The SCEPTRE Awards are run each year by Shopping Centre magazine to acknowledge exceptional performance in the retail industry, with the GBM Support Services Group winning Security Team of the Year 2009 for its excellent work at The Harlequin Mall in Watford, which is owned by Capital Shopping Centres. The results were announced at a glittering ceremony held at London’s Dorchester Hotel.
Although they were up against fierce competition, The Harlequin’s Security Team’s nomination in particular praised the 24/7 security operation at the 724,000 sq ft retail space, plus the back of house, service corridors, basement and all seven car parks within the town centre. The hard-working Security Team members have been justly recognised for their “outstanding achievement and continued commitment” to looking after the shopping centre, its staff and shoppers.
“The judges were very impressed by the work GBM has been conducting at The Harlequin, particularly in facing the difficult challenge of maintaining standards in multiple car parks in a busy town centre location,” said Graham Parker, the Editor of Shopping Centre magazine and one of this year’s judges.
Members of the GBM team monitor 146 CCTV cameras and communicate from the Control Room to the mall floors via a direct radio system. As active members of the Watford Business Against Crime Group, their key objective is to reduce crime by working with the police and PCSOs on undercover operations and to share intelligence.
Recognition of the training provided
Founded in 1987, the GBM Support Services Group is no stranger to winning awards, having been recognised with a number of Golden Service Awards. Once again, this year the company is a shortlisted finalist for five of its contracts (including The Harlequin Centre).
Speaking about this latest accolade for his security solutions provider, Michael Stevens – the general manager at The Harlequin – told SMT Online: “The Harlequin is a serious player in actively reducing crime in the community, and in ensuring our customers feel safe and secure at our shopping centre. In today’s world, anti-terrorism reaction is paramount. This award also recognises the training we have provided for members of the Security Team. The award acknowledges their achievements and we look forward to exceeding expectations further in 2010.”
David Donovan – the director of GBM Support Services Group – said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. It is great to be recognised for all our hard work and commitment to the safety of everyone in the centre. I am very proud of the whole team, and we will endeavour to continue the fantastic work.”
GBM Support Services Group offers a broad base of support services focused on each individual client’s requirements, including cleaning, security, maintenance, waste management and facilities bundling. The company provides services to many of the UK’s leading shopping centres, prestigious financial, legal and business institutions together with public sector and Government bodies, factories, railway organisations and transport depots, and has recently achieved company membership of the International Professional Security Association (IPSA).
