Winner
Galago
A member of the OCS Group of Companies, Galago provides officers from its 2,500-strong UK guarding force to a wide variety of Blue Chip organisations in the commercial and industrial sectors. Since 1997, the company has increased its turnover from GB pound 26.8 million to GB pound 34.4 million while specialising in providing manned security in the retail and distribution centre arenas. Thanks to the forward-looking philosophy of managing director Bill Philps, the company – an ‘amalgamation’ of Centuryan Security and City Security Systems – is now providing an integrated security solution for end users that combines guards and electronic systems as part of a bespoke package.
Runners-Up
Shield Guarding Company
The Shield Guarding Company evolved from Shield Transit, formed in 1979 by Gerry Paxton. Today it lists the Bank of China, the Bentalls Centre, ICL and Cranfield University among an impressive client portfolio benefiting from Shield’s commitment to structured officer training. Training that places just as much emphasis on conflict resolution as it does on customer care. The company’s NVQ scheme has recently been expanded to take in loss prevention, retail security and parking control.
Noble Security Services
Run by George Mensah and Geoff Deane and based in Widnes, Noble Security Services concentrates on bonded warehousing and municipal protection – providing not only manned security services but key holding and mobile patrols for end users. The company boasts an annual turnover of GB pound 1.4 million and operates as an approved SITO Training Centre. Noble Security Services is closely involved with the Trafford Guardsafe Scheme.
Securiplan
Securiplan is a privately-owned specialist manned guarding company employing 1,550 officers detailed to guard corporate headquarters for such clients as the London Stock Exchange, Cable & Wireless and Abbey National. Innovation is a key strength of the company. In 2001 alone, managing director Phillip Ullmann has introduced an Officer Charter, an enhanced Officer Help Desk, a fast-track Career Development Programme for the guarding force and improved client access to contract data over the Internet.
Whitehall Security Services
Founded in 1977 by managing director John Legge, Whitehall Security Services is accredited to BS 7499 and ISO 9002. The company, which operates in the south of England, has sustained organic growth with an annual turnover of GB pound 3 million and profit margins of 7%. Whitehall makes a play of only recruiting ‘career’ security officers and has a very low staff turnover rate at just 8% – well below the industry norm.
