owners who are encouraged to apply for membership so that they may exercise their rights to influence the business of the SRA. Membership cannot be denied to a registered property owner and as a member the property owner is entitled to attend, participate and vote at members meetings of the Company held under the auspices of the Companies Act.
Should a member be unable to attend they may give another individual their proxy to attend and vote on their behalf. Non-members may attend and participate at members’ meetings but cannot vote and as such may thus have limited influence on the SRA’s activities.
Membership application forms can be downloaded from the link below – once complete please send the form back to info@strandbid.co.za
Click below to download the Membership Application Form
https://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SBID_Logo1-300x298.jpg00adminhttps://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SBID_Logo1-300x298.jpgadmin2017-08-06 21:26:322018-08-23 14:18:48Become a member of the Strand BID NPC
As the year draws to a close, the SBID looks back on twelve months of sustained progress in keeping Strand cleaner, safer and more resilient. From public safety patrols to urban cleaning and rapid response to service requests, our team has remained focused on delivering the services that help businesses operate with confidence.
This year’s statistics, illustrated in the infographics below, highlight the day-to-day work that keeps our district running smoothly. Whether attending to service requests, responding to public safety incidents, clearing illegal dumping or maintaining public spaces, the SBID continues to provide consistent, on-the-ground support for the precinct.
Public Safety & Security
Our public safety team continues to play a vital role in maintaining a safe and responsive environment. Regular vehicle and foot patrols, proactive engagement with the public, the recovery of stolen goods, and coordinated responses to incidents are all part of our commitment to crime prevention.
The festive season often brings increased movement, higher visitor numbers and a rise in opportunistic crime, making the presence of the SBID’s public safety officers even more essential at this time of year.
Urban Cleaning & Management
Across Strand, our cleaning and maintenance teams have worked throughout the year to keep streets, verges and public spaces clean and well managed. Activities such as removing litter, clearing illegal dumping, attending to urban defects, servicing public bins and keeping stormwater infrastructure clear have all contributed to creating a more inviting environment for workers, visitors and businesses.
These ongoing operations ensure that the district remains functional and well maintained despite seasonal changes, heavy usage and broader service delivery pressures.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Cape Town continues to experience strong growth, driven in part by ongoing semigration as more people and businesses relocate to the city. This shift brings both opportunity and increased pressure on urban environments, making the role of CIDs more important than ever. Against this backdrop, our focus remains on delivering reliable, high-quality public safety and urban cleaning services that support a well-managed and resilient district.
As Gene Lohrentz, Managing Director of Geocentric Urban Management, notes:
“Throughout the year, we have kept our focus on delivering consistent and effective public safety and urban cleaning services. The continued progress in these areas reflects the dedication of our teams. We look forward to building on this momentum as we move into 2026.”
Geocentric, now in its sixteenth year of partnership with City Improvement Districts, proudly oversees 14 of Cape Town’s 54 CIDs. Our commitment remains centred on strengthening service delivery, supporting business growth and ensuring that each district remains a thriving, welcoming space.
Festive Season Safety Tips
As the holidays approach, it is important for businesses to remain vigilant. The festive season typically brings increased foot traffic, higher crime risks and a heightened chance of fire incidents. The following tips can help safeguard your property, staff and operations.
Protect Your Business & Property
Keep your security systems in good working order: Test alarms, CCTV cameras, access control systems, security lighting and gate mechanisms to ensure they are fully functional.
Improve exterior lighting: Well-lit areas act as a deterrent and support visibility for security personnel. Consider using timers and motion sensors to improve efficiency.
Make use of professional security services: Invest in reputable security or armed response services, and stay connected to community information channels such as WhatsApp groups or neighbourhood watch networks.
Fire safety matters: Check fire extinguishers, ensure flammable materials are stored safely, train staff in fire procedures and confirm that your fire detection systems are operational.
Retail & Business Operations
Install panic buttons and adequate surveillance: Strategically place panic buttons and ensure that cameras are positioned to avoid blind spots.
Be alert during opening and closing times: These periods are high-risk and require extra vigilance from staff.
Avoid predictable cash deposit patterns: Vary the timing and route of deposits to reduce the likelihood of targeting.
Secure all access points: Before leaving your premises, check all doors, windows, roller shutters and gates, ensuring they are properly locked and in good working order.
Staff & Customer Safety
Verify all new employees: Request identification, proof of residence and previous references before hiring.
Monitor stock and cash handling: Regularly review inventory, equipment and cash procedures.
Train staff for emergencies: Ensure all employees know what to do in the event of a fire, robbery or medical emergency.
Road Safety
Ensure vehicles are roadworthy: Service vehicles regularly and check essentials such as spare tyres, jacks and warning triangles.
Stay alert on the roads: The festive period sees increased traffic and higher numbers of intoxicated drivers. Take extra care and avoid driving when tired and when the roads are extremely busy over holidays.
Stay Vigilant: Road Crime & ATM Safety
Prevent road crime: Keep valuables out of sight, remain aware of your surroundings and ensure doors are locked when stationary or driving.
Stay safe at ATMs: Use well-lit machines, avoid distractions and never share your PIN with anyone.
Emergency Contacts
Keep these essential numbers easily accessible:
SAPS: 10111
Metro Police & Traffic: 0860 765 423
City of Cape Town Disaster Management: 107
CID Control Room (24-hour public safety emergencies): 021 565 0900
Community WhatsApp Group: Message 081 869 8911 to join
As the seasons shift from winter to spring, the Strand Business Improvement District continues its work to keep our urban environment clean, safe and well maintained. This is also the time when we prepare for our Annual General Meeting (AGM 2025), where we reflect on the year’s achievements and look ahead to 2025/26.
We invite all stakeholders to join us for our AGM – an important opportunity to participate in shaping the future of our community. Full details are provided below.
AGM 2025
Save the Date!
An important event on our annual agenda, the Strand BID invites all stakeholders to its AGM on Tuesday, 7 October 2025 at 10:00 at Friedman & Cohen, Corner of Main and Wesley Street, Strand, 7140. Resolutions can only be voted on by bona fide members. Non-members must be registered before Friday, 26 September 2025.
To become a member there are a few documents that need to be filled out. Under the Companies Act, the Members’ Register must contain the following information in respect of each member: (a) name; (b) business, residential or postal address; (c) email address (unless person has declined to provide an email address); and (d) an identifying number unique to that person (e.g. a RSA ID number).
Over the past months, our teams have been hard at work maintaining and refreshing the Strand area. These projects are aimed at improving the quality of the public environment for all who live, work and visit here.
cleaning gutters – before, during & afterDrain cleaning and clearing illegal dumping
Our focus has included:
Urban cleaning and maintenance – tackling illegal dumping, graffiti removal, gutter and drain cleaning, poster removal and high-pressure sanitising.
Greening initiatives – planting, landscaping and maintaining public spaces to create a more welcoming and environmentally friendly urban landscape.
Ongoing upgrades – responding to service requests, addressing problem areas and ensuring that seasonal changes don’t compromise the safety or cleanliness of our streets.
DeweedingGrass cutting
Together, these efforts lay the foundation for a brighter, cleaner and greener spring season.
Beach Road Circle project update
City Updates
Switch to eBilling before 31 December 2025
The City of Cape Town is phasing out paper bills, with all municipal accounts to be sent by email from 1 January 2026. To switch to eBilling, simply send your account number and email address to Revenue.Eservices@capetown.gov.za or via SMS to 31223. More than 475 000 residents have already made the move, enjoying faster, more efficient and environmentally friendly billing. Customers without email access can still receive paper bills by contacting the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 for assistance.
Building a Cleaner, Greener Cape Town – The City’s New Waste Strategy
The City of Cape Town has launched its new Waste Strategy, a long-term roadmap to deliver sustainable, affordable and future-fit waste services for all residents and businesses. With illegal dumping, landfill reliance and growing urban waste challenges, the strategy sets out clear goals to improve data and technology use, drive behaviour change, strengthen partnerships and close service gaps.
Centred on three pillars – optimising existing services, minimising waste to landfill, and maximising service offerings – the strategy calls on everyone to play their part in building a cleaner, greener Cape Town.
From 1 July 2025, as part of the new municipal financial year, customers may notice changes to electricity tariffs and the way items appear on their municipal accounts. These reforms are designed to ensure sustainable service delivery into the future while continuing to provide price relief where possible.
For more information, please see the City’s electricity price relief overview pamphlet.
https://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Beach-Road-Circle-Project-6.jpg12001600adminhttps://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SBID_Logo1-300x298.jpgadmin2025-09-11 14:57:382025-09-12 13:42:18Spring Update & AGM 2025 – Save the Date
As temperatures drop and the rains return, winter in Cape Town brings with it both seasonal challenges and the opportunity for communities to come together. For residents and businesses, preparation is key to ensuring safety and continuity. At the same time, the City of Cape Town is stepping up support for our most vulnerable residents through its strengthened Winter Readiness Programme.
This season, we share practical tips on how to prepare your property for winter, and we highlight the ways the City is working with shelters and non-profit organisations to offer care and dignity to those most in need.
https://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/WhatsApp-Image-2025-06-11-at-14.59.38_60a92039.jpg12001600adminhttps://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SBID_Logo1-300x298.jpgadmin2025-06-11 14:13:162025-07-09 14:56:11Staying Safe and Warm This Winter: How We Prepare and Support Our Communities
NOTICE OF EXTENSION: DRAFT BUDGET 2025/26 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD
Following thorough consideration of all inputs received, the City has proposed several key amendments. Interested parties may view the draft budget in full and comment on the amendments between 28 May and 13 June 2025. Should any comments made during the initial public participation period not have been addressed, you are welcome to comment again. Please visit www.capetown.gov.za for the full amended draft budget documents and any supporting material. The residential calculator has also been updated to reflect the proposed amendments.
A budget of R84,1 billion will be spent in the metropolitan area to ensure that services are maintained, improved and expanded, that capital projects are rolled out and that the IDP is implemented.
Budget Summary & Documentation
The City of Cape Town’s budget reflects its key policy decisions and priorities, determines rates increases and indicates where money will be spent on programmes and services. View the full Draft Budget 2025/26 with associated documentation on the City’s website. For a summary of the budget, see the presentation and the advert (English | Afrikaans | isiXhosa).
The documents can also be accessed on the City website from 28 March 2025 at www.capetown.gov.za/budget.
https://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Draftbudget2526Overview_Presentation-e1744627456459.jpg9302000adminhttps://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SBID_Logo1-300x298.jpgadmin2025-04-14 10:32:102025-06-06 13:35:52Update: The City of Cape Town Draft Budget 2025-2026 comment period is open until 13 June
Welcome to 2025: Strengthening Our City Improvement Districts
As we settle into 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to maintaining safe, clean and thriving business districts through the dedicated work of our City Improvement District (CID). As a CID, our mandate focuses on improving public spaces through cleansing, infrastructure maintenance and environmental initiatives, supporting local businesses and ensuring urban safety, in collaboration with the City of Cape Town.
For more on the role of the City Improvement Districts, read our FAQs.
As we move through the peak of summer – characterised by high temperatures and strong winds in the Cape – we focus on essential seasonal safety topics, including fire prevention, urban wildlife awareness and heatwave precautions.
As 2024 draws to a close, the Strand Business Improvement District celebrates a year of notable achievements in making our area a cleaner, safer and more vibrant community. And, we share our festive season safety tips for businesses and all those going on holiday this season.
2024 in review – efficient service delivery in urban cleaning.
Urban Cleaning Success
This year, our urban cleaning and management efforts have continued to be a priority across our City Improvement District. Thanks to the tireless work of our team, our streets and public spaces remain clean and well maintained. Improved waste management, rapid response to urban defects, and efficient service delivery have all contributed to creating a cleaner environment for residents and businesses.
Looking Ahead
“Despite a tough economic climate, rising costs and ongoing service delivery challenges, we’ve stayed focused on delivering high-quality services,” says Gene Lohrentz, Managing Director of Geocentric Urban Management. “The achievements in urban cleaning and continual focus on crime prevention in deploying ever more safety officers this year are a testament to this commitment. We’re eager to continue this momentum into 2025.”
Geocentric, a partner in managing CIDs for 15 years, proudly oversees 13 of the 54 City Improvement Districts (CIDs).
Our Board and Geocentric management team are dedicated to innovative and effective approaches to service delivery, ensuring our district remains a thriving, inclusive community for all. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in these endeavours. Here’s to a safe, clean and prosperous 2025!
https://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Greening2.jpg16502200adminhttps://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SBID_Logo1-300x298.jpgadmin2024-12-17 14:04:302024-12-17 15:58:09Strand BID 2024 Roundup & Safety Tips for the Festive Season
As the year progresses, we invite all stakeholders to join us for Strand Business Improvement District’s Annual General Meeting (AGM 2024). This is a vital opportunity to reflect on our achievements over the past year and begin planning for 2025/26. Details below.
This year, we have worked on revising our Frequently Asked Questions with the City, revisiting the official definitions of a City Improvement District to create a better understanding of the CIDs and how we work.
Read on for more.
Save the Date!
We are excited to announce that AGM 2024 is just around the corner. All stakeholders are welcome to participate as we review our progress and set the direction for the year ahead.
Please note: Resolutions presented at the AGM can only be voted on by bonafide members. All non-members wishing to take part must be registered before Monday, 7 October.
AGM Details
Date: Wednesday, 16 October 2024 Time: 10:00 Venue: Friedman and Cohen, Corner of Main and Wesley Street, Strand, 7140
We’ve recently updated our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section, providing a detailed overview of City Improvement Districts (CIDs) in the City of Cape Town. This update covers how CIDs are formed, their regulatory framework, the benefits they offer property owners, and the types of services they provide. Additionally, it explains the different types of CIDs and the process for establishing one.
Do Property Owners Have a Say? Yes, all property owners can participate, but only registered members can vote at meetings like the AGM. Membership is required to have a vote.
Can my CID additional rates be spent anywhere in the City? No, it is ring-fenced to be ploughed back exclusively into the CID
https://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AGM-Save-the-Date-Strand-1-e1726769388352.png4421080adminhttps://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SBID_Logo1-300x298.jpgadmin2024-09-19 18:29:262024-09-20 09:09:06AGM 2024 Save the Date
Winter in Cape Town is a time in which poverty and homelessness become heightened social issues, because of the extremely harsh weather conditions. At the same time, the annual Mandela Day initiative coincides, taking place this 18 July, helping to bring hope and support to vulnerable communities. Read on for more of this.
And, at our May Council, our 2024/24 Additional Council Rates were approved. More info below.
24/25 Additional Council Rates
The Strand BID applied for a new 5-year term commencing on 1 July 2024. At our Members’ meeting, members voted in favour of the continuation of the CIDs and these were approved by Council on 27 March 2024.
The additional rates for 2024/25, expressed as a rate-in-the-rand and based on the total property valuation per CID, are submitted for Council approval.
CID additional rates are rated at 15% for VAT. Additional rates are shown as a rate-in-the-Rand.
Indigent people in South Africa are an inherent part of the cityscape, with hundreds of thousands of people homeless and living on the streets.
It is well-known that cash handouts are not a good solution for supporting people living on the streets – as these often serve to fuel the problem by funding addiction and other negative or self-perpetuating behaviour.
However, most of us would like to help in some way to combat poverty and inequality. For this reason, it’s important to work with known NGOs, nonprofits or charities, who have built social infrastructures and relationships that have longevity.
Mould, Empower, Serve: How City Improvement Districts are working with MES
MES Cape Town is a key partner in the mission to sustainably rehome the homeless across various City Improvement Districts. Their extensive network of outreach and social relief programs provides the vital reach and resources our CID needs. Additionally, their responsive help desk is always available to assist with the immediate and short-term needs of the homeless and unemployed community.
We work closely with MES to identify individuals for casual labour on specific projects. Their team actively scouts promising candidates, placing them with us each week on a probationary basis as one of our on-the-ground workers, fondly known as our “Green Ants”. For those who show dedication, we offer pathways for them to become supervisors and advance their training, making them valuable members of our workforce in a way that allows us to support their growth.
To ensure the funds generated through our partnership are used effectively, we pay stipends directly to MES, which helps cover their living expenses sustainably throughout their stay.
Winter Hope 2024
MES is running a WinterHope campaign until the end of July, in a mission to spread hope and warmth this winter, by gathering essential items such as warm clothing, blankets, and nourishing food supplies.
Visit MES @mouldempowerserve on Facebook to see causes near you to support this winter.
https://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1.png10801080adminhttps://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SBID_Logo1-300x298.jpgadmin2024-07-15 17:48:102024-07-15 17:48:12Winter Hope: Give Back Responsibly – help combat poverty & inequality
As we move into the cooler months, we’re looking back and highlighting the efforts made during Q1 to keep the Strand Business Improvement District a safe and clean place to live, work and visit. At this time, we also start preparing for winter with all the necessary maintenance to public space, and we ask you to take care of your property and business by doing the same. Lastly, we offer our safety tips for your wheelie bin, which can become a security hazard, especially as our daylight hours decrease.
Looking back at Q1
For Quarter One 2024, we focused on maintaining a safe environment through our security initiatives, which include ensuring bin-pickers and loiterers are monitored and dealt with. Additionally, the Strand Business Improvement District’s cleanliness was a priority, with our cleaning services ensuring a well-maintained space through initiatives such as emptying public bins on time and cleaning public gutters when needed. You can learn more about what we accomplished this quarter below.
Wheelie Bin Safety
Learn how to keep your wheelie bin and property safe, or replace a lost bin, with these helpful tips.
Keeping your wheelie bin secure benefits both you and the community. Clearly marking your bin with your house number or address increases the chances of its safe return if it gets misplaced. But security goes beyond just the bin itself. To ensure your overall safety, be mindful of what you throw away. Avoid discarding medication bottles with your name or address visible. Shred any personal documents before disposal to prevent identity theft.
Bin placement also plays a role in security. Leaving your wheelie bin too close to walls or fences creates a potential climbing aid for trespassers. Ideally, store your bin in a designated area, like a garage or shed, whenever possible. If not, position it in a well-lit, open area away from fences and walls. By following these simple tips, you can keep your wheelie bin secure and reduce potential security risks around your property.
Winter Readiness
The crisp air and cosy vibes of winter are fast approaching, but so are the challenges of rain, wind and potential disruptions. Don’t get caught off guard! We’ve got you covered with essential tips to navigate the season seamlessly.
From keeping your property prepared and business functioning smoothly, to staying safe on the roads, these handy suggestions will help you embrace the winter flow.
Renewal of the Strand Business Improvement District
Great news for Strand! The City of Cape Town Council has approved the renewal of the Strand Business Improvement District for the next five years. This renewal signifies the continued commitment to enhancing the area’s safety, cleanliness and overall prosperity.
You can expect to see the positive impacts of the renewal through initiatives such as:
Enhanced security: Continued investment in security measures and crime prevention programs will help to create a safer environment for everyone.
Increased cleanliness: Consistent cleaning services and beautification projects will ensure a well-maintained and attractive district.
Economic development: The improvement districts will continue to work towards attracting new businesses, fostering economic growth, and creating a thriving environment for existing businesses.
By working together, the Strand Business Improvement Districts and property owners can keep the area vibrant and thriving.
You can view the approval letter for the extended term here.
Working together with residents, local businesses and urban management specialists to create a rich urban environment where the Strand community can thrive, we – the Strand Business Improvement District – welcome 2024 with the new challenges and opportunities it will provide. Together with the City of Cape Town, our partners, outreach initiatives and you, we will continue to strive towards reinvigorating our urban environment.
Aligned in our collective mission, we are committed to cultivating a thriving urban ecosystem that is safe, accessible and inviting to all the workers, visitors and community members of our district. We are unwavering in our commitment to the property and business owners of our area and intend to consolidate and elevate our services based on the successes of last year.
Please feel free to contact us at any time with queries or concerns and be reminded of our 24-hour security control room number for public safety incidents.
For Public Safety Emergencies Contact:
24-hour Geocentric Control Room: 021 565 0900
Let’s embark on this journey together, embracing the challenges and opportunities that 2024 presents, as we collectively shape the future of our Strand community. Together we can create a stable, safe, clean area that is prosperous for our community both economically and socially.
Safety & Fire During the Hot, Dry and Windy Cape Town Summer Months
Cape Town fire season occurs from November through May. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
Cape Town is notoriously prone to wildfires that occur in natural vegetation when it is hot and dry in the summer months, which coincide with the windy season – creating ideal conditions for wildfires to occur and quickly get out of control. This season has already been earmarked to be the worst fire season in 8 years.
Cape Town fires are particularly common in the Table Mountain National Park due to the natural conditions in our fynbos ecosystem. But, homes and businesses are not exempt from danger, as any fire can spread quickly and far – up to tens of kilometres from the source. It is most important to keep your home, family and business safe, protecting life and property, as our urban living spaces share a boundary with the national parks in many parts of Cape Town and the Western Cape.
By 18 January 2024, there had been a total of 22 new fire incidents, with SANParks firefighting teams demonstrating swift response and effective containment. This influx has occurred particularly in the southern section of Table Mountain National Park, in Kalk Bay, Oceanview and Red Hill areas, as well as in the north of the park, in the Signal Hill and Pipe Track areas, posing significant risk to the communities living adjacent to the park, particularly with hot temperatures and strong wind conditions being experienced.
Fire Safety Precautions & Interventions
In Cape Town, there are various organisations in place to manage fire safety and interventions that should be taken, both to avoid fire and to control it when it happens.
Home and work checklist for fire safety
Always have a “grab bag” with your important documents in it such as birth certificates and passports.
Make sure that all your insurance documents and other important documentation are backed up securely to the cloud.
Assign tasks to family members or staff such as placing pets or kids in the car and driving them to safety at a friend’s house out of smoke danger.
Run fire drills so that everyone is prepared in an emergency.
If you need to stay and help fight fires, cover your head, nose and mouth and protect your eyes with goggles. Wear good shoes and gloves.
Wetting the roof and gutters can stop hot ash from burning the roof.
Keep grass cut as short grass helps slow down fire.
Keep a hose pipe rolled up and ready to put out fires.
Keep a fire extinguisher in kitchens and train staff or family members how to use it.
If you volunteer on the mountain in a wildfire, take a spade – this helps to beat out fire or throw sand on smouldering grass tufts.
Always remember, your safety is first and if you are not properly trained, call for assistance.
Each year, the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service contracts the use of two Huey helicopters and a Cessna 182 spotter plane to support its firefighting efforts. These aircraft allow for mountain wildfires to be combated in inaccessible areas that pose a serious risk to property and life.
For the first time since using the aerial appliances, they are now branded this season, clearly identifiable as City resources.
Telephone: 107 (landline) or 021 480 7700 (cellphone)
General fire safety enquiries:
Telephone: 021 590 1971 / 021 590 1975
To report a fire in the Table Mountain National Park
Please call:
Hotline: 086 110 6417 or
The City’s Regional Fire Control No: (021) 590 1900
Newlands Fire Base: Tel: +27(0) 21 689 7438
Fire Prevention Tips
There are simple preventatives we can all pay heed to – such as not lighting a fire or braai on a hot and windy day, and never extinguishing a cigarette out of doors, such as out of a car window, in grass or when hiking.
For property owners, ember-proofing any area requires the removal of all flammable plants up to 7m from a building, as well as overhanging branches. Checking and cleaning gutters and roofing for debris is important too.
Other interventions that you can implement on a larger scale include considering your construction materials if you are remodelling and supplementing them for fire-resistant alternatives. You should also ensure full continued compliance with all local and national fire safety codes and think about installing fire protection systems such as overhead sprinklers.
Unfortunately, despite all the precautions, a fire can happen to any size business at any time. That is why protecting your employees and your property should be a top priority. Following the above steps will help you avoid any fires breaking out and minimise fire-related damages. While there may be no such thing as truly “fireproof,” these guidelines are an excellent starting point for safeguarding your business.
