Stuart Lowden, the managing director of Wilson James’ Security Division, has just announced the company’s move to open a new City office in Fleet Street only a stone’s throw away from the organisation’s previous location in Whitefriars Street, London EC4.
The new space allows for a dedicated recruitment and training facility. In addition, there’s a separate floor for the London operations and business development teams led by newly-appointed regional director for London, Graham Cornwell.
Wilson James’ recruitment team will now use the additional space to carry out its regular Assessment and Development Centre operations.
A state-of-the-art e-Learning Suite means that Wilson James can now deliver a huge range of interactive training on-site in surroundings ideal for both productive and enjoyable learning. Staff across the UK will also benefit from Intranet access to that suite.
Staff training and development a priority
Speaking about the relocation, Stuart Lowden told SMT Online:” We have always prioritised the training and development of our staff, and these new premises provide the perfect environment to continue that focus.”
As previously reported by Info4Security.com, Graham Cornwell’s role as regional director for London will involve supporting the company’s existing London-based customers and taking managerial responsibility for operational teams in the area.
He will also work alongside the business development team to help Wilson James achieve “ambitious growth targets” in the coming years.
Cornwell’s background includes working closely with major financial, legal, media and public space institutions. In his earlier career he served with Essex Police.
“Having spent the last 16 years with a major security company, and the most recent seven of which as operations director, Graham brings with him a wealth of experience in the security guarding sector,” enthused Lowden.
“With Graham on board, our focus will continue to be on delivering exceptional service quality and innovation to both our current and future customers.”
Tate Britain security team victorious
News of the City office move follows hot-on-the-heels of success for Wilson James at the recent British Security Industry Association Security Personnel Awards 2011, where the security team at Tate Britain scooped a Best Team award.
The Wilson James team of 38 security officers is responsible for the safety of staff, visitors and multi-million pound art assets held at the high profile gallery, both during opening hours and in ‘silent’ hours.
Over the past 12 months, the team has contributed to heightening the standards of customer visitor experiences by actively participating in the Visitor Experience Review process nd taking on new responsibilities as a result of the review (including looking after the huge volume of lost and found property).
In addition, the team has established itself as the gallery’s fourth emergency service: all officers are First Aid-trained and at the forefront of managing accidents and incidents.
Piers Warner, head of visitor experience and operations at Tate Britain, supported the team’s nomination for the award and commented: “The team members are often seen as ‘problem solvers’, and not only in the security environment. We all appreciate the scope of the work they carry out, and are always impressed by the world class service the team delivers on every occasion.”
Graham Dunkley, security co-ordinator at Wilson James, added: “One of the contributing factors to the team’s success is the ability of all individuals to see the bigger picture and communicate effectively among themselves as well as with the client and, in particular, the facilities management and the site delivery service teams.”
Dunkley added: “Their commitment and ‘can do’ approach means the client has the assurance that the smooth running of its business interests are never far from the security team’s mind.”
“We are flattered to receive this award,” said the team members in a joint statement. “It truly represents recognition for all the hard work everyone has put in towards supporting the new Visitor Experience concept at Tate Britain.”
Inclusion in ACS Star Performers listing
Wilson James joins ranks with other leading UK security service providers in the new Infologue.com ACS Star Performers listing which was launched in June by Bobby Logue of Interconnective.
ACS Star Performers are recognised as companies who are in the top 5% of scores achieved in the annual Security Industry Authority Approved Contractor Scheme audit. This requires a supplier to have achieved more than 108 points out of a total possible score of 159 (i.e. 68% or more).
Wilson James has consistently achieved unprecedented scores. In 2010, the company attained 97% with a score of 155. Its also recorded exceptional scores in 2009 (150 points) and 2008 (141 points).
Commenting on its inclusion in this new listing, Stuart Lowden noted:”Wilson James continues to lead the industry with its unique approach to staff welfare and development. This desire to develop genuine careers for its employees and an unrivalled commitment to excellence means that we shine brightly among the ACS Star Performers.”