Security Information Service for Businesses Overseas (SISBO) logo In addition to the support for trade and investment provided by UK Trade & Investment, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) can assist businesses by providing information on security and political risk which businesses may face when operating in particular markets overseas. Areas covered may include terrorism, crime and civil disturbance, local politics, local law enforcement arrangements, personal protection, bribery and corruption, human rights, ownership of physical or intellectual property rights and transborder issues. Companies should first consult the FCO Travel Advice, which is the central element in the way in which we keep people informed of changing situations in any particular country. You can also register with the site and receive our email news service. This service alerts you whenever we add news bulletins, speeches, press releases and updated travel advice notices to the website.

In the UK, companies should direct their enquiries during office working hours to the Investment and Business Relations Team in Economic Policy Department by email (Peter.O'Brien@fco.gov.uk) or by telephone (020 7008 3675). In the event of a genuine emergency outside office hours, please contact main FCO switchboard on telephone 020 7008 1500 and ask for the FCO Response Centre.

Overseas, companies should direct their enquiries to the SISBO co-ordinator located in each Embassy, High Commission or Consulate-General. In case of difficulty, details of the SISBO co-ordinator in any Post can be obtained from Economic Policy Department in the FCO (contact details as above).


FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Thursday 09 December – 2nd SISBO Forum – 'The Middle East and Terrorism'

HSBC, 8 Canada Square, London, E14 5HQ

This event follows the successful 1st SISBO Forum on 'Modern Terrorism Threats' held at the FCO on 26 April. The second forum will include a presentation by Eliza Manningham Buller, Director General of the Security Service on 'Global Issues and the role of the National Security Advice Centre and Thames House'. Colin Denyer, British American Tobacco, Regional Security Manager Africa for the Middle East, will talk on 'Securing Business in the Middle East and North Africa'. There will be an opportunity for attendees to participate in an open forum on SISBO – both in respect of how the initiative has been operating and how businesses would like to see it develop in the future. For further programme information and registration details please e-mail Peter.O'Brien@fco.gov.uk or call 020 7008 3675.

While every care has been taken in preparing this information, neither Her Majesty's Government nor any member of HMG staff abroad can accept liability for any injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.